Occasionally, the job of surf boss also offers some pleasant privileges. At the Mercedes-Benz Surf Festival on Fehmarn in September last year, the main sponsor offered me a V-Class with Marco Polo camper conversion for an extensive test drive. It quickly became clear that this fine piece of kit needed to be moved in the right way. Surfboards on the roof, a call to my best surfing mate from the old days - and after a short phone call we decided: Let's go to Funen in Denmark. Volker and I have already produced one or two surfing stories for the magazine in Denmark, but neither of us knew the big island between Jutland and Zealand. A look at Google Maps revealed many flat sandy beaches, interesting bays and unusual coastal formations. There must be something surfable there.
However, further internet research using the keywords Funen and windsurfing produced a very small number of hits. But there was one very interesting one: Spot-X on the south-west coast. Originally recommended as a kitesurfing spot, we bravely set off anyway. And it was very comfortable with the Marco Polo.
After the imposing bridge that connects Jutland with Funen, the route heads south through idyllic villages that reflect the wealth of the island with their well-kept buildings. If you continue from the harbour town of Assens towards Helnaes, you can't miss Spot-X - you practically drive on the road through the spot. Only a narrow causeway separates the Baltic Sea from a lagoon, running straight from north to south. This means that the westerly wind shovels unrideable choppy waves against the stone defences on the windward side and creates a mirror-smooth speed and freeride slope on the leeward side. At the northern end, a meadow provides ample parking space. We are the only windsurfers, but the 15 or so kiters provide friendly and relaxed information about their spot.
The entrance is quite small and narrow, leaving boards on the bank during a break is rather bad. And even the first impression that there is a large standing area is deceptive. Spot-X turns out to be a great freeride spot and, with the right wind strength and direction, also a speed spot. There is enough space to avoid getting in the way of the kiters - unless you want to surf directly behind the edge of the dyke. After a few hours, the wind dies down and we look for a place to stay at a campsite right on the water in Assens.
Over the next few days, we find countless, potentially very good freeride spots, but there isn't enough wind to test them properly. Rarely have I missed a longboard so much. It would have made for great little trips to the offshore islands. The next time I visit Funen - which will be soon - I'm sure I'll have one of these boards with me. Thanks go to Mercedes-Benz, not only for the comfortable camper, but also because they finally tempted me to go on a spontaneous trip to unknown regions with my best mate. What could be better?
