Area info: Windsurfing and wingfoiling in the Meldorf Speicherkoog - North Sea area with shallow water
Tobias Frauen
· 28.03.2025
Anyone travelling to the Meldorf Speicherkoog for the first time might doubt their sat nav. At a speed of 50 kilometres per hour, you seem to be endlessly driving along surprisingly well-maintained country lanes through the flat North German landscape of Dithmarschen, with the dyke always on the horizon. But behind a field of reeds, a meadow full of camper vans and motorhomes appears at some point, clustered around the so-called Miele Basin. This is the name of the part of the water that is authorised for windsurfing and wingsurfing - kitesurfing is strictly prohibited here. The lock to the open North Sea and the snack bars attract not only surfers, but also many other day trippers.
Standing area with learning guarantee
The fact that one of the most popular shallow water spots on the west coast is hidden here in the depths of Dithmarschen is mainly due to the ideal infrastructure: plenty of parking spaces, convenient access points, surf schools, toilets and a bar for fish sandwiches and a beer afterwards - under the promising name "Pulle & Stulle". The "Surfsee Meldorf" itself may be small, but for the most part it is shallow and can be travelled in almost any wind direction and strength. Apart from the clearly visible mini groynes, there are no obstacles; all you have to do is turn in before the reeds. Ideal conditions for all flat-water freeriders and intermediates, because on the Speicherkoog there is almost a learning guarantee: with a width of just under 300 metres, you have to turn around all the time anyway, so jibe training is obligatory.
Riding in a straight line for long periods is not very appealing for freestylers either, which is why the Speicherkoog is a breeding ground for freestyle talent. André Paskowski once honed his career here, and the German Freestyle Battles regularly come to Meldorf for a contest. The wingfoil scene is also well represented, and the water is deep enough for foiling except for the knee-deep shore areas. On good days, it can get crowded on the water, especially with easterly winds.
Alternative area for St. Peter-Ording
Because then the small lake is an ideal alternative spot for St. Peter-Ording, Büsum and the like. When the wind blows offshore into the North Sea, Meldorf is a safe spot where the wind can blow across the flat landscape almost without disturbance. The slightly longer approach across the eastern part of the basin can even create a small wind wave, which is ideal as a kicker for your first chop hops or freestyle moves. However, the eastern section is off-limits for surfing and the buoy chain barrier must be strictly observed. All western directions offer smooth water and a protected spot, even in stormy conditions. You can also go out on the west side about two hours before and after high tide.
Speaking of storms: The Meldorf Speicherkoog - of which the surf lake is only a small part - was created after the devastating storm surge of 1962. The new dyke was placed in front of the original dyke line to reduce its length and create space for the water from the hinterland. The reason for this is that the köge, which has been reclaimed from the sea, must be continuously drained, but during westerly storms the water is pushed inland. Since its completion in 1978, the water has been able to collect in the Speicherkoog without jeopardising villages or fields. The areas have since become home to many birds, hence the strict nature conservation regulations.
Big plans for the Meldorf Speicherkoog
However, there are plans for a complex with holiday homes and houseboats south of the spot, next to the Meldorf marina. This project is controversial, with citizens' initiatives and conservationists campaigning to ensure that the character of the area is not changed. Among other things, there is talk of the treated waste water from the new facility being channelled into the Miele basin, i.e. directly where windsurfers and wingers go out on the water.
Spot Info Meldorf
Wind and weather
Especially when there is low pressure from the south-west and west, the wind comes more or less "sideshore" over the Koog, is hardly gusty and weaker than on the open North Sea and offers perfect flat water conditions for intermediates or freestylers. When the wind blows from the east, Meldorf is one of the few safe spots on Schleswig-Holstein's west coast, and there is sometimes a bit of chop. If the wind comes from the south or north-west and turns even further to the right, it gets correspondingly gusty. In principle, however, you can ride in all wind directions, no drifting. If you have problems, simply walk back through the mostly shallow Koog over sandy ground. As the spot is very safe, it is also recommended as an alternative spot on stormy days when places like St. Peter-Ording become too violent.
Arrival
Take the A23 motorway via Itzehoe to the "Meldorf" exit, then take the country road in the direction of "Meldorfer Speicherkoog". Coming from Meldorf in the direction of Büsum, the Meldorfer Speicherkoog is located after two kilometres on the left-hand side directly on the dyke.
