A significant debate has emerged in Germany following the removal of a wave-creating device from the Eisbach River in Munich’s renowned English Garden. City workers dismantled the structure on December 31, 2023, which had been installed clandestinely on Christmas Day to restore a popular surfable wave. This wave, previously a favored spot for surfers and spectators, had vanished in October after city officials conducted maintenance on the riverbed, clearing sediment and debris.
The earlier removal of the wave stirred frustration among the local surfing community, which had enjoyed several days of holiday surfing after the beam was installed. A banner displayed on a nearby bridge read, “Just Watch. Merry Christmas!” signaling the surfers’ enthusiasm despite lacking official approval. The city’s swift response on Sunday morning, as reported by the dpa news agency, effectively ended the makeshift surfing opportunity.
Discussions regarding the wave’s restoration have been ongoing, but tensions have escalated. The city has requested patience from the surfers and has enlisted the expertise of an engineering professor from Munich University of Applied Sciences to explore feasible solutions. Safety concerns took center stage after a tragic incident in May 2023, when a 33-year-old surfer lost her life after her board became entangled underwater.
The Munich surfing association expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s approach, claiming that excessive conditions have hindered efforts to restore the wave. In a statement on their website, they indicated that the restoration process has become stagnant, amplifying frustrations among local surfers who hope for a resolution that allows them to return to the water safely.
As the debate continues, the future of surfing in the English Garden remains uncertain, with both safety and accessibility at the forefront of discussions between city officials and the surfing community.
