Positioned as it is between the mountains, Lago Maggiore is often windy. It's windy enough where the locals have different names for different kinds of winds, denoting where they have come from, or how they feel, or the weather they bring. One thing they all bring is waves, making the lake perfect for windsurfing. The place to do this around here is at La Scuola di Windsurf, in Belgirate, which is just south of Stresa on your way to Arona. Private or group lessons, at any level from beginner through certification levels, can be arranged at your convenience; rentals can also be arranged.