Munich Surf Open

It is just before midsummer - the time when many snowboarders unpack their surfboards and, owing to the non-existence of surf spots in their own country, run off to the Atlantic Coast or any other surf spot. However, there is an alternative for all those who do not have the necessary change for a surf trip in their pockets or for those who prefer to stay in Munich and enjoy its sunny weather – river surfing.

Munich is the unchallenged European capital of river surfing where a little river surf community has grown. That almost every member of the Völkl Family has got something to do with surfing, was reason enough for them to sponsor a competition during the summer.

Height of the Munich surfing season was a contest last Saturday - the Munich Surf Open. Competing in the classes ‘male’,’ female’ and ‘ youth’, many local and also international participants battled for the crown of the best river surfers. The Völkl Family helped organize the contest and even had a team member among the starters – freeskiing pro Sebastian Garhammer.The wave was in perfect shape and the sun provided tropical temperatures. As the event was very well organized, we could enjoy perfect conditions and had a successful contest.
"The early bird catches the worm," that is one of the slogans many surfers live by - the contest’s first qualification rounds already started at 9:30 am.

Convincing the judges with her smooth runs, Laura Sonntag ruled the youth class and walked over many older youngsters. Marion Schöndorf dominated the female class, place 2 and 3 went to Margit Memminger. Surprises among the males – in the finals former river surf champion Moritz Rodenbacher failed to demonstrate all his skills and thus had to admit defeat to Tobias Kringel and Alex Korres. Congratulations and a brand-new Völkl snowboard go to Tobi! Peter Bartel from Graz also received a big round of applause as he came fifth among the locals.

More than 30 Years of River Surfing

About a third of a century ago river surfing started in Munich. In the midst of this cordial cosmopolitan city a proper surfing community came to life. For nearly two decades, this committed clan of freshwater shredders surfed without receiving much public attention. As a result of the snowboard hype and the increasing general interest in adventure sports, however, river surfing has become more and more attractive for the media. As a consequence, more and more surfers decided to give it a try, leading to longer queues at the river bank and the resulting bad vibes.

It all began with water rat Arthur Pauli – the father of river surfing. In his teens, he already started to use a surfboard, rope and tree for “water-skiing” against the Alz current originating from the Chiemsee Lake. Years later, Pauli moved to Munich. While “water-skiing” upstream the Floßlände River he found a standing wave he was able to reach, then let go of the rope that was tied to a tree to keep him on the spot and still remain surfing. Shortly afterwards, Pauli discovered the actual Floßlände Wave – of a steeper shape and easier to reach across the wall. After, in the same year, Arthur and his friends organized the river surfing “Bavarian Open”, judged by international standards, to attract Australians and Americans attending the Oktoberfest, this wave located in the south of Munich soon became the international hub of river surfers. During the contest, little bannerettes were placed just in front of the wave - the more bannerettes a surfer passed within 30 seconds, the better his result. As always, surfing contests, beer and barbecue went well with each other and new friendships formed that were to last for a whole surfer’s life.

For years the Floßlände remained Munich’s only spot, until Steffen Dittrich – nowadays earning his living as a surf photographer and journalist – began to surf the Eisbach in the English Garden. Bit by bit, Munich’s surfing community relocated. Owing to a much lesser risk of injury, the Floßlände became a beginners spot while cracks started hanging out at the Eisbach.

Ever since, much water has passed through Munich and so many things have happened that you could fill innumerable books with their stories. Remember the ban on river surfing and the resulting pursuits of surfers by police officers. Or some international surf stars like Gerry Lopez and Shaun Thompson visiting Munich. Last year, Swatch had Conan Hayes flown in from Hawaii and, at a great cost, created a TV ad. Without further ado, un-nominated but nevertheless indisputable river multi-crown champ Quirin Rohleder was appointed technical advisor and Conan’s personal coach – in and outside of the water, of course. As the photos of various unscrupulous paparazzi prove, the “master” himself aka Gildo Horn also enjoys relaxing by the river where he is known as “Günter”.

Similar to surfing the ocean, surfing the river also seems to be a source of eternal youth - Chris’ example proves this. With his PhD in economics, he leaves the Chamber of Trade’s executive suite and exchanges suit and tie for board and wetsuit – thus performing a transformation that reminds you of Clark Kent turning into Superman. Just as the “PhD” comes around the corner, his eyes start to glisten, his face showing the engraved smile that he is known for among river surfers. Only after greeting all his friends he jumps into the hills of roaring water. It is truly amazing to watch how Munich’s most diverse characters meet and merge into a homogenous surfing community.

Owing to never-ending publications, many continental surfers from different places have begun to search for river waves and some have found what they were looking for. That is, close to Zurich, Augsburg and Siegen. Actually, the first Swiss River Surf Classic is supposed to take place this year. But the last ultimate outing is yet to come – the third revised edition of the Stormrider Guide Europe will include anything worth knowing about river surfing. I am personally curious to learn which swell and wind directions are supposed to produce the best tubes!

Uli Scherb