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kayaking

The pond in El Retiro and the lake in the Casa de Campo are full of colourful canoes and kayaks. It's springtime! Practice some sport and enjoy the nice weather.

Wednesday, 7 pm. The Pond in El Retiro. Ángel is about to ride a kayak for the first time in his life. He's had it on his mind since he watched a kayak polo match at the Mundial 86 swimming pool (José Martínez de Velasco, 3). He's a keen sportsman at heart and now that the good weather is here, kayaking seems like a fun option. Two hours later, he's back on solid ground: "I have to work on my coordination, but it's an incredible feeling, especially because of the environment. I'm in the water, and in the distance I can see artists setting up their shows around the pond."

The arrival of spring has encouraged lots of people to sign up for open air activities, which are harder to practice during the winter months. "All you need to start practicing this sport is enthusiasm... You also have to know how to swim, although it's not that easy to fall in!," says Roberto, who's about to take out a membership at the Alberche Kayak Club, which performs ‘baptisms of water' in the lake at the Casa de Campo. "Anyone who tries it, comes back for more," says Ana, who prefers rowing because "it requires more effort... and I like that."

In any case, if you prefer less ‘active' sports, you can always go for a pleasant row in a boat. That's what María and Lucas are here to do today. They're waiting their turn at the jetty in El Retiro. "I've been coming here since I was a kid," says María, who loves to watch the sunset rowing next to the mermaids that decorate the monument to Alfonso XII.

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