Paddling the Canals

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Stand up paddle boarders cruising along a canal
Rio de la Sensa, Cannaregio
Venice, October 2012

“After our preview of the canals by boat we were ready to tackle them on a paddle board. Eliana led the way as we dodged the boat traffic near our launch. After a few turns and some paddling we found ourselves on the quite back ‘streets’ of the city. Each long and narrow canal looked more picturesque and perfect than the one before. Venice is made for paddling. Eliana showed us all of the important historical sights as we glided by the beautiful buildings. Having a guide would prove important as I quickly realized I had know idea where we were. In addition to the maze of canals and side-canals, each blind corner has boats and gondolas jockeying for the right-of-way. There is a system of calls and hand signals that everyone on the canals use in order to keep traffic flowing smoothly.” (Paddling the Canals of Venice, Water Monkey)

See also: Water Bikes