River surfing has mostly been separate from dynamic wave surfing (ocean and wave pool). American river surfers in Montana don’t surf beyond their freshwater local spot. In short, the two waveriding mediums are apples and oranges. Except for this one place on Earth called Munich, Germany.
Last week, the river wave that launched Bavarian surf culture went flat. According to reports, after the annual draining of the river by the municipality, the wave disappeared and has not returned.
And what does this have to do with wave pools? In Munich, it has everything to do with wave pools.
To show solidarity with Munich surfers, O₂ SURFTOWN MUC is offering all Eisbach surfers a free surf session at O₂ SURFTOWN MUC until the end of November. Because the surf park says, without this river wave, they would not exist.
“The Eisbach is much more than just a surf spot — it is considered the heart of German surf culture and an inspiration for generations of surfers,” the company said in a press release. “What began as a passion for the wave in the middle of Munich became the inspiration for the vision of SURFTOWN.”
The wave pool added that the Eisbach also plays a central role for many of their team members who regularly surf there. O₂ SURFTOWN MUC CEO and founder Chris Boehm-Tettelbach started surfing there himself.
“The Eisbach has shaped SURFTOWN,” said Jonas Boehm-Tettelbach, co-founder of SURFTOWN. “With this campaign, O₂ SURFTOWN MUC wants to give something back to the community and show that it stands alongside the Munich surfing scene.”
Munich’s best-known surfer, Quirin Rohleder, who put together the Rapid Surf League and now works at the wave pool, said the free session program reinforces the connection between downtown Munich and Hallbergmoos.
“This is obviously, you know, something that is super important for us to not just be some secluded hub next to the airport,” Quirin said told WavePoolMag. “I think it’s a great way to show that we care. I mean, I am part of the Eisbach community, and this is where I grew up, so it’s a place that is very, very close to my heart.”
This is the wave pool offer for rapid wave surfers
Surfers can choose any wave setting and level. The only requirement is to create an account at the surf park and to submit a photo of themselves surfing the Eisbach, E2, or Floßlände river waves. Photos will be cross-referenced with ID cards. Full information at this link.
What’s Next?
The Associated Press reported that it’s unclear why the wave disappeared, but the mayor’s office says surfers are working with the building department to figure out how to restore this wave.
Quirin said he was a little perplexed by all the attention the Eisbach received recently.
”The mainstream media was all over it, which was super surprising to me. I mean, even the Guardian wrote about it.”
He added that the fact that the wave is not working is normal because sometimes it just takes time for the waves to come back up.
“I thought the waves were going to be back up in no time because we can usually do some tweaks here and there, but this time it’s been taking longer.”
