River Surfing in Munich
Eisbach surfing is river surfing on a stationary standing wave in the heart of Munich. The wave forms where fast-moving water flows over a fixed obstacle in the Eisbach river, creating a continuous, surfable river wave that runs year-round.
Unlike ocean surfing, there are no sets or tides. One surfer rides the wave at a time, balancing on a powerful, fast current in cold water and an urban environment. The wave never switches off — which makes Eisbach surfing both demanding and highly addictive.
Known as the Eisbachwelle, this spot is one of the world’s most famous examples of urban river surfing. While it looks approachable from the riverbank, it is not a beginner surf spot and requires solid skills, awareness, and respect for local etiquette.
History of Eisbach Surfing in Munich
Eisbach surfing began in the early 1970s, when a small group of Munich surfers discovered that the river’s man-made structure could hold a surfable standing wave. At a time when surfing was strictly associated with the ocean, riding a wave in the middle of a city was considered unconventional — and for years, it happened quietly and without official approval.
In the early days, Eisbach surfing was technically illegal. Surfers rode heavy boards with homemade fins, often at night or out of sight, constantly negotiating access and acceptance. What kept the scene alive was persistence, local knowledge, and a deep respect for the river and its risks.
Over the decades, the Eisbach wave evolved into a symbol of Munich’s surf culture and helped shape modern river surfing as it exists today. Advances in board design, fins, and wetsuits made year-round surfing possible, while the community established unwritten rules that still govern the line-up.
Today, Eisbach surfing is internationally known, but it remains rooted in its local culture. The wave is open to everyone — yet it demands awareness, skill, and respect. That balance between openness and responsibility is what has allowed Eisbach surfing to survive and thrive for more than 50 years.
River Surfing Waves in Munich
Munich has several stationary river waves, each with a different level of power, difficulty, and crowd dynamic. While the Eisbach is the most famous, not every wave is suitable for every surfer.
River waves are continuous and driven by strong currents, not swell or tides. Choosing the right wave for your skill level is essential — both for safety and for respecting local etiquette.
Below is an overview of the main river surfing waves in Munich, from expert-only spots to more accessible options
Eisbach (E1) – Expert River Surfing in Munich
Munich actually boasts a few different river waves, but the Eisbach's main wave – often called Eisbach 1 (E1) – is the crown jewel. This is the famous wave by the Haus der Kunst museum, about half a meter to one meter high and fast-breaking in a narrow 12-meter-wide channel.
Eisbach E2 (Intermediate)
Eisbach 2 (E2) is a smaller wave a few hundred meters downstream in the Englischer Garten. The river is wider there and the flow slower, resulting in a gentler wave that beginners often use to build skills.
Floßlände (Beginner)
Floßlände (in the Isar River's channel down in Thalkirchen) is actually the original Munich river wave, also surfed since the '70s. It's an idyllic spot that's wider and usually only breaks in summer months, but it can accommodate multiple riders at once and has a more mellow vibe.
Beginners are highly encouraged to start at Floßlände or E2 rather than jumping straight into Eisbach E1's fray.
Safety Rules – Read Before You Surf
Surfing the Eisbach is an amazing rush, but it also comes with serious hazards. This isn't a controlled wave pool – it's fast, shallow water with concrete and rocks around. Here are the key safety rules you need to know:
- Experienced Surfers Only at E1: The main Eisbach wave is not for novices. The water is only about 40 cm deep over hard stone and the current is very strong. If you're a beginner, surf the beginner spots (Thalkirchen Floßlände or E2) first.
- One at a Time & No Swimming: Only one person is allowed on the wave at any time – no exceptions. The channel is narrow and a collision at these speeds can be brutal.
- Don't Surf Alone: Always have a buddy or at least someone on the bank keeping an eye out for you. The current can knock the wind out of you, and accidents happen every year.
- Protect Your Head: Wear a helmet if you're new or cautious. There are hidden rocks and concrete baffles under the wave that have injured many surfers. Some also wear impact vests under their wetsuits for extra rib protection.
- Use a Quick-Release Leash: Regular surf leashes can become life-threatening if they snag underwater. A self-releasing leash is mandatory on the Eisbach. This prevents you from being tethered to a stuck board in the current.
- Know the Exit Strategy: After a wipeout, immediately swim to the side and grab hold of the riverbank or an exit ladder. The Eisbach channel will sweep you downstream in seconds.
- No Alcohol or Drugs: Surfing under the influence is prohibited. Save the beers for after your session – there's a beer garden not far away!
Bottom line: the Eisbach can be unforgiving. By following these safety guidelines and using good old common sense, you'll ensure a fun session rather than a hospital visit.
Gear Recommendations for Eisbach
River surfing at the Eisbach puts unique demands on your equipment. The water is icy, the wave is fast, and the riverbed is shallow and hard. Here are our recommendations.
Surfboard
Go with a shorter, fast, and sturdy board. Most Eisbach regulars ride boards in the sub-5'6" range, often fish-style shapes with wide tails for stability. Fish boards with square or swallow tails are popular because they plane quickly and turn sharply on the tight face. Consider a board with reinforced construction – collisions with walls or the riverbed happen!
Fins
Your fin setup can make or break you on the Eisbach. FCS I fins are clearly preferred on the Eisbach. They are designed to release and break under impact, which helps protect your board. In shallow river waves, this can be the difference between losing a fin and destroying your fin box.
The go-to configuration is usually medium-sized twin fins or twin + trailer: two side fins for drive, and either no center fin or a tiny "knubster" center fin for stability. This gives you enough hold to carve but avoids any long fin stabbing down into the concrete.
Why do side fins break more often?
- Shallow water & bottom strikes
- Hitting the side walls of the channel
- Constant pressure and turbulence from the stationary wave
- Hard landings during tricks
Consider getting individual replacement side fins – replacing only the broken fin is up to 70% cheaper than buying a complete set!
Leash
In fast-flowing, obstacle-rich rivers like the Eisbach, your leash must be easy to disengage if it gets caught on concrete, rocks, or another rider.
Such as quick-release leashes, which are equipped with a large, easy-to-reach pull tab that lets you detach instantly under tension. This is the most common and widely trusted setup for river surfing.
Designed to separate automatically under high load, reducing the risk of being held under water if the leash gets trapped. Magnetic-release leashes require correct setup and regular checks, but are a popular alternative in powerful river waves.
Whichever system you choose, keep the leash short — 5′ or 6′ max. Longer leashes increase the risk of tangles in tight lineups and fast current.
Bottom line: short, strong, and easy to release: never use a standard ocean leash in the river.
Wetsuit & Apparel
The Eisbach stays cold year-round. Even in summer, water temperatures rarely exceed ~17 °C (62 °F).
Unlike ocean surfing, there’s no paddling to keep you warm: you’re mostly standing, waiting, and riding short waves, so you get cold much faster.
- Summer: 3/2 mm full suit
- Spring & fall: 4/3 mm wetsuit
- Winter: 5/4 mm wetsuit, plus boots, gloves, and hood
Many locals wear wetsuit booties year-round, not only for warmth but to protect feet from the rough concrete riverbed.
River Surf Fins for Eisbach
Our fins are specifically designed for shallow river waves like the Eisbach. Made in Germany from 100% recycled materials, with individual replacement options.
Ideal Fin Setups for Each Spot
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E1 (Main Wave)
Setup: Thruster with small center fin (1.8" Knubster)
Why: Fast, powerful wave needs control but release for tricks. Twin medium sides + tiny center is the local standard.
Depth: Very shallow – sturdy, short fins are critical -
E2 (Second Wave)
Setup: Standard thruster with medium-small center fin (2.6")
Why: Gentler wave allows slightly larger center fin for more stability and control while learning.
Depth: Still shallow but less aggressive than E1 -
Floßlände
Setup: Thruster with all-around medium fins
Why: Slow, mellow wave benefits from stability. Larger center fin (4.5") helps track straight and recover from over-balancing.
Depth: Can be shallow on tail end – use durable plastic fins
Why This Surf Spot is Special
Ask any Munich surfer why the Eisbach is special, and you'll get an almost poetic answer. For us, this spot is more than just a novelty wave – it's the heart of our surf community.
Imagine living hours from the nearest ocean, yet being able to surf every day before or after work. The Eisbach makes that possible. The sheer consistency is mind-blowing: the Eisbach wave breaks 24/7, 365 days a year, a never-ending supply of stoke in the middle of a city. It's often said this might be the most-ridden wave in the world.
A Global Surf Landmark
Beyond the stats, it's the culture and unlikely setting that make Eisbach a global surf landmark. Here we are, in a city famous for beer halls and Baroque buildings, yet surfing has become part of Munich's identity. It's the birthplace of river surfing, the wave that started it all.
Travelers from around the world come specifically to surf or watch. The wave has essentially become a meeting point for surf cultures globally, right here on our little creek.
Community
We cherish the Eisbach because of the camaraderie it fosters. On the banks, you'll see an eclectic mix: old-school Bavarian river surfers who've been here since the '80s, young kids just learning to surf, expats who moved to Munich and discovered this gem, even the occasional celebrity surfer dropping by.
The Eisbach is also special because it's a public, free wave in a beautiful park. Anyone can walk up and be entertained. Where else can you find that? It brings surfing to people who might never see it otherwise.
In the end, the Eisbach embodies the idea that surfing is more about spirit than location. We've carved out our own surf paradise right here. As we like to say: no ocean, no problem – welcome to the Eisbach!
Frequently Asked Questions
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The main Eisbach wave (E1) is for experienced surfers only due to its power and shallow depth. Beginners should start at the Floßlände, which is a gentler and more forgiving wave, perfect for learning river surfing basics.
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The Eisbach stays cold year-round. In summer, water temperatures reach about 17°C (62°F), while in winter they can drop to nearly 1°C. A full wetsuit is essential – 3/2mm in summer, 4/3mm in spring/fall, and 5/4mm with boots and gloves in winter. You can check the current temperatures here.
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Yes! The Eisbach wave is a standing wave that breaks 24/7, 365 days a year. However, surfing is only permitted during daylight hours (5:30 am to 10 pm) for safety reasons. The wave consistency is one of the things that makes it so special.
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Due to the shallow water (about 40cm deep), you need a small fin setup. Most surfers use twin fins or a thruster with a very small center fin (1.5-2.5 inches). The Eisbach Riders Rapid Surfing Set is specifically designed for this, with medium side fins and a tiny knubster center fin to prevent hitting the bottom.
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While not legally required, a helmet is highly recommended, especially for beginners. The Eisbach has concrete baffles and rocks under the wave that have caused injuries. Many local surfers wear helmets and some also use impact vests for additional protection.
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Side fins break frequently on river waves due to: shallow water causing bottom strikes, hitting concrete side walls, constant water pressure on the stationary wave, and hard landings from tricks. That's why we offer individual replacement side fins – it's up to 70% cheaper than buying a whole new set!
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Yes! Since only one surfer can ride the wave at a time, there's an established queue system. Surfers line up on both banks and take turns, alternating sides. Rides typically last 20-40 seconds to give everyone a fair chance. Respecting this etiquette is essential for the community vibe.
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Absolutely! Locals surf year-round, even through snow. You'll need a thick wetsuit (5/4mm), boots, gloves, and a hood. The wave quality doesn't change with seasons, just the water temperature. Winter sessions can be advantageous with fewer crowds!
About Eisbach Riders
Born on the Eisbach river in Munich, we’re a small independent team creating sustainable, high-performance surf gear for river and ocean riders alike.
We craft our fins from recycled and bio-based materials, supporting cleaner waters and donating a portion of every sale through 1% for the Planet.
Designed and built in Germany, every product is tested and refined until it meets our own standards, only what truly convinces us makes it into the shop.