We first reported on this project six years ago. But as we know, things move at a glacial pace when it comes to surf park builds. Initially called Elftrather, the project is located in Krefeld near Düsseldorf, a stone’s throw from the North Sea surfing communities in Belgium and Holland, and a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Paris.
Zoning -wise the group behind the wave pool secured approval for the development plan and land usage plan this year from the North Rhine-Westphalia district government. The Krefeld city council confirmed the building permit for the first project phases in June 2026. Construction is set to begin in late 2026 with a completed surf park unveiling for the public in 2028.
“With the Krefeld Surfpark Resort, our goal is to create an attractive recreational area with a wide range of activities for all genders, age groups, and both competitive and recreational athletes,” reads the company website. “Surrounding the resort are numerous other sports and play areas, restaurants, wellness facilities, and a campsite for an affordable and relaxing staycation on the Lower Rhine.”
We received communication from Andreas Niedergesäss this week with an updated entry for our Wave Pool Map. (Please note that all wording is by Surfpark & Resort Krefeld.)
Editor’s Note: Information contained in this article was obtained through original reporting by WavePoolMag. Reproduction or republication of material should include attribution and a link to the original article.
The Lowdown: 45 million Euros have been allocated for a new Wavegarden Cove at Elftrather See in Krefeld. In addition to the surf cove, the facility will include a restaurant and event spaces, a camping ground including tiny houses, glamping, and caravaning, beach volleyball and beach soccer, a skate carving area, a bouldering wall, and a compelling spa and wellness offering. The company WestSurf GmbH & Co.KG is responsible for the development and the owners are confident that the project will attract 250,000 visitors annually. The location near Düsseldorf, Cologne, and the entire Rivers Rhine and Ruhr region is also close enough to the Netherlands and Belgium to attract the respective local surfing communties. Led by the mayor, who refers to the resort as a flagship project both for city and region, the city council green lighted the development plan in summer 2025.
Wavepool Construction progress: Zoning -wise Regional plan achieved in 2022. Development plan and land usage plan announced by the North Rhine-Westphalia district government in February 2026. The building permit for the first project phases was confirmed by the Krefeld city council in June 2026. Construction is set to begin in late 2026.
Accessibility: Not yet built and not open to the public.
Type of wave(s): Using its secret machinery, the Cove generates everything from gentle, knee-high rolls to head-high slabs.
Wave generation technology: Wavegarden Cove technology.
Technical information about the waves: Cove technology: Wave height: 1.2–1.8 m, waves per hour: 500–1,000, both left and right peaks, ride duration 12–16 seconds.
Hours/Season: Open year-round. Exact hours are not yet known, but we will keep you updated.
Price breakdown: None yet.
Waves per hour: 900–1,000 waves per hour with Cove.
