Same Andy. When I was there a couple of years ago, every time I think of Venice, I think winching those canals would be awesome. Imageine ollieing a gondola. Would be hilarious.
nice find! when i was there, the canals had a bit of an odor to them, not sure i would be willing to jump right in. the reality is that those waters are not exactly crystal clear. winching across st. mark's square, for sure though!
The smell is mostly a combination of waste and gasoline. But after riding in a competition where a sign was up for the river that said "Health Department testing has shown that the bacteria levels in the water may be harmful to health. Contact with water is not recommended," I'm down for riding in anything.
I agree they (the Canals) do smell purdy Bad, but I have winched in some nasty azz water over the years, I would bet the water in Venice is cleaner that some of the drainage ditches I have shredded.
And the city even erected rails for you to slide!! Those footpaths need to be sessioned! For those that have been to St. Marks, do you think he was weaving trying to avoid dead pigeons?