Following the tragic accident, Munich's surf spot has been re-opened.
That chilly April in Munich saw a somber moment - a fatality during a surfing accident at the renowned Eisbach wave. With the wave's closure, the city center buzzed with anticipation and whispers of defiance, even from famous figures like Tom Brady. Well, the wait is over - the Eisbach wave is back, but with a few tweaks.
Mayor Dieter Reiter has announced the reopening of the beloved Eisbach wave, but only for the well-practiced and the physically fit. Surfing here now is permitted between 5:30 AM and 10 PM to avert midnight rescues. Additionally, surfers must now sport a self-opening leash for their boards, a safety measure devised to prevent surfers from getting ensnared underwater if danger strikes, as observed in the tragic accident.
The surprise reopening unfolded a day after Munich's Second Mayor, Dominik Krause, hinted at the opening possibility by next week. The Munich I Public Prosecutor's Office wrapped up its investigations into the unfortunate incident in April.
A fleet of around 50 police officers, including divers, inspecting the riverbed, cameras, drones, and other equipment were summoned to unearth the cause of the accident. The investigators diligently sifted through potential hazards that could have contributed to the 33-year-old surfer's board or attached leash catching on something. The Prosecutor's Office ordered the thorough examination of the riverbed, considering the diverse flora and fauna living in the Eisbach.
Brady Waves for Reopening!
Under the moonlit glow on April 16th, the ill-fated surf couple — both seasoned surfers according to the Public Prosecutor's Office — assembled at the English Garden to ride the waves. Around 11:30 PM, the man suddenly heard blood-curdling cries for help and watched in horror as his girlfriend vanished beneath the water's surface, clutching her board. Hospitalized in critical condition, she succumbed to her injuries after a week.
The interim surfing ban that ensued in Munich's city center sparked a murmur. Not everyone stood down. Tom Brady himself sported a defiant Instagram post, featuring a picture of himself at the famous surf spot with the caption: "Surfing is not a crime."
Sources: ntv.de, ara/dpa
- Surf Culture Munich*
[1] Munich investigates Eisbach surfing accident. (2025, April 20). ntv.de. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.ntv.de/nachrichten/Munchen-Eisbach--Welle-Surfer-gefallen-am-Body-ean-r3699897.html
[2] LAP General Prosecutor's Office concludes investigation into fatal Eisbach surf accident. (2025, April 30). Munich.de. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.munich.de/presseaussendungen/items/2025_04_30_lar-eisbach-surf-unfall-ermittlungen.php
[3] Surfing again at the Eisbach: matter of weeks. (2025, June 10). Munchner Wochenblatt. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.muenchner-wochenblatt.de/inhalt/stay-eklektisch/stay-eklektisch/surfing-again-at-the-eisbach-matter-of-weeks-31171900/
- In light of the tragic surfing accident at the Eisbach wave, the city of Munich has revised both its Community policy and Employment policy, implementing new regulations for the wave's usage.
- The reopening of the Eisbach wave has been a hot topic in general-news, with the sports community closely following updates regarding the surf accident investigations and safety measures implemented.
