Vogalonga 2016

Imagine kayaking through Venice. ..through the canals... passing the gondolas ... and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Hobie(R) Kayak Europe took 8 kayaks from their warehouse that did just that, with 16 enthusiastic kayakers who accepted the challenge to participate in the Vogalonga.

What started out as a protest against the deterioration of the old city caused by the wave motion of motorised boats is now known worldwide and draws well over 1500 boats to Venice. The Vogalonga brings you from the centre of Venice to the gorgeous lagoons surrounding the city of water. The tour, 32 kilometres long, had its 42nd edition this year. Each year the variety of the boats is larger. Since a couple of years even Hobie kayaks are participating!

Like every year on Pentecoste all boats glide into the waters of the Bacino. Over 1500 boats, more than 6000 rowers, anxiously waiting for the shot of a canon. The tower bells ring, and then the canon is fired. The Vogalonga has started.

Helmsmen yelling at their oarsmen. The sound of drums on the dragoonboats. And then, a handful of boats not rowing, just relaxing and looking around to admire all these fanatic people. They are pedaling. The Hobie Mirage(R) Oasis cuts through the water with the greatest ease. Already, literally two minutes after the start, oarsmen are looking jealously at the kayaks. They see them going forward without the use of a paddle and still even though we are only with two per boat, we can keep up with boats holding 8 to 10 oarsmen. The Island Sant’Elena is rounded and after passing the beautiful island Certosa, which is the base camp for team Hobie Kayak Europe, the lagoons become visible. The water becomes wider and the boats stretch out.

The sound of oars going in and out of the water, people cheering and clapping from the shores. Besides the occasional angry Italian helmsman screaming something that is not understandable, there were positive vibes everywhere. Where the forecast predicted rain all day, it luckily changed in the week before the tour to clouded only. Unpredictable as the weather can be, the sun was out all day.

Without actually knowing where to go, it’s still quite easy. Just follow all other boats. They bring the group to the islands of Burano and Mazzorbo. This is the halfway point. Looking around, a lot of boats are taking a break, stretch out the legs and have something to eat. Unnecessary for team Hobie, as the Mirage kayaks are super comfortable because of the Vantage CT seat. Eating can be done during the tour as the MirageDrive(R) keeps the hands free for this.

From here it is one big stretch back to the ‘Venezia’. At least, that is how it looks. A canal is entered, the banks are filled with people cheering, clapping. This is an amazing entourage to welcome everyone after the beautiful tour. After passing a couple of bridges (all crowded to the maximum) and a turn to the left there is ... open water again. ‘Venezia’ was not reached at all, the tour went straight through the island of Murano.

Asking around quickly makes clear the next island definitely is ‘Venezia’. The final cross of open water brings team Hobie to the ‘Canal Grande’. In front of the entrance of the canal, there is a waiting ‘line’. It looks more like complete mayhem and chaos as everybody tries to enter the canal at the same time. Some say it’s the charm of the tour. But not having any oars is again an advantage. The kayaks slide through every little open spot. Within minutes the team entered the canal where it is way quieter . This is compensated by an even larger audience than on the other islands. The banks are loaded to the fullest with spectators. Rowing boats are giving their salutes by raising their oars to thank the crowd. The feeling of kayaking through this canal is indescribable. Every single boat is hauled in as a champion. The names of the oarsmen are called and the medals are given. This was the Vogalonga.

We are proud to say that every kayak of the Hobie team finished the tour and we want to thank them for the amazing time in Venice.

Some of the reaction from team Hobie: Martin van der Bok says: ”I had a lovely stay in Venice, enjoying all the beautiful elements Italy has to offer. Especially the freedom of the water and the convenience of a Hobie kayak has made it a great adventure for me. Hobie kayaks brings together nature and sportsmanship.”

Flip and Marjolein Otte: “We knew Venice consists of various islands, but the Vogalonga gave us a real good view of this. The MirageDrive gave us the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings to the fullest not having to worry about paddling.”

Bas and Marjon van Nieuwenhuyzen: “We thought the Vogalonga would be long and hard but instead we found it very relaxing and most enjoyable! There is no better way to see Venice than from the water. The Hobie kayaks were very stable and the seats were so comfortable! After rowing for years on hard seats this was a welcome change.”