Gallery: Super Saturday in Weißenhaus

The forecast had been whispering for days that something was coming: the first not quite icy spring storm to hit the North Sea and Baltic coasts. By Friday at the latest, it was clear that Saturday was not going to be a couch day. By midday, however, it still looked pretty unspectacular. Between Heidkate and Brazil it was the same picture everywhere: hardly any waves, most people were travelling with big wave sails, more cruising than action. I myself was still a bit under the weather, so plan B: camera instead of boom.

I arrived at the car park in Weißenhaus at around 17:30. A few people were already outside, but somehow it still didn't look as forecast. Everyone was looking at this ominous "orange field" which, according to the forecast, was supposed to push into Hohwacht Bay from 6 pm. So: wrap up warm, shoulder the tripod and head down to the spot. At 6 pm sharp, the wind flipped the switch. Behind me, the car park suddenly came alive. What had just looked like the end of the day exploded in half an hour - maybe 20 windsurfers became a good 50, including top riders such as Maria Behrens, Leon Jamaer, Fabian Grundmann and Niclas Nebelung.

What looked like the end of the day exploded in half an hour - maybe 20 windsurfers became a good 50."

Magical light for a sundowner session

The conditions? Well, let's just say: improvable. Waves somewhere between hip and chest, plus a decent gusty wind. Not a picture-book set-up, but that's what makes it exciting sometimes. And what happened on the water immediately made us forget the poor conditions: Cutbacks with plenty of spray, backies and even a few wave 360s and takas. Everything that the small Baltic Sea wave had to offer was blasted out. I could hardly keep up with the camera, there was always something happening somewhere.

After a good two hours in the wind, reality set in: cold. Quite cold. Apparently the "warm enough" assessment was optimistic. But in between, the sun broke through the clouds, bathing the spot in that golden light that you can't plan for - and suddenly the fingers were halfway ready for action again.

It's precisely these sessions that stick."

At some point it was over: two empty batteries, frozen to the bone. Back to the car, one last turn round, one last look at the water. Conclusion of the day? Completely worth it. It's exactly these sessions that stick with you.

Text: Marc Hollenbach

Spot guide: The best windsurfing spots from Kiel to Weissenhaus