In Munich, Germany, the long-standing surfing scene in the English Garden's Eisbach river has reignited debates surrounding public engagement and safety after a covert action during the Christmas season. Surfers have long flocked to this urban river spot, drawn by the persistent, approximately three-foot-high wave facilitated by the river's strong current, which had recently ceased following municipal maintenance efforts.
City workers undertook sediment, gravel, and debris clearance in October to maintain the riverbed, inadvertently causing the cessation of the wave that drew enthusiasts and onlookers alike. The removal sparked discussions with local surfers regarding the possibility and methods for reinstating the wave environment. However, progress from city authorities was perceived as slow by some in the surfing community.
Responding to this perceived inertia, unidentified parties installed a beam across the riverbed on Christmas Day, effectively generating a new wave and allowing for several days of surfing activity, mostly in wetsuits given the season. This act was accompanied by a conspicuous banner hung on the nearby bridge, emblazoned with the phrase, "Just Watch. Merry Christmas!" in English, signaling a form of protest or urgency for action.
The city's reaction was swift and uncompromising. Early on Sunday morning, the fire department dismantled the improvised structure, eliminating both the beam and the resulting wave feature. This removal was reported by local press agencies, illustrating the authorities' commitment to enforcing regulations and public safety considerations.
Currently, the city has called for patience from the public while consulting with an engineering professor from Munich University of Applied Sciences to explore feasible, regulated options for restoring the wave. Safety concerns have amplified over the past year, particularly following a fatal incident in May when a 33-year-old surfer drowned after her board became ensnared underwater, with the leash preventing her escape.
The local Munich surfing association voiced frustrations on its website, criticizing city officials for what they consider excessive restrictions and procedural delays in facilitating the wave's return. They argue that these limitations have effectively halted progress, leaving the surfing community in a state of uncertainty regarding the future of their activity in the Eisbach river.