ADVERTISEMENT
Photo: 02 Surftown Munich.

Postcard from Munich – Surfing and Steins in the Bavarian capital

How does Germany's first wave pool compare to other chlorine technology?
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Written by Lachlan Campbell.

There are many ways to prepare for a wave pool session. 

Studying online clips of the wave pool in question. Sussing out a more freshwater-friendly epoxy board. Surfing more.

Funnily enough, tipping litres of German bear down your gullet the night before isn’t one of them.

Alas, it was going to take more than bleary eyes and bubbly guts to stop me from sampling the newest reason to visit Bavaria’s verdant capital, a.k.a. The Village of One Million. O2Surftown Munich, located not 5 minutes from the international airport and 30-minutes drive north of the city centre, is Germany’s first outdoor wave pool and Europe’s largest (for now).

As an Aussie expat living in Portugal I’m not starved for waves. But after seeing the footage from opening day and talking to a pro surfer friend from Germany, I couldn’t resist double dipping (Oktoberfest + Surftown = a naughty amount of fun). So, how does it stack up to Urbnsurf’s Melbourne and Sydney offering?

2024 British Surfing Champion Lukas Skinner testing out the Munich wave pool.

Well, in terms of sleek, minimalist architecture, trendy eateries and sunglass-wearing surf coaches with their trademark air of unearned superiority, the difference is marginal. The biggest contrast between the two tubs comes down to how the waves are created and the end result.

Urbnsurf uses Wavegarden tech. Surftown leverages Endless Surf. This is an innovation from the same people who built the first surf pool in the industry at Disneyland Florida’s Typhoon Lagoon in 1989. Thankfully, they’ve come a long way since the late 80s.

I won’t go into the hardware that underscores their different systems. You can read more about Wavegarden Cove and Endless Surf tech here. What I am interested in is how their tech translates into the overall surfing experience, and after sampling both, I have to say that the difference is significant.

Firstly, o2Surftown is one big pool. This makes it easier on the eyes than the dual-sided Urbnsurf pool. It also feels more open and spacious when you’re sitting in the lineup. Similar to, one might say, a feeling akin to sitting in the ocean.

The waves also come at 30 seconds intervals instead of sets – one of the signatures of the Endless Surf system. Personally, I like the flicker of anticipation that’s triggered by the mechanical sucking that signals an approaching UrbnSurf set, but the short pause between waves at o2Surftown made for a more relaxed surfing experience.

Leon Glatzer was recently crowned German Surfing Champion at an event held in Munich’s wave pool.

Besides, with half a minute between waves and only a short distance to travel in almost waist deep water between the side of the pool and the takeoff spot, you can huddle around and talk about your last wave with your surf buddies before wading into the water and nabbing your next wave just before it arrives. It was kind of like those random little rock jump chats you have while waiting for a lull.

This configuration also means that if someone goes down on the wave before your turn, they have more than enough time to surface, grab their board and even shoot a few furtive looks towards the peanut gallery before paddling off to the side. Personally, I’ve never had an issue with people stacking it on the wave prior, only to cause a semi-submerged pileup of bodies and boards in the exact spot you’re about to bottom turn, but if you have, problem solved.

Wave-wise, there are two wave settings available to the general public: A-frame and point break. These wave settings are broken down into skill categories such as Kids, First-Timer, Rookie, Progressive, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert and Pro (coming soon). Regardless of what you choose, your wallet is going to be much lighter… especially when you factor in the exchange rate.

I opted for the lefthand expert A-frame and the lefthand advanced point break setting (goofy foot, sue me) with board hire. This cost me a total of €308 ($500 AUD) for a total of just over 2 hours’ surfing and around 22 waves, whereas an equivalent day of surfing at Urbnsurf would set me back about $243 AUD.

Naturally, I tried not to think about this and instead focused on the novelty of surfing 700 km from the ocean.

The pointbreak setting was by far the superior of the two wave types. This is despite the fact that the takeoff verges on gutless, with a 2-3 second window for speed generation before it walls up and folds down the length of the tub. Most decent surfers average 3-4 turns on one wave. Your local boardriders ripper is quite possibly doubling that before hammering the end section. On the Expert and Pro settings there’s even a little tube on the inside.

As for the A-frame wave, it’s limited but perfect if you want to practise the same single manoeuvre again and again. You don’t paddle against the wall when catching waves either, but instead surf towards it. This means you can play with how deep you want to take off behind the barrel. A fun little bonus, if nothing else.

Beyond the waves, it’s worth noting that o2Surftown is stacked with fresh boards from Pukas, Channel Islands and Firewire. This is a curse for anyone paralysed by decision fatigue, but a blessing if you’re interested in trying out different sleds. Get ’em while they’re snow white and patchwork-free.

Wetsuits were decidedly less glamorous, as they often are, and I was surprised that they don’t have middle sizings (i.e. MT or LT). I had to choose between wearing a post-gastric bypass second skin or a suit that gave me the male equivalent of a moose knuckle. If you can, bring your own wetsuit. Otherwise, men, don’t try the simultaneous kick out-to-board grab unless kids aren’t in your future.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS
A bi-monthly eclectic tome of tangible surfing goodness that celebrates all things surfing, delivered to your door!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
HAPPENINGS
Your portal to cultural events happening in and around the surfing sphere.
Find Events
SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS
A bi-monthly eclectic tome of tangible surfing goodness that celebrates all things surfing, delivered to your door!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
HAPPENINGS
Your portal to cultural events happening in and around the surfing sphere.
Find Events

LATEST

A fundraiser has been set up for the North Shore charger to help cover the costs to get him back on his feet.

Our founding father draws significance to the enduring rise of the mid-length surfboard.

A tied men’s final, smoked goats and heavy rivalries at the Lexus Pipe Pro 2025.

The Aussie reflects on 2024, being cut from the CT, shares his desire to reconnect with his love for surfing and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

PREMIUM FEATURES

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION, MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION, Annual Premium Subscription, Annual Premium Subscription Offer (w/Cap) or MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION.

The renaissance man who captured the zeitgeist of early Australian surf culture.

Mischievous manipulation with MP and TF.

Tahlija Redgard is a freesurfer in the truest sense.

From Albe to Anushka on the Island of the Gods.

TRACKS PREMIUM

Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

TRACKS PREMIUM

Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

CLASSIC ISSUES

PREMIUM FILM

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION, MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION, Annual Premium Subscription, Annual Premium Subscription Offer (w/Cap) or MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION.
YEAR: 2008
STARRING: JOEL PARKINSON, MICK FANNING AND DEAN MORRISON
This is a Premium Feature only available to Tracks subscribers.

Existing Subscriber?  Login here.

FOR PREMIUM CONTENT - SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS FROm $2.99

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print for the price of a print subscription

$99.99

Billed Annually

$189.99

Billed Bi-Annually

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print

$10.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$34.99

Billed Annually

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$2.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

YEAR: 2011
STARRING: DAVID RASTOVICH, OZZIE WRIGHT, CRAIG ANDERSON, RY CRAIKE, DEAN MORRISON & MORE
This is a Premium Feature only available to Tracks subscribers.

Existing Subscriber?  Login here.

FOR PREMIUM CONTENT - SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS FROm $2.99

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print for the price of a print subscription

$99.99

Billed Annually

$189.99

Billed Bi-Annually

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print

$10.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$34.99

Billed Annually

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$2.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

YEAR: 2014
STARRING: DAVE RASTOVICH
This is a Premium Feature only available to Tracks subscribers.

Existing Subscriber?  Login here.

FOR PREMIUM CONTENT - SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS FROm $2.99

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print for the price of a print subscription

$99.99

Billed Annually

$189.99

Billed Bi-Annually

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print

$10.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$34.99

Billed Annually

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$2.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

YEAR: 2015
STARRING: MIKEY WRIGHT, LOUIE HYND, OWEN WRIGHT, CREED MCTAGGART & CAST OF THOUSANDS
This is a Premium Feature only available to Tracks subscribers.

Existing Subscriber?  Login here.

FOR PREMIUM CONTENT - SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS FROm $2.99

PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print for the price of a print subscription

$99.99

Billed Annually

$189.99

Billed Bi-Annually

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION

All you can eat digital & print

$10.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly delivery of Tracks Magazine to your doorstep: 6 issues per year

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

ANNUAL DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$34.99

Billed Annually

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

MONTHLY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

Digital magazine only

$2.99

Billed Monthly

Bi-monthly Tracks digital magazine to your inbox: 6 issues per year

10% off everything in the Tracks Print shop

Unlimited digital access to Tracks’ Classic Issues from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s (300+ magazines)

Unlimited access to Tracks’ Premium Features

Unlimited access to Tracks’ classic surf films

Exclusive partner offers & discounts

Entry into bimonthly subscriber prize draws

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

PRINT STORE

Unmistakable and iconic, the Tracks covers from the 70s & 80s are now ready for your walls.

Tracks