Marco Venturini is more than just an exceptional sea kayaking instructor and outdoor enthusiast; he’s a dear friend with whom we’ve shared some memorable experiences over the years. Our longstanding friendship has been forged through our mutual love for water sports and adventure. Through Travel in Kayak, Marco organizes and leads captivating sea kayaking tours, showcasing his expertise and passion for the sport. With effortless ease, he demonstrates advanced kayaking techniques, making him an invaluable mentor for his students.
SEGT: Marco, being engaged in whitewater kayaking for several years, what drew you to sea kayaking instead?
Marco Venturini: I began my paddling career on the sea before transitioning to whitewater. Over time, I expanded my horizons into the open ocean, which, for me, represents the most engaging and fascinating environment to paddle in. I love the feeling of navigation, the sense of vastness, the physical challenge, and the opportunity to explore new landscapes.
SEGT: What emotions evoke when you assist a paddler in enhancing their skills and safety awareness?
Marco Venturini: Coaching skills and safety awareness allow others to enter the world of kayaking with confidence. Sharing my knowledge gives me a sense of gratitude, as it introduces more people to the wonderful sport of paddling.
SEGT: Between coaching and tour guiding, which activity do you find more enjoyable, and what is the reason behind your preference?
Marco Venturini: Both coaching and touring bring joy in different ways. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience with others, regardless of the activity. Paddlesport is inherently inclusive—while it can be done individually, it’s much more enjoyable in good company. By fostering a social atmosphere where the focus is on learning and having fun, both guiding and coaching take on a dual role: not only do we teach, but we also receive valuable insights from those we paddle with. This creates a continuous learning process that never becomes dull.
SEGT: Could you elaborate on the significance of ACA certification?
Marco Venturini: The ACA has worked tirelessly to promote paddlesports and to encourage more people to discover the joy of being on the water. Their goal is to provide a fun, engaging, and proficient approach to learning, ensuring a simple yet effective experience. ACA certifications are designed to equip coaches with the right guidelines to deliver safe and enjoyable instruction, making kayaking accessible and sustainable for paddlers of all levels.
SEGT: Fun is of great importance in the ACA approach. Why?
Marco Venturini: Fun is at the heart of kayaking. Sharing experiences, enjoying nature, making new friends, and exploring are all essential aspects of the sport. The ACA emphasizes these principles in its approach to teaching, regardless of skill level.
“Some of my best experiences involve off-season expeditions and exploratory tours with friends.”
SEGT: Do you believe that guided sea kayaking tours are a sustainable activity?
Marco Venturini: Sea kayaking is a sustainable activity, as it relies solely on human power. Much like cycling, the paddler is both the propulsion and the passenger, eliminating the need for additional energy sources. While guiding sea kayaking tours does involve some logistical planning and energy consumption, it remains one of the most environmentally friendly ways to experience the sea. Adhering to the principles of “Leave No Trace” is crucial to maintaining the sport’s sustainability.
SEGT: How do people in Italy generally perceive sea kayaking?
Marco Venturini: In Italy, sea kayaking has historically been interpreted in different ways. A small community has deeply valued the essence of the sport, though some have taken it too seriously. On the other hand, many have viewed the kayak simply as a cheap means to access secluded spots, often neglecting proper technique, safety, and equipment.
Today, kayaking is experiencing a resurgence in Italy, with more people embracing a responsible and well-informed approach. However, we still need to introduce more people to the sport and grow the community. The ideal approach lies somewhere in the middle—balancing an understanding of paddlesports, the necessary gear, and the essential safety rules to prevent accidents. Kayaking should be simple, professional, and widely accessible, without being treated as an exclusive pursuit for a select few. It is a sport for almost everyone, offering many different styles and interpretations, all of which are valid as long as they are practiced with skill and respect.
I hope to see kayaking continue to grow in Italy, as it has in the rest of the Mediterranean. This region offers an incredible variety of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking paddling opportunities.
SEGT: Marco, thank you. We look forward to seeing you again soon in Greece and Cyprus for some time in the water! One final question: what has been your most beautiful or memorable kayaking experience to date?
Marco Venturini: I have so many incredible memories that it’s difficult to choose just one. However, some of my best experiences involve off-season expeditions and exploratory tours with friends. One such adventure took place on the northern coast of Dalmatia, where two friends and I spent six days circumnavigating the island of Kres. It was late April, and we encountered alternating periods of heavy rain, bright sunshine, and crisp, moonlit nights. The island was deserted, nature was silent, and it felt as though it was waiting for spring to arrive. The atmosphere resembled that of the far north, with its deep colors and cold air. We slept in hammocks designed for cold forest conditions, making the experience even more memorable.