Water fountains metres high shot up from the surf pool on the Multiplex terraces as the world’s best rapid surfers executed their radical turns on the Citywave’s standing wave. In perfect weather and with packed stands on the Citywave platform, the surfing elite thrilled the audience at the second edition of the Citywave SURF JAM at Shopping City Süd. Spectators who ventured curiously to the edge of the pool were rewarded with a refreshing splash. The event served as an important benchmark for Austria’s surfers ahead of the 2026 Rapid Surf European Championships, which will take place at the Oana Citywave in Lucerne at the end of September. The facility there is similar to the one at Shopping City Süd, with the same width and water volume.
Women’s triathlon
In the Open Ladies event, the competition unfolded as expected as a three-way battle between Valeska Schneider from Munich, Michelle Ernst from Lucerne and local favourite Gretchen Steiner. Just as in the previous year, all three faced off in the final. The athletes impressed with air-reverse tricks in all directions of rotation – manoeuvres that, until recently, had never even been attempted by women. In the end, Michelle Ernst claimed victory ahead of Valeska Schneider. Seventeen-year-old Gretchen Steiner completed the podium in third place. The Viennese athlete went straight from her A-level results ceremony to the competition.
Gerlach with a perfect 10 high score
Marius Gerlach from Munich has already won several events in the Surf Masters series this season. He didn’t disappoint at the Citywave Surf Jam either. Incredibly high airs, shuvit tricks and powerful surfing even earned him a perfect 10, underlining that he is currently the benchmark. In the battle for second place, Niko Gürtler from Salzburg, Robin Meier from Switzerland and Niki Sandhoff from Salzburg were locked in a thrilling contest. After being knocked out early last year, Niko Gürtler had every reason to celebrate this time round. With his playful and creative surfing style, he secured a place on the podium ahead of Robin Meier.
Surfing on the Citywave
Citywave allows you to surf in the simplest and safest conditions. Both beginners and professionals quickly get to grips with the standing wave – which is based on the principle of Munich’s Eisbach wave – and make enormous progress in no time at all. Thanks to professional coaching and a handrail, even the very first attempts are a breeze. The water is circulated into the surf pool by eight pumps in a closed circuit, forming a 7.5-metre-wide deep-water surf wave. With a water depth of up to 1.4 metres, the Citywave can be ridden on standard surfboards complete with fins, allowing for spectacular turns and tricks. The water is already a pleasant 25 degrees.
Results:
Men's Open:
- 1. Marius Gerlach (GER): Perfect 10 high score
- 2. Niko Gürtler (AUT)
- 3. Robin Meier (SUI)
Open Ladies:
- 1. Michelle Ernst (SUI)
- 2. Valeska Schneider (GER)
- 3. Gretchen Steiner (AUT)
