boot Düsseldorf is reorganising its surfing section for the 2027 edition. The move to Hall 12 will feature an XXL pool extended to 65 metres, a new two-level skimboard course and the Surf Academy. For the first time, surfing and paddling sports will be housed in the same hall. The new canoe course runs as a circuit around an artificially created island, whilst the high-rope climbing park rounds off the programme. International competitions will take place on both weekends of the trade fair. The fair will take place from 23 to 31 January 2027 and is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors from more than 100 countries. The merger of Surfing and World of Paddling makes Hall 12 the meeting place for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in action sports.
Extended swimming pool and new skimboard course
The XXL pool is being extended from its current length to 65 metres. This will provide more space for both international competitions and hands-on activities. Surfing specialist and organiser Andrea Hoeppner explains: “This marks a further step in boot Düsseldorf’s ongoing development of its surfing area. At the heart of it all is the XXL pool, which will be extended to 65 metres in 2027, providing an even bigger stage for both international competitions and numerous hands-on activities for visitors. Once again, this is where surfing at its best will take centre stage.” A new skimboard track is being built right next to the pool. The two-tiered facility offers more opportunities for spectacular tricks and enables both professionals and beginners to showcase or practise their skills. At the Surf Academy, visitors can try out different surfing disciplines. Practical tips on how to get started in the various disciplines are also on offer.
A wider range of participatory activities for all levels
For many years now, the concept behind boot Düsseldorf has enabled visitors to try their hand at water sports. This offering will be significantly expanded for the 2027 edition. For beginners, there will be more slots available across the nine days of the event in pump foiling, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and skimboarding. Experienced water sports enthusiasts will find a new offering: ‘Train with a Pro’ is aimed at advanced and expert participants. In exclusive sessions and small groups, they’ll train alongside proven professionals from the sports of wakeboarding, windsurfing, pump foiling and skimboarding. The focus will be on personalised tips, direct feedback and working on individual technique. In this way, boot brings its visitors closer to the stars of the scene.
Four competitions over two weekends
Top-level international sport remains a central part of the programme. On both weekends of the fair, Hall 12 will become a competition arena for some of the best athletes on the international surfing and board sports scene. On 23 and 24 January 2026, the first ‘boot’ weekend, the SFT Indoor Pumpfoil World Cup and the World Skimboard Masters are on the programme. On the XXL pool and the new bi-level skimboard course, international competitors from all over the world will battle it out for the titles. On the second weekend, on 30 and 31 January, wakeboarders and windsurfers will take over the pool. The international scene will gather in Düsseldorf for the Pooltastic Wakeboard Masters. At the FPT Indoor Tow-In Freestyle, the stars of the freestyle windsurfing scene will showcase their most spectacular manoeuvres. Thanks to the extended XXL pool, athletes will have more space available for their runs in 2027.
Pool stage featuring expert knowledge and e-foiling
Away from the competitions, the Pool Stage in Hall 12 offers a varied programme centred on the world of surfing and board sports throughout the boot exhibition. Visitors can find out about the various disciplines, the latest developments and new products. During expert talks with the stars of the surfing scene, professionals will offer insights into their sport, discuss their experiences and answer questions from the audience. Another key focus is e-foiling. With an extensive range of electrically powered foilboards, boot is embracing yet another area of modern water sports. Those interested can find out about products, technology and developments. Michelidakis emphasises: “The move to Hall 12 further highlights what makes water sports at the fair so special: experiencing world-class athletes up close, discovering new trends and, above all, getting active yourself.”
Surf Festival Camp and Marine Conservation
Water sports enthusiasts with their own camper vans can stay overnight at affordable rates at the Surf Festival Camp on P1 (CARAVAN CENTER) at boot 2027, right next to the exhibition grounds. The price is 25 euros per night plus a 3-euro city tax per night. Free shuttle buses are available. Washrooms, water and electricity are provided on site. Delicious breakfast and dinner options are also available in the heated marquee. Alongside water sports, marine conservation and innovative, sustainable technologies will also be in the spotlight at boot 2027. In collaboration with the European Boating Industry, the blue innovation dock offers a unique forum for dialogue bringing together political, economic, technological and media expertise. With over 200,000 visitors from more than 100 countries and nearly 1,500 exhibitors, boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yachting and water sports trade fair.
Programme:
First weekend (23–24 January 2026):
- SFT Indoor Pumpfoil World Cup
- World Skimboard Masters
Second weekend (30–31 January 2027):
- Pooltastic Wakeboard Masters
- FPT Indoor Tow-In Freestyle
Practical information:
Surf Festival Camp:
- Price: 25 euros per night
- City tax: 3 euros per night
- Location: P1 (CARAVAN CENTER), right next to the exhibition grounds
- Facilities: Washrooms, water, electricity, heated tent with catering
- Transfer: Free shuttle buses
Activities to join in with:
- Sports: pump foiling, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, skimboarding
- Train with a Pro: Exclusive sessions for advanced and expert athletes
- Registration: From the start of December at www.boot.de