The removal of a wave-creating beam in the Eisbach River within Munich’s iconic English Garden has ignited a heated debate among surfers and city officials. On Sunday, city workers dismantled the structure that had been secretly installed on December 25, 2023, by unknown individuals who sought to restore a surfable wave after it disappeared in October due to maintenance work.
For years, the Eisbach River has attracted surfers and onlookers alike, thanks to the meter-high (three-foot-high) wave generated by its strong current. However, the wave was lost when city workers cleared away sediment, gravel, and debris from the riverbed. Frustrated by the lack of progress in restoring the wave, some surfers took matters into their own hands, leading to the installation of the beam which allowed for a brief resurgence of surfing over the holiday period.
The city’s fire department acted swiftly on Sunday morning, removing the makeshift structure and the wave it created, as reported by the German news agency dpa. Authorities had been consulting with an engineering professor from the Munich University of Applied Sciences to explore potential solutions for restoring the wave while balancing safety concerns.
Safety has become a prominent issue since the tragic death of a 33-year-old surfer in May 2023. The incident occurred when her board became caught underwater, making it impossible for her to free herself from the attached leash. Following this, the city has urged patience among the surfing community, stating that thorough assessments are necessary before any new installations can be made.
The Munich Surfing Association expressed concerns on its website, claiming that the city is imposing excessive conditions on the restoration efforts. They argued that this has caused the process to “stall,” leaving many surfers eager to return to the waves in limbo.
In response to the ongoing situation, a banner appeared on a nearby bridge, reading, “Just Watch. Merry Christmas!” This message encapsulated the surfers’ excitement just before the city intervened. The debate continues over how to balance the enjoyment of surfing with the need for safety and environmental considerations in one of Germany’s most beloved urban parks.
