Surf's up again on Munich river after choppy year

"The Eisbach wave on a side branch of the Isar River has been drawing surfers since the 1980s, and is a landmark in the Bavarian city. But, after the death of an experienced surfer riding the wave at night in April last year, it was closed for two months. Then, the wave vanished in October after an annual cleanup on the riverbed. It reappeared naturally several weeks ago and some surfers had already dared to ride it illegally -- as authorities had still not formally given permission."

"On Friday however Dominik Krause, Munich's new Greens party mayor elected in March, said the wave was being re-opened, although with several conditions. The attraction "is part of Munich's way of life," he said in a statement. "We are happy, relieved and deeply grateful to see this place come back to life," the Munich Surf Club said on Instagram. "But no one should claim this moment as their own," it added, stressing that the wave had returned naturally, and not thanks to "politicians"."

"Munich authorities have tightened rules in a bid to ensure surfing on the river is safe. These include no surfing after 10:00 pm, and mandatory use of a system that allows the cord connecting the surfer to the board to be detached in case of emergencies. When the wave disappeared, angry surfers staged demonstrations and tried to recreate the attraction by placing a beam in the water -- which was removed by authorities."

The Eisbach wave on a branch of the Isar River has attracted surfers since the 1980s and is a landmark in Munich. After an experienced surfer died while riding the wave at night in April, surfing was closed for two months. The wave later disappeared in October after an annual cleanup of the riverbed, then reappeared naturally weeks later. Some surfers rode it illegally before authorities granted permission. On Friday, Dominik Krause, Munich’s Greens mayor, announced the wave would reopen with conditions. The Munich Surf Club welcomed the return while emphasizing the wave came back naturally. Authorities also tightened safety rules, including no surfing after 10:00 pm and mandatory use of a system that detaches the cord in emergencies.

Read at The Local Germany