Munich’s Eisbach River, which is German for “ice brook,” forms a standing wave. Photo: Shutterstock/Peter Scholz
The surreal world of inner-city surfing is growing more popular by the minute. Innovative thrill-seekers are finding ways to surf, despite the lack of coastline, in places like Germany and China. Not for the faint of heart, surfing inner-city rivers can be dangerous and a lot different from surfing beach breaks.
Despite being 500 kilometers from the coast, Munich’s Eisbach River has a thriving surf community. For over four decades, surfers have been tackling the one-meter wave, which runs beneath a heavily populated highway. Even late at night, dedicated surfers can be found suiting up to brave the cold water.
The Eisbach River is only 12-meters wide. The wave is formed by fast water crashing into slow water. The undercurrent forms the tube, making the movement much different than an ocean wave.
First wave pools now river waves? Surfers are a resourceful bunch. Photo: Stephen D. Kramer / Shutterstock
China’s Qiantang River is also becoming a hot spot for inner-city surfers. The destination has attracted some of the biggest names in surfing including GoPro and Roxy riders. Every autumn, a wave phenomenon occurs which brings tourists from all around the world. At nine meters high, and traveling at 40 kilometers per hour, the massive wave travels against the current. Named the “Silver Dragon,” the tidal bore in the Qiantang River is the largest in the world. Only a small number of powerful commercial boats are allowed in the river during this time of the year.
An annual festival, launched by a group of American surfers, has gained worldwide recognition. Surfers use jet skis to reach the massive wave, which travels through a populated city, the crowded town of Hangzhou acting as the backdrop. Just the fact that people are able to surf in China adds to the allure and excitement of the festival.
Landlocked Switzerland, which is usually known for its snowcapped mountains, also has its own surf culture forming. A lot of snowboarders are looking for a sport to indulge in when the snow starts to melt. The Ruess River flows through the village of Bremgarten in the northern part of the country. On a sunny day, people can be seen queuing up for over half an hour. Waves can reach up to one meter and flow through one of the most picturesque towns in the country.
For more information, check out CNN‘s coverage.
