Car brands dipping their big toe in the surf pond is nothing new, especially in Europe. Peugeot and Renault have partnered with legacy surf brand Quiksilver in the past while Citroën had a limited edition Rip Curl version of their popular C3 Aircross five years ago.
But car brands and wave pools?
Last month URBNSURF announced a partnership with Jeep Australia and Leapmotor Australia, and this week O₂ SURFTOWN MUC and Citroën, who just happens to be the official automotive partner of Team Germany, announced a new arrangement.
Here’s how it will work.
A Citroën C5 Aircross is on display at the Endless Surf powered facility year-round, complemented by adjacent surfing equipment for preparation between sessions. In addition, Citroën is providing the O₂ SURFTOWN MUC team with eight fleet vehicles.
The collaboration will include two surfing events in 2026. The Rip Curl Nations Trophy presented by Citroën is scheduled for May 9 and will feature an international team competition on the facility’s artificial wave (more on that below). The Rip Curl Grom Search presented by Citroën is set for September 12 to 13 and is described by organizers as a platform for young surfers.
“Citroën and O₂ SURFTOWN MUC share the same drive: we want to move people—both literally and figuratively,” said Chris Boehm-Tettelbach, CEO & Founder of O₂ SURFTOWN MUC. “I’m looking forward to everything we’ll accomplish together.”
Thomas Goldboom, Managing Director of Citroën Germany, added that the partnership taps the car company’s brand as ideal companions for surf trips.
“The Citroën brand embodies accessibility, creativity, and fun—and thus a lifestyle-oriented spirit of freedom, adventure, and community—which is why the partnership with O₂ SURFTOWN MUC is the perfect fit for us and our adventurous customers,” said Goldboom.
The Nations Trophy event follows its world premiere in July 2025, which attracted around 3,000 spectators and gained international attention. Confirmed athletes include Tom Curren. German team members include Leon Glatzer, Janina Zeitler, Dylan Groen and Camilla Kemp.
Four surfers per nation, two women and two men, will compete in head-to-head battles across changing wave modes. One wave, one chance. The top four teams from the opening round qualify for the final.
Free entry is available with limited capacity. The competition starts at 3:00 PM. The program includes live DJs, a surfskate ramp, food trucks and an afterparty.
“Surfing has always been an individual sport,” said Leon Glatzer, German Olympic-Surfer. “This is something different. You surf for your team, for your country. That dynamic changes something. I’m very excited for this year’s edition.”
