The removal of a wave-creating structure in Munich’s English Garden has sparked intense debate among surfers and city officials. On December 25, 2023, an unauthorized beam was placed in the Eisbach River to restore a surfable wave that had disappeared earlier in October. This action, done without city approval, was celebrated by surfers who had long enjoyed the location, known for its meter-high (three-foot) wave generated by the river’s current.
Authorities removed the beam early on a Sunday morning, following a report from the dpa news agency. The city had been under pressure to reinstate the wave after city workers cleared sediment and debris from the riverbed, a move that eliminated the much-loved surfable wave. The removal of the makeshift structure has reignited discussions about how to bring back surfing in the park, which has become a popular attraction for both surfers and spectators.
Surfers had taken matters into their own hands after expressing frustration with the pace of city efforts to restore the wave. The improvised structure allowed for several days of holiday surfing, with a banner on the nearby bridge declaring, “Just Watch. Merry Christmas!” The city, however, deemed the structure unsafe and acted promptly to dismantle it.
The issue of safety has been heightened since May 2023, when a tragic incident resulted in the death of a 33-year-old surfer. Authorities reported that her board became submerged, and she was unable to free herself from the attached leash. This incident has added a layer of complexity to discussions regarding the river’s surfability and the necessary precautions.
In light of these developments, the city has urged patience from the surfing community. They have enlisted the expertise of an engineering professor from the Munich University of Applied Sciences to explore potential solutions for restoring the wave safely. Despite this effort, the Munich Surfing Association criticized city officials on their website for imposing excessive conditions, stating that the restoration process has effectively stalled.
As the debate continues, the future of surfing in the English Garden remains uncertain. Surfers are advocating for a solution that balances their passion with the city’s safety concerns and regulatory requirements. The next steps are crucial for the local surfing community, which hopes to reclaim this iconic spot while ensuring the safety of all who enjoy it.
