FAQs

Never! Our lovely batella boats are stable, spacious and deep; the only way you’ll ever end up in the water is if you jump in on purpose.

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Just wear loose, comfortable clothing and flexible shoes. On summer afternoons, it can be very warm, so bring a hat, perhaps an umbrella, and some water with you (we’ll have some, too). When it’s cool, layers are the key, because when you row you’ll warm up immediately, when  you sit and ride while your companion rows, you’ll cool off just as quickly.

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See the Meeting Points page, and your confirmation e-mail for complete information. Keep phone numbers handy should you get lost on your way.

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This is best explained by your hotel staff. Otherwise, get a good map, or a GPS navigator, and take a look at where you’re located, and where we meet. We can give you some advice, but there’s no substitute for a highlighted map, plenty of time, and our cell phone number, just in case you get turned around (this is Venice, after all).

We would allow at least 60 minutes from San Marco or Castello, depending on whether you’re walking or taking the vaporetto; the normal meeting point is 10 minutes from the Ca’ d’Oro or San Marcuola vaporetto stops.

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Unless you want to help your instructor bail out the boat after it stops raining, we can’t row in the rain. High winds (20km / hr and above) may also prevent us from conducting the lesson.

In the event of intemperate weather, we attempt to reschedule your lesson (it helps to have a a few days in Venice in this case). If we have to cancel definitively, we will refund the payment minus a €20 administration fee.

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That’s fine, just be aware that the fare is calculated for the number of people in the boat, whether they row or not.

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Agility is more important than weight. You need to be limber enough to get in and out of the boat, and shift around easily once you’re rowing as you trade places with your companions, etc.

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A batelina holds up to for people; the larger batelona can hold 6 adults; 7 if at least three of your group are children under 10. The batelona is larger, you’ll have two instructors in the boat, and up to three people can row at once.

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At the same place it starts.

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Venice is a confusing city, even for us locals. We want to be able to give you any last-minute assistance you need to make sure you find us easily, so you’re sure not to miss any of your lesson or worse, the whole thing (it has happened).

We won’t call or text you unless there’s a need, you can be sure. But if you are late, we will try and track you down, and if you get lost, you’ll only need to give a call or text, and we’ll guide you in. If you have no cell or smartphone, there’s nothing we can do.

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Yes! Actually, off season is one of the best times to row. The lagoon is calm as there are fewer pleasure boats and work boats, and the air is clear. Add sun and you’ll be peeling off your outer coat in no time.

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No! While famous, gondole are not at all practical for rowing lessons, they are not nearly as stable as the all-wood, traditional Venetian batela coda di gambero that we use. In fact, these beautiful batele are much rarer than a gondola, and is perfect for first-time rowers: stable and spacious, both for rowing as well as for cruising around the city.

The style of rowing, however, is the very same that the gondoliers use: if you decide to ride with one after your lesson with us, you’ll have a much greater appreciation their voga expertise.

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