A significant debate has erupted in Frankfurt, Germany, following the removal of a wave-creating device in the English Garden. City workers dismantled the beam, which had been installed covertly on December 25, 2023, to revive a surfable wave in the Eisbach River. This wave had been a popular attraction for surfers and spectators alike, standing at approximately one meter (three feet) high, until its disappearance in October due to routine maintenance.
The city’s action to eliminate the beam has sparked frustration among local surfers, who enjoyed a brief reprieve of surfing during the holiday season. After sediment, gravel, and debris were cleared from the riverbed, discussions commenced between city officials and the surfing community regarding the wave’s restoration. Some surfers, eager to return to the water, took matters into their own hands, leading to the installation of the makeshift structure that created the wave.
Authorities have expressed concerns regarding safety. This issue gained prominence in May 2023 when a tragic incident occurred involving a 33-year-old surfer who lost her life after her board became caught underwater, leaving her unable to free herself from the attached leash. In light of this tragedy, the city has enlisted an engineering professor from the Munich University of Applied Sciences to advise on potential solutions for safely restoring the wave.
Despite these efforts, the Munich surfing association has criticized the city for imposing excessive conditions on the restoration process, claiming it has stalled. Their frustrations were voiced on their website, emphasizing the need for a more expeditious approach to bring back the beloved wave.
As discussions continue, the situation underscores the tension between public safety and the desire for recreational activities in urban spaces. City officials are urging patience while they explore sustainable solutions that could allow surfing to safely return to the Eisbach River. The outcome of this debate may significantly impact the local surfing community and the future of one of Germany’s most iconic surfing spots.
