Gratuliere blackforestwave Team zur eigenen Welle! Wie fühlt es sich an, die ersten Flusssurfer in Deutschland zu sein, die ihre eigene Flusswelle gebaut haben?

Um es einfach auszudrücken: Verdammt gut :) Rund 6 Jahre sind nun zwischen der Idee und der Umsetzung vergangen. Wir sind extrem stolz darauf, alle Hürden genommen, zwischendurch nie die Motivation verloren und das ganze Projekt fast ausschließlich mit eigener ehrenamtlicher Manpower gestemmt zu haben. Der Traum von einer eigenen Flusswelle in unserer Stadt Pforzheim wird nun endlich wahr.

Wie groß war in den letzten 6 Jahren die Angst zu scheitern?

Als die Surfkonstruktion in den Kanal eingebaut und zum ersten Mal mit dem fließenden Gewässer konfrontiert wurde – dieser Moment war definitiv von Spannung geprägt. Aber Angst zu scheitern hatten wir in den letzten 6 Jahren so gut wie nicht. Unser Ansatz war es immer, klein zu denken und uns Schritt für Schritt nach vorne zu arbeiten. So hatten wir immer genügend Freiheit, unser Projekt technisch weiterzuentwickeln und genügend Zeit, verschiedene Interessensgruppen von unserer Idee zu überzeugen. Zudem haben wir nie öffentliche Gelder bezogen, wodurch manch anderes Projekt vielleicht einen gewissen Druck verspüren mag. Wir haben das große Glück, dass unsere regionalen Sponsoren und Partner ganz hinter uns und unserem Projekt stehen – besonders auch unser Hauptsponsor ADMEDES & G.RAU.

Photo: Markus Born Fotodesign

Hättet ihr euch vor 10 Jahren träumen können, wohin euch Riversurfen führen wird?

Nein das hätten wir definitiv nicht, da wir zu diesem Zeitpunkt das Riversurfen noch nicht mal wirklich kannten.

Wieviel Geld habt ihr bisher in eure Welle hinein investiert?

Dank einer guten Planung, tausenden von ehrenamtlichen Arbeitsstunden unseres Vereinsteams sowie zahlreichen Kooperationspartnern sind wir mit einer Summe von rund € 75.000,- ausgekommen. Weitere Investitionen sind für den anstehenden Betrieb sowie die Fertigstellung des damit einhergehenden Betriebsgeländes geplant.

Unser Ansatz war es immer, klein zu denken und uns Schritt für Schritt nach vorne zu arbeiten.

Lass uns über eure nahe Zukunft reden. Beginnt jetzt erst die harte Arbeit für euch oder könnt ihr euch auf dem Erfolg ausruhen?

Mit dem Einbau der Surfkonstruktion in den Metzelgraben ist die Arbeit nach 6 Jahren natürlich noch nicht getan. Auf dem Programm steht nun eine ausführliche Testphase inklusive der Feinjustierung der Welle. Zudem sind wir gerade dabei, unser Betriebskonzept zu finalisieren. Denn mit den Genehmigungen für den Wellenbau sind auch diverse Auflagen einhergegangen, die es jetzt zu beachten gilt, wie beispielsweise die Gewährleistung eines Sicherheitskonzeptes während des Surfbetriebs. Außerdem liegt das Thema „Ausruhen“ unserer Mannschaft nicht gerade im Blut :)

Photo: Project Cheezus

Kann für eine Mittelgebirgsregion wie den Schwarzwald, Surftourismus eine Antwort auf die Krise der Skiindustrie werden?

Nein. Allein wenn man vergleicht, wie viele Wintersportler und Wintersportlerinnen pro Tag im ganzen Schwarzwald unterwegs waren bzw. bei guten Schneeverhältnissen noch immer sind. Eine so hohe Anzahl an Personen kann unsere Surfwelle definitiv nicht „abfertigen“. Im Gegensatz zur bekannten Eisbachwelle in München und vielen künstlich erzeugten stehenden Wellen wird es bei uns auch Phasen geben, in denen kein Surfen möglich ist. Denn wir werden immer abhängig vom Wasserstand in unserem Kanal sein, und somit eben auch von der Natur. Wie beim Wellenreiten im Meer eben auch. Daher war es uns auch immer wichtig, eine möglichst nachhaltige Flusswelle zu bauen. Es ist jedoch vorstellbar, viele kleinere regionale Surfspots zu errichten, um begeisterten Brettsportlern zukünftig eine Alternative zum Skifahren oder Snowboarden zu bieten.

Es war uns immer wichtig, eine möglichst nachhaltige Flusswelle zu bauen.

Wird Riversurfen in der Zukunft ein Sport sein, den sich jeder leisten kann, wie Skateboarden beispielsweise, oder wird Riversurfen eher so elitär wie Skifahren werden?

Wir selbst streben keine Kommerzialisierung unserer Surfwelle an, wobei es unter den bereits realisierten, aber auch geplanten stehenden Wellen natürlich unterschiedliche Konzepte gibt. Wir möchten den Sport jedermann zugänglich machen – bei gleichzeitiger Kostendeckung. Während man zum Skifahren aufgrund der wärmer werdenden Wintermonate immer weiter wegfahren muss, holen wir das Meer zum Surfen vor die Haustüre. Das spart dann im Vergleich natürlich Reisekosten und vieles mehr.

Photo: Project Cheezus

Wie geht es für euch in einigen Jahren weiter? Plant ihr langfristig mit eurem Konzept zu expandieren? Neue Gemeinden anschreiben und weitere Wellen bauen?

Tatsächlich liegen uns bereits ein paar Anfragen vor, ob wir unsere Surfkonstruktion auch in anderen Städten bzw. Gemeinden anwenden und bauen können. Die Gründung eines Wellenbau-Ingenieurbüros ist daher nicht ausgeschlossen und hängt mitunter davon ab, wie viele Anfragen uns in den kommenden Wochen noch ereichen. Entsprechende Anfragen können gerne direkt an steffen@blackforestwave.de gesendet werden.

Am Ende haben wir es geschafft, die Stadt von der Idee zu begeistern.

Seid ihr viel in der Kommunalpolitik in Pforzheim tätig gewesen? Hat das die Akzeptanz für euer Projekt gestärkt?

Wir selbst sind nicht aktiv in der Kommunalpolitik in Pforzheim tätig. Aber wir haben früh damit begonnen, unser Projekt innerhalb der Stadt bei den für uns wichtigen Personen und Ämtern zu platzieren. Nicht zuletzt hilft auch immer eine Visualisierung des Vorhabens. So haben wir vielmals das persönliche Gespräch gesucht, Aussagen mit Berechnungen, Bild- und Filmaufnahmen untermauert oder zu offiziellen Informationstagen, wie zum Beispiel zu einem Besuch in unserem Strömungslabor, eingeladen. So haben wir es am Ende geschafft, die Stadt von uns zu begeistern. Hinzu kommt auch, dass die Verantwortlichen in unserem Projekt einen wirklichen Mehrwert für das innerstädtische Leben in Pforzheim sehen.

Was würdet ihr in der Rückschau auf dem Weg zur eigenen Welle anders machen?

Es gibt tatsächlich ein Thema, das uns einiges an Zeit erspart hätte. Im Rückblick hätten wir unsere ursprüngliche Standortanalyse einfach nochmals hinterfragen und neu validieren sollen. Wir haben viel Planungszeit für einen anderen Standort investiert und erst später festgestellt, dass unser heutiger und damals schon favorisierter Standort doch genügend Wasser führt, um dort an einigen Tagen bzw. Wochen im Jahr surfen zu können. Der Metzelgraben als heutiger Standort hat den Vorteil, dass es sich bereits um einen künstlich angelegten Kanal handelt.

Photo: Project Cheezus

Die Anlage verfügt über 10 Hydraulikzylinder, über die 5 einzelne Bauteile bewegt werden können.

Habt ihr die technischen Möglichkeiten um in eure Welle eine Absprungkante wie am Eisbach einzubauen?

Wenn ihr mit “Absprungkante” den vielerorts genannten “Kicker” oder wie wir es nennen, den “waveshaper” meint, dann lautet die Antwort ja. Unsere Anlage verfügt über 10 Hydraulikzylinder, über die 5 einzelne Bauteile bewegt werden können. Ein Bauteil davon ist der “waveshaper”, welcher eine Feinjustierung der Welle im laufenden Surfbetrieb ermöglicht.

Welche Tricks mächten eure Teammitglieder auf der Welle lernen?

Alles was spektakulär aussieht ;) Wir sind offen für Ideen!

Wird eure Welle die Trick-Innovation genauso beeinflussen, wie es der Eisbach bisher tat?

Das glauben wir eher nicht. Mit einer Breite von 4,5m ist die blackforestwave eher vergleichbar mit der Almwelle in Salzburg. Wir sind erst einmal froh, bald einfach mit einem Board auf der Welle fahren zu können.

Das Riversurfen wird zu einer neuen Attraktion in Pforzheim werden.

In welcher Größenordnung plant ihr Wettbewerbe? Wie viele Zuschauer und Teilnehmer hofft ihr bei einzelnen Events zu erreichen?

Unser Fokus liegt momentan ganz darauf, einen regulären und regelmäßigen Betrieb der blackforestwave aufzubauen. Hinzu kommt derzeit auch die Situation mit Covid-19, welche eine Veranstaltung von Events kaum zulässt. Ob und wann wir Wettbewerbe austragen werden, wird sich dann in der Zukunft zeigen.

Wie wird sich das Leben in eurer Heimatstadt Pforzheim durch die Welle verändern?

Wir werden es wohl nicht schaffen, ganz Pforzheim auf den Kopf zu stellen :) Aber wir sind davon überzeugt, dass sich das Riversurfen zu einer neuen Attraktion in Pforzheim und zu einem Anziehungspunkt in der Region und darüber hinaus entwickeln wird. Und damit sowohl neue Freizeitmöglichkeiten für die Pforzheimer bieten als auch neues Publikum in die Stadt ziehen wird.

Was ändert sich ab jetzt für euch?

Wir werden ab sofort unsere Surfbretter öfter wachsen müssen :)

Wollt ihr noch etwas loswerden?

Surf your local river! Mit dieser Mission  – unserem Leitspruch – lässt sich das Interview wohl ganz gut abschließen.

Danke für das spannende Interview und viel Glück mit eurer Welle!

Weitere Infos zur blackforestwave:

www.blackforestwave.de
www.facebook.de/blackforestwave

Gallery

The post Blackforestwave – Wave Construction Fitted Into the River appeared first on Riverbreak.

Our goal is to build one (or more) river waves in the city of Steyr. In the first feasibility study, our engineer looked at 12 potential spots in the city, of which 8 are located in the city center. In the past decades, the city of Steyr used the water of the river Steyr for industrial purpose (Steyrs’ economic history started with the production of rifles by the force of water). This led to the construction of dams and floodgates creating the drops that we need for a river wave to function. These dams and floodgates actually create plenty of possibilities for river waves in our area.

Kruglwehr in Steyr

After the first study was completed, we looked at the pros and cons of each spot and identified the most promising locations. Unfortunately, the most attractive spots in the city center turned out to be not ideal for a river wave (canalisation, too expensive, too dangerous to surf). We also wanted to create a new spot and didn’t want to rebuild an existing one.

The team behind Flusswelle Steyr

Right now our favourite is  the “Kruglwehr”, located in the “Unterhimmler Au” (the meadow and recreation area of Steyr). At this spot, we can use almost the whole water of the river, there is a substantial drop, the spot is considered safe, there is existing infrastructure (a buffet, toilets, parking area), space for construction machines and an existing building in the river (a slide for boats).

The potential spot at the Kruglwehr

It is also a nature reserve area, reaching up into the city. Currently, our engineer is in touch with the responsible persons. Fortunately, the local politicians and the mayor are supportive about our wave project. So far, we spent 5,000 € (with the financial support of the “Regionalforum”) for the first study. With the support of “FAZAT” (a club for the development of Steyr), we were able to organise sufficient funding for a second study, which will focus on the potential spot at the “Kruglwehr”.

We hope that this is just the first wave project in Steyr – there is enormous potential in our city for more than one river wave!

Spot Details

Latitude: 48.0439644
Longitude: 14.3774843

Spot Location

You know more about Flusswelle Steyr?

The post Flusswelle Steyr appeared first on Riverbreak.

The goal of the wave project in Wolfratshausen is to create an adjustable river wave that can react to the fluctuating discharge levels of the river Loisach. Also, the wave shape should satisfy the needs of both beginners and advanced river surfers.

The group has already conducted a feasibility study and identified the perfect spot for their wave at the Weidachmühle. What’s missing now are 20,000 Euros to realise the project. The total project costs are estimated at EUR 320k, whereby EUR 100k would be contributed by the local council, another EUR 200k may be raised by EU funds (LEADER Programme).

The city’s mayor is supporting the project and considers this wave a fantastic addition to the current water sport opportunities in the city. Moreover, he highlights that river surfing is a sustainable, climate-friendly sport and that this growing sport would also boost the city’s reputation.

Why Should I Back This Project?

If you live in or around Wolfratshausen, you can help make this happen! Why wasting your money on surfing 1 hour on an expensive power-hungry artificial wave if you could pay once and surf forever … on a river wave?! Back this project at:

https://rileg.viele-schaffen-mehr.de/surfing-wolfratshausen

Campaign Video

The post River Wave Crowdfundig: Help Make Surfing Wolfratshausen Happen! appeared first on Riverbreak.

Wave designers from Austria, Germany and the US have teamed up with the goal to create one of the best river waves in Europe. The project site is located at the river Traun, in the beautiful Salzkammergut region in Austria. The location at the Miesenbachmühle in Ebensee was chosen due to the stable annual discharge levels and the natural drop, which makes this spot the ideal location for a river wave that can be surfed year round.

The Concept Behind THE WAVE

To maximise the number of surf days, THE WAVE will be installed in a separate canal, running parallel to the river: A portion of the river Traun will be channeled through an artificial canal in which the wave structure will be placed. This approach allows the engineers to design and build the wave under controlled and stable conditions. While operating the wave, the canal approach will allow wave operators to adjust the flow to different discharge levels in the main river Traun and create wave shapes for different kinds of surf styles.

THE WAVE’s mission is to make the stoke of surfing accessible to a landlocked community.

The canal concept has been proposed and discussed a number of times (e.g. at the River Wave Forums), but this is probably the first time it will be implemented. The approach is also promising for other communities, since discharge levels of most rivers vary significantly throughout the year, depending on precipitation, temperature and the time of the year (e.g. higher winter/spring runoffs).

Working Prototype

In wave construction prototype testing is one of the most rewarding phases. Developing a prototype of a river wave allows the team to bring the wave to life for the first time, test the wave in action and identify opportunities for improvement and fine-tuning. Wave prototyping gives the project team the opportunity to gather feedback and make changes that will eventually maximise the surfability of the wave.

The results can be seen for themselves, with the 1:8 scale model of THE WAVE looking pretty damn good. Will this canal approach be a game-changer in wave building? Check out the videos and photos below and find out yourself!

Videos From The Prototype Site

This is what THE WAVE prototype looks like at the lowest expected flow level:

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A post shared by Benjamin Di-Qual (@killahaase) on Nov 11, 2017 at 7:16am PST

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Experimenting with different wave shapes:

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A post shared by @nu.art_surfstuff on Nov 8, 2017 at 6:36am PST

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Steep face setting:

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A post shared by @nu.art_surfstuff on Nov 15, 2017 at 6:12am PST

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More Impressions

Make It Happen!

Impressive work on the prototype testing, let’s make this happen! Can’t wait to see THE WAVE operating in full size, best of luck with the next steps!

The post THE WAVE: Prototyping A World Class River Wave appeared first on Riverbreak.

Name of wave project: Blackforestwave
Country: Germany
City: Pforzheim
River: Enz

We’re always stoked to learn about new wave projects and curious to hear who’s behind Blackforestwave?

Late summer day in 2014, Steffen Rose was paddling in the river. The next surf trip was already planned and there were only a few weeks left to get ready for the trip. While walking along the river, Steffen discovered a small river wave. “Surfing in here would be great!” The idea was born. Just a few weeks later he came back to this spot and brought a rope. He fixed the rope to the bridge and tried to surf. It worked – but not exactly well. After this frustration he went back home with the idea to build a surfable river wave.

The council was positively surprised about the wave concept.

As a mechanical engineering student at the Pforzheim University, Steffen had the right skills to start the project “Blackforestwave” with two other classmates. Their goal: to make the river in Pforzheim more attractive. After an analysis of different locations they identified 8 potential spots and checked the technical details of them. One of these spots seemed particularly suited for a stationary wave. They made some drawings and worked out different concepts to integrate a wave in the river. After that, they presented the idea to the municipal council. They were positively surprised about the wave concept and decided to search for additional people to continue working on the idea.

Only a few months later, “blackforestwave e.V. (association)” was born. Today, about 30 people are all working together on different aspects of the wave project. We are students and young people who want to surf and bring an innovative attraction to the city.

The river surfing scene is exploding around the world … what do you think makes river surfing so special?

A river surf spot is like a skate pool … just better. It’s urban, cool and it’s a sport. River surfing is available for everybody who has access to a river. Even old people love to watch river surfers. River surfing is also innovative. A stationary wave can be created by manipulating the current and adding a few specific changes.

Photo: Blackforestwave

What is your personal connection to river surfing?

Since I’m 16, I love to surf in the ocean. But usually, I can only make it 2-3 weeks to the ocean during an entire year. It’s difficult to progress in such a short time. During the year, I need something similar to train my balance, to stay fit, just to be in water and feel a board on my feet.

What exactly is “Blackforestwave” and why the name?

The City Pforzheim is also called “gate of the black forest”. If you leave the city, you can reach the black forest in just a few minutes. The black forest is a famous place which is know all over the world. The black forest is international. We also want to be international. That’s why we called our project “Blackforestwave”.

What inspired you to start this project? What is your main motivation and what is your ultimate goal?

Our main motivation is to be innovative and get some young people working together and have fun. Our ultimate goal is to build a flexible structure that we can assemble to create a river wave anywhere.

Tell us about the current status of the project. Where are you standing right now?

We want to surf and bring an innovative attraction to the city.

At the moment we’re working on different concepts to create a wave for only a specific period. That means we need to change something in the river but we need to be able to undo it after the surfing period. We just started a cooperation with two Universities to run current simulations based on different methods. We are also talking to different people in the city and reach out to important people in politics. We plan a complete marketing strategy to find sufficient sponsors and supporter when we go public with out project in Pforzheim (at the moment there are only a few hundred people who know about the project). And there are also the ecology, safety, law and finance parts that we are currently working on.

Photo: Blackforestwave

Let’s talk about the location of the wave … have you already figured out a suitable spot?

One spot is definitely attractive. But we are also checking out alternatives.

Have you already conducted a feasibility study? If so, what are the results?

Yes, we did a feasibility study at the Pforzheim University. This was actually the first part of the project. The result show that there is potential to create a wave in the river.

Any plans to cooperate with local institutions or associations?

At the moment we cooperate with the Universitys Stuttgart, Kalrsuhe and Pforzheim. We cooperate with RESTUBE, which is a great and innovative company for inflatables. We also cooperate with other small companies and there will be more cooperations in the next months.

Building river waves is usually a costly venture. How do you guys fund such a huge project?

1. Find some great sponsors (we have already first offers)
2. Reduce the costs as much we can. We want to create a wave with minimum of changes in the river. We are going to work together with companies that sponsor their expertise and material.
3. We might start a crowd-funding campaign.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges in this project and how will you tackle them?

We need to challenge all kinds of shareholders at this project. For example there are the fishers and the “owner” (state) of the river. If you tell them, that you change the current of a river and there will be people surfing every day, they may start to work against you. In the first step, our wave will only be temporary. All changes in the river will be made in such a way, that they will be removable. After a big river surfing event for instance, everything will be removed and the river will be back to normal. If such an event is successful, we hope that people want the wave to be permanent. After this, we will try to find a solution for a permanent construction in the river.

Photo: Blackforestwave

How does your current time schedule look like … when do you think will you be surfing on Blackforestwave ultimately?

We think, that we will be able to surf in spring 2017. So we have one year left to build the wave. The responsible person from Pforzheim City thinks, that this is a realistic plan. We are not on at beginning anymore. We are working since two years on the project and we have already acquired specific knowledge in various fields.

What has been the most interesting “lesson learned” so far? What would you recommend future wave projects to do / not to do?

We hope that we will be able to surf in spring 2017.

Be careful when going public with your project. If you have an idea you don’t need to share it with the world over night. We are working since two years on the project and I guess no more than 300 people know about our project. We are working with a private Facebook group to communicate the idea only to people we want to. We will feel ready to publish the project in our area (newspaper, public Facebook page, website, poster etc.) when we finished the whole concept and when we are able to answer all critical questions.

Anything else you would like to pass on to our readers?

Believe in your ideas, be careful when going public and involve all stakeholders from the beginning. If you want to get in touch with us, simply pop us a message at steffen@blackforestwave.de.

Fill in the blanks

We’d love to see ___Sebastian Steudtner (big wave surfer, RESTUBE ambassador)___ shredding Blackforestwave one day.
We’ve always wanted to ___make Pforzheim as a city more attractive.
You’re not really a river surfer unless ___you understand the physics behind it.
Our favourite river surfer is ___a surfer who shares his wave with everybody.

Thanks for sharing your passion and time with us — all the best for your project and hope to see you guys shredding on this wave soon!

Photo: Blackforestwave

The post Blackforestwave appeared first on Riverbreak.

“We started with the idea to build a river wave earlier this year. Due to the Lippe River flowing right through the city, Lippstadt is also known as the Venice of Westphalia. With the approval of the project we can turn it into the ‘Venice beach’ of Westphalia” says Alexander Lempke, on of the four founders of the Make it Happen Association. “To be honest, we actually started the project for fun and were not expecting to receive such a wide support from surfers around and outside Westphalia. This support encouraged us to found the ‘Make it Happen’ association and take the project to the next level.”

With the approval of the project we can turn it into the ‘Venice beach’ of Westphalia.

At the moment the association is working on a detailed implementation plan to convince the council of Lippstadt that this wave can no longer stay unridden. “Getting this river wave approved, will be another great step for the river surf community in Europe” according to Lempke.

A Call to All River Surfers

To all surfers who are already lucky enough to have their own river waves in town: think about your fellow surfers in Lippstadt, Germany and support the cause! Their chance of having their own wave increases with your support. Like their Facebook page or visit their Website “Venice Beach of Germany”.

Make it Happen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lippstädter-Welle-773131649423315/timeline/
Website: www.lippstaedterwelle.com

Spot Details

Latitude: 51.676153
Longitude: 8.338022

Spot Location

You know more about Lippstadt the “Venice Beach” of Germany?

The post Lippstadt the “Venice Beach” of Germany appeared first on Riverbreak.

Spot Details

Country: Germany
Nearest town/city: Göppingen
River: Fils River
Latitude: 48.7020340
Longitude: 9.6428728

Weather in Göppingen

Today 09/02 High 19° / Low 14°

Tomorrow 09/03 High 20° / Low 14°

Tuesday 09/04 High 24° / Low 14°

Spot Location

More on Fils Wave

Media Reports

• http://www.stuttgarter-zeitung.de/inhalt.trendsport-in-goeppingen-taugt-die-fils-fuer-die-perfekte-welle.85f1cd96-7d1d-41bf-aae0-42b9d95f9de6.html
• https://www.swp.de/goeppingen/lokales/goeppingen/Surferszene-begeistert-von-Goeppinger-Fils-Plaenen;art1158499,3300927

You know more about Fils Wave?

The post Fils Wave appeared first on Riverbreak.

Vote for the project at:

http://sherbrooke.carticipe.com/#vague-a-surf-au-centre-ville

The project team underscores that they have full control on the river, having 3 dams upstream in less than a km, they can create a river wave during the summer when the water is warm and there is nothing exciting on the oceans and the rivers. With Red Bull, Oakley, Go Pro, Billabong and Wave Sports everything is possible in river surfing.

Call for Support

The post Sherbrooke River Wave appeared first on Riverbreak.

Benjamin Di-Qual (founder of the River Wave Forum), Josef Schmid (deputy mayor of Munich) and Heinrich Schroeter (president of the Bavarian Chamber of Civil Engineers) welcomed all guests and representatives of 17 river wave initiatives. The projects were displayed at the little café Fräulein Grüneis (“Miss Green Ice”) which made an excellent place for a lively exchange of river surfing projects and topics in a unique atmosphere.

The Meet & Greet was a perfect appetiser for what to expect from tomorrow’s in-depth presentations at the main event in the Bavarian Chamber of Civil Engineers. We can’t wait to hear the latest thoughts on river wave construction and are already excited to bring to you the freshest and most innovative ideas in our coverage of the event.

Impressions of the Meet & Greet 2014