The so-called "Floating Wave", an artificial wave in a kind of floating pontoon for surfers of all levels, is to be built in Hamburg's fishing harbour by 2026. The project promises year-round surfing in the centre of the city, according to a statement from the operators and on the project website.
The Floating Wave is a floating surfing platform that is to be installed on a previously unused harbour area. The centrepiece of the facility is a 12-metre-wide artificial river wave, which is intended to offer ideal surfing conditions for beginners, advanced surfers and professionals alike. In contrast to natural waves in the sea or stationary surf parks, the technology of the floating wave promises particularly easy and safe learning conditions.
The wave height and frequency can be precisely controlled so that beginners can slowly approach greater challenges. Courses and coaching sessions are also to be offered.
"Floating Wave": Sustainable concept for urban surfing
The operators are paying particular attention to the sustainability of the project. The Floating Wave is designed to consume 50% less energy than comparable systems. Instead of wasting valuable drinking water, filtered Elbe water is used for the wave. Chlorine is not used at all.
However, sustainability does not only mean ecological aspects for the founders around Felix Segebrecht: Fair working conditions and social participation are also part of the concept. For example, a special acoustic system was developed for blind surfers. Special surf sessions for children are also planned in cooperation with the Social Surf Club.
A leisure area with restaurants, terraces and fitness facilities is planned around the surf wave, with a view of the Elbe and Hamburg harbour. The aim is to turn the previously unused harbour area into a year-round adventure destination.
Contract for the construction of the artificial wave has just been awarded
The Hamburg-based Floating Wave Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH is behind the project. Following a successful financing round, the construction contract was recently awarded to the company Meyer Floating Solutions. The Meyer Group subsidiary is recognised as an expert in floating infrastructure and is to build the first Floating Wave platform in a closed shipyard.
The makers have big plans: the modular concept of the Floating Wave was developed from the outset for worldwide implementation in urban harbour areas and coastal tourist regions. According to the operators, the platform can be adapted to different market requirements thanks to its flexible design. The concept has already aroused great interest among investors and tourism stakeholders at international conferences.
The opening of the first Floating Wave in Hamburg is planned for 2026. The project is currently in the final approval phase. According to the operators, the new location in the fishing harbour offers even better conditions for success than originally envisaged. Planning is being driven forward in close coordination with the Hamburg authorities.
- More info at floating-wave.com
Last year in Munich, the Surftown MUC There are other concepts for artificial waves throughout Germany.
