Seeing a guy carrying a surfboard and wetsuit through Munich, Germany isn’t something you expect to see, especially considering how cold it gets in Bavaria. Sydney, definitely. Los Angeles, possibly. But Munich?
But surfers they were. I had read about this unusual “wave” before my trip and made sure to see it for myself. In fact, I was so captivated by them that I watched them for half an hour and came back during my Mike’s Bike Tour to see them again.
The “Eisbach,” as it is known, was created in 1972 during surfing’s heyday. The man-made river in Englischer Garten was created when a net was tied under the bridge to create this wave. Even famous surfers have given it a go in Munich.
In stereotypical German fashion, every surfer stands in line and waits their turn for a chance to surf. They go for a certain amount of time before jumping off the board to let the others have their opportunity to show off.
I’ve heard that there is a West Side Story-style rivalry between surfers and kayakers over who has the rights to use the wave, so be sure to check it out and potentially witness a rumble.
Surfers in Munich from Caroline Eubanks on Vimeo.
If You Go
Englischer Garten is accessible from the Dietlindenstrasse U-Bahn Station.
Well, I’d never have thought of surfers in Munich. It does look narrow but they seem to surf well. Quite a discovery you’ve made their Caroline.
I had no idea. How funny. It looks like fun though.