River sports

If you love river sports, Valtellina offers a wealth of choice: The River Adda, from the town of Tirano to Ardenno, offers the chance to try a number of watersports, with easier parts for beginners, and more technical tracts for the more experienced.

Activities include canyoning, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and hydrospeed.

Canyoning

An adrenaline packed adventure: Canyoning is an activity where you cross a ravine, combining abseiling with swimming. Participants either abseil down to rock or in some areas jump into a pool of water from a height, and continue on by swimming. Required equipment includes a wetsuit, helmet, safety harness, neoprene boots, swimming costume and hiking boots.

Rafting

Descending the rapids of the River Adda in a raft is a fantastic experience for all: children, families, disabled people, and watersports experts. There are a number of organizations that can provide expert guides. Required equipment includes a helmet, lifejacket, swimming costume, trainers, and a wetsuit.

Canoeing and kayaking

If on the other hand you would like to enjoy the forest scenery surrounding the river in peace and quiet, you may choose to try canoeing or kayaking. Each uses a different type of ‘boat’, in a canoe the canoeist kneels down and uses a paddle with a single blade, while in a kayak the person sits down and uses a paddle with two blades.

Hydrospeed

Swim along the river following the current, using a floatation device that gives the activity its name, a sort of board that looks a little like a bobsled and is also used to protect the swimmer from crashing into the rocks. Required equipment includes a helmet, wetsuit, lifejacket and flippers.