..After a cold and windy January we decided to start this year’s regatta season with a training camp in Tuscany. Admittedly we were slightly nervous if we’d be able to meet our Olympic coach’s expectations and standards. About 85 km and 1000 “relax”-s and “don’t worry”-s (about the wind, the boat, the balance, the bridges…) later, we were definitely holding on to our oars a little lighter, pushing with our legs first a little harder, and moving our hands away a little quicker (still not quite at Olympic speed).

The programme was fantastic: Row-eat-sleep-repeat – no need to worry about anything, no space to think about anything else. Perfect for anyone who would like to recover from office/zoom/meeting-marathons. We enjoyed the familiar atmosphere with a small entourage (fan club) joining a number of our training sessions and ensuring that we had the best photographically documented trip of our lives!
Matteo took plenty of time to talk us through the rowing stroke – and never gave up, no matter how confused we looked when we couldn’t find the ‘right’ way to move our little boat – until we understood. It’s also been great to always have enough time to set up the boats properly.
The Lago di Roffia with its flat water is a perfect playground for practicing rowing technique, the Arno river ist just beautiful, calmly flowing and glistening in the sun and rowing in the centre of Florence truly is a unique experience (which makes it even more difficult to follow the stroke )

I came to the clinic as a very inexperienced rower so I was a little apprehensive about whether this would be suited to someone of my ability, but it absolutely exceeded all expectations.

Matteo is a very intuitive coach and really knows just how far to push so that you are challenged but never out of your depth. Everything was explained and demonstrated expertly, and I was given ample time and space to learn at my own pace without ever feeling pressured. My rowing improved significantly in just four days, and together with the beautiful surroundings of the Tuscan countryside, and an awesome day of rowing in Florence, it really was an unforgettable experience.

Hi Matteo, here is a review written by Jules and myself.(Heidi)

12 ladies from Minerva Bath Rowing Club, UK, rowed in the Vogalonga in 2023 with Rowing in Tuscany.  What a fantastic experience it was. Matteo Stefanini and his team looked after us from start to finish, providing boats, kit and generous Italian hospitality.

We rowed in a four and an eight – beautiful, traditional, ancient wooden ‘Joles’  provided by  a local rowing club and the  ‘practice’ session the day before meant there were no surprises and we could get used to rowing on open water.

We had worried about the distance – about 39km – but because the pace is so relaxed and there’s plenty of rest as you negotiate the grand canal,  bridge and other boats it never felt too strenuous. Rowing past some of the most beautiful buildings in the world and finishing to the cheering of the crowds lining the Grand Canal was wonderful. If it’s on your bucket list, definitely do it!

Thank you Matteo, Manola, Andrea and team for an amazing experience we’ll never forget.

What a fantastic experience to improve our rowing skills against the backdrop of Florence’s majestic Ponte Vecchio. Very professional and personal guidance from the coaches, Matteo and Andrea. The clinic has helped us a lot to improve and prepare for the Vogalonga.

Rowing in Tuscany was one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Highlights were definitely getting to row under the Ponte Vecchio and being coached by an Olympian. As an Olympic rower myself, I appreciated Matteo’s style of coaching and pointers that he gave me to improve on my stroke. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to improve on their rowing and also enjoy the beautiful views of Tuscany.

I’m a Masters rower in Scotland, keen to improve my rowing.

I heard of the Rowing in Tuscany Academy from a rowing friend.  We attended Matteo’s training course together in May 2022, which we very much enjoyed, sharing the time with a few other rowers.

I’ve returned several times for Matteo’s excellent coaching advice and positive attitude to rowing, in the lovely landscape.

Matteo makes you feel very welcome.  The boats are very good, which he sets up to suit each individual.

Nearby accommodation is excellent and convenient, with a lot of choice.

The historic Florence Club is very interesting, you get a different view of the City Centre from the water!

I’ve rowed singles, doubles and the exciting quad with 2 Olympic rowers – the best experience!

Matteo is observant, patient and good at explaining his coaching advice in a thorough and thoughtful way.  This has proved to be very useful when I return home, to practise what he teaches.  Videos are reviewed and technique points are demonstrated, together, on the ergo.  Always with plenty of time given to discuss things.

For those of you seeking a great, all-round experience and to improve with excellent coaching and friendly Club facilities, I recommend you visit to Matteo’s Academy in Tuscany.

I’m so excited that Matteo has decided to put his talents to use and launch Rowing in Tuscany. Matteo has a fabulous coaching style that can benefit anyone looking to improve and understand their rowing technique better. He is kind and extremely knowledgeable. And what’s better than improving your rowing while in Tuscany where you can experience the food and fabulous Italian culture. This is a great option for people who want to incorporate their passion for rowing with a desire to travel and see Italy!

I am a former track athlete that converted to sculling 3 years ago, with some success in the sport of rowing I was in need of some true fine tuning to gain more speed and technical efficiency. Since training under coach Matteo Stefanini my technique has improved tremendously, my overall fitness has increased 10 fold with is athlete specific workouts, If you are looking to learn, or develop more in rowing or sculling I highly recommend Coach Matteo Stefanini.