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Playspot: Italy, Torino area, Dora Baltea River, Saluggia Spot.

What's it like

The Saluggia Spot is a nice wave/hole that appears just downstream of a weir on the Dora Baltea. Depending on the water level, it can be either a sharp green wave or a superficial hole. There is no typical best gate configuration as it depends a lot on the amount of water pouring down from upstream but you can ask the lock keeper. He will know and will sort you out.

The wave is perfect for spins and blunts. Vertical moves are also possible but only in high water when the spot is a bit more retentive.

How to get there

Take the A4 Torino-Milano and exit at Rondissone. Head for the village of Saluggia. Once in the village, head for Vercelli/Crescentino and turn right just after the little bridge on the railway. You are now on 'Via Cardinal Farini' (if you get lost, asking a local is the best bet...). From here, you can see a bridge over the street, turn left just before it and go until the end of the street, you'll find the wave on your right.

More info

Rodeo Playboating Italia
Good food at the 'Trattoria Dorona', a little pub in the village.

Locals

Spectators, and some (not aggressive) fishermen. If you meet the the lock keeper, ask him to set up the best gate configuration for freestyle paddling. You are also very likely to meet the local playboaters.

Info sources

[mail address protected from spambots with javascript] , Playboating Italia