In Munich, a unique surf spot, the **Eisbachwelle**, has left local surfers feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. This popular wave, known for its challenging conditions, recently underwent dredging that altered its structure, causing it to shrink and lose its surfable quality.
Jakob Netzer, a passionate surfer, recalls his early days on the wave, mentioning how it once offered three distinct sections for surfers to enjoy. “It was fun and intense,” he says. After the dredging was completed, the usual 1.5-meter high wave transformed into a mere bump in the water, disappointing many local surfers.
The change has sparked concern within the surfing community. Alexander Neumann from the Munich River Surfers’ Association noted that the city’s engineers conducted extra dredging this year due to safety concerns following a tragic drowning incident last spring. “They wanted to ensure there weren’t any danger zones,” he explains, which unfortunately led to the removal of the sediment that helped form the wave.
Professor Markus Disse, an expert in hydrology at the Technical University of Munich, shared insights on the ecological dynamics of the Eisbach. He explained that a successful surfable wave like the Eisbachwelle relies on specific water speeds alongside a “bump” of sediment beneath the water’s surface. His suggestion? Experiment with the water discharge to see if it can recreate the missing bump.
Efforts are currently underway to restore the wave, with city officials working with engineering teams to assess the riverbed and optimize conditions for surfable waves. “They’re trying different methods to see what happens,” Neumann adds, remaining hopeful that the wave will return soon.
Meanwhile, surfers have taken matters into their own hands, sometimes creating temporary solutions like submerging a wooden ramp to bring back the wave for brief periods. However, these attempts were deemed illegal, emphasizing the balance needed between urban development and recreational use of natural spaces.
Given the popularity of the Eisbachwelle, not just for locals but also for tourists, restoring the wave is a priority for the Munich tourism board. It symbolizes the city’s vibrant culture of urban sports and leisure. As Neumann states, “This spot is a crucial part of our city’s identity.” Many in the community hope that with continued collaboration between surfers and city officials, the Eisbachwelle will once again welcome surfers from far and wide.
