Europa Surf and Sail

We rented some SUPs for an hour. The staff told us to stay near the coast, which we did. They didn’t ask if we had ever done paddle boarding before, just sent us on our way. It was fine on the way out, they said we could go around the headland, we didn’t go that far, but on the way back it was so windy we couldn’t get anywhere - we spent about 20minutes paddling as hard as we could and not getting anywhere. We ended up having to go to the shore and walking all the way back carrying the SUPs and in bare feet. When we arrived back the staff weren’t concerned at all, we asked whether they Go out and check the wind, weather etc., they said ‘we can’t see from here’!! Not very professional. Worst paddled boarding experience.

Whilst staying at Malcesine we tried Europa as we were looking to hire a SUP for the first time and hire a kayak. It was a smooth process to hire both, friendly and helpful staff. It was also quieter than a lot of other places we passed and it was easy to venture in and out of the water via the ramp in to the lake which was a bonus. Reasonable prices also with an array of different activities and options. Couldn't ask for anymore for a first visit.

I've just completed a 2 day beginner sailing course with Europa and I genuinely cannot say enough good things about the people there and the service they provide. From my first contact with Alison I felt welcome and cared for. I spent 2 full days with John on the lake who has the perfect balance of deep knowledge and patience (along with just being good company) for someone like me who was approaching a new experience like this... I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm on the hook now. If you are thinking about learning a new watersport skill while on Lake Garda... Don't think about it just book with these guys.

Superb staff and exceptional services! We love to go up to the north of lake Garda whenever we can get away! I have done sailing courses with them for two years and cannot wait to come back to do more. My husband did windsurfing courses as well as rents their equipment and is always over the moon (as long as he is on the water!) You cannot beat the location and the view! The Centre even has parking, which is a serious luxury at the lake!

I'm sure this place is good as a school, but we had a very disappointing catamaran rental experience. There were 3 of us renting a Hobie (one of us with a sailing license). From the start the person who helped us get the catamaran in the water (perhaps the owner?) was really unpleasant (i.e. challenging us on our knowledge). We did two hours of lovely sailing, but when returning to 'park', the queue to get back into the school marina was huge (around 25 small boats and windsurfers) and the entrance very tight. Why was everyone scheduled to return at the same time? Unable to enter, we tried to return to open water, but due to the gusts of wind and currents, we drifted close to the rocks, but managed to steer ourselves back out. Seeing us, the same guy shot out in a rubber dinghy and scolded us like naughty children (my father who was on the boat is in his 60s and perhaps deserves more respect). He then kicked two of us off the catamaran with no explanation and took over. My sister sailed back with him (parking took quite a while) and he scolded her again and pointed out that the catamaran's value is 14,000 euros. While I understand that he was concerned for the catamaran, I found him unnecessarily rude and unprofessional. The major concern with the catamaran and the perceived absence of concern for customer safety or experience seems to suggest that there are issues with insurance. At any rate, the staff should offer help with parking and perhaps give some friendly instructions on the characteristics of each craft at the start. If you are not a catamaran expert, don't rent here. We were not checked to gauge our level. As it was, the sailing part was fantastic... pity about this one person. I hope for him and his business that he was just having a bad day. All other staff were friendly. Sadly, we will not be returning. Forse è una buona scuola, ma il proprietario (se effettivamente fosse il proprietario) ci ha trattati male. Capisco la paura che i clienti ti rovinino la barca, ma se un cliente non è un professionista di catamarani, o non la si fa andare, o la si aiuta con spiegazioni ed assistenza nel parcheggio. Non le si grida addosso sottolineando il costo del catamarano. Se il catamarano è assicurato, il cliente e la sua sicurezza diventano la priorità. Purtroppo non ritorneremo.

We had a great experience renting SUPs from Europa Surf and Sail. All of the staff were very friendly and asked about our level of experience before getting out on the water. Customer safety is clearly a priority. Would highly recommend! Thanks.

We loved this place because we had a blast sailing with them. Marco and David showed us the ropes in a catamaran and helped us learn how to have fun on the boat. Charles and everyone else were great to work with. It was simple and friendly to reserve a boat and a class and everything we needed was available (wet suits and life jackets). Everyone was clearly dedicated to safety and expert sailing. They were hugely generous with their attention and treatment of us and we're very grateful to have had the time in the wind on the water. Thanks for the great weekend Europa Surf and Sail! You'll see us again when we come back.

Went for kayak and sup and met the most friendliest people ever. They were super nice and gave some good information. As for beginners and professionals. We forgot our goggles and they saved it until we came back. Also a very good price for Garda lake. Total recommendation! Greetings from Belgium