9 to 12 May on Fehmarn: This is what awaits you at the 2024 Surf Festival

Every year again ...in this case it's not Father Christmas who comes, but the surf festival. A tradition since 2002 and yet always surprising. From 9 to 12 May the big windsurfing party is back on the south beach on Fehmarn.

• Yoga, party, workshops - the highlights on land

Test until your fingers are sore

Free testing of the latest and finest surf equipment - that is the DNA of the surf festival. In 2024, almost everyone who's anyone in windsurfing will be at the start on the south beach. To enjoy the test equipment, all you have to do is register at the test centre, right by the Beach Talk stage, and leave your ID as a deposit. Then you can go and borrow test equipment from all the manufacturers. Please remember: everyone wants to get a turn, so don't test all the time.

• These exhibitors will be at the 2024 Surf Festival

Bitburger 0.0% SUP Team Challenge & Tech Race

Our fun competition, the Bitburger 0.0% Stand Up Paddle Challenge, is not to be missed this year either! Whether beginner or pro, everyone is welcome to register at the Bitburger 0.0% Beach Base and take part in the race.

In addition to the classic individual race on Saturday, the popular Team Challenge will once again take place on all other days of the event, where teams of at least four participants can compete on Big SUPs. In addition to lots of fun and honour, the winners of the day can of course look forward to the perfect refreshment with Bitburger and great prizes. Take part and register at the Bitburger 0.0% Beach Base as a dream team or for the individual races.

Racer of the Sea & German Freestyle Battle

Heat or trick - the choice is yours. The Racer of the Sea brings together everyone who wants to race around the buoys. The great thing about it is that whether you're a regatta novice or an experienced racer, everyone gets their money's worth in this regatta format and nobody is put off. Anyone who wants to can take part in the ROTS Academy or the ROTS Girls Day in the run-up to the event. And great news for the next generation: surf festival partner boot Düsseldorf is sponsoring the entry fee for youngsters. You can find all information about ROTS at 1001grad-events.com

Those who prefer to gyrate instead of heat up can compete with the best German freestylers at the German Freestyle Battles. The GFB have been guests at the surf festival for years and are happy to welcome all new tricks - the women's field in particular has grown steadily in recent times. Find out more at germanfreestylebattles.de

German Armed Forces - Taster Courses & Foil Clinics

The Bundeswehr as a sponsor at the surf festival? Yes, you heard right! At first glance, this may seem unusual, but alongside many other top athletes, Fabian Wolf is also a windsurfer in the Bundeswehr's top sports sponsorship programme. Fabian explains to you on the Beach Talk stage what is behind the programme and how the Bundeswehr is involved in sport. And so that you can perhaps pursue a similar career to Fabi, the Bundeswehr will get you on the board at the Surf Festival. Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., together with experts from the Heidkate surf school, they will be offering beginners' courses to teach you how to surf or optimise your skills. So, take your friends who have never stood on a board before and show them that windsurfing is simply the best sport in the world. The best thing about it? You don't have to spend a cent, because everything (even the wetsuits) is completely free!

But the Bundeswehr also has something to offer advanced windsurfers. Are you dreaming of switching from fin to foil? Or would you like to take your foil board skills to the next level? Then the Foil Clinics are just the thing for you! On Thursday, Lars Poggemann (third in the DWC Foil Slalom ranking in 2023 and iQFOiL Youth Coach at the Bavarian Sailing Association) will give a seminar and training on how to get started with foiling. He will show you how to successfully progress from fin to foiling. All you need to participate is an advanced level on the fin. Saturday is all about optimising your foiling skills and your equipment. Lars will help you to refine your technique and get the best out of your foiling equipment. You should already know the basics of foiling. Important: Registration required at the army tent.

boot Düsseldorf pump foil taster courses

In 2023, boot Düsseldorf organised pump foiling taster courses at the surf festival for the first time. Participants and organisers were unanimous: a complete success that absolutely must be repeated. boot Düsseldorf will also be offering taster courses again at the 2024 festival together with the instructors from the California Surf School. If you are interested, you can simply drop by the boot tent on the beach, sign up and join in. After a short introduction, the experts will take you straight onto the foil. Courses take place from Thursday to Saturday at the following times:

• 10-12 o'clock
• 13-15 h
• 4-6 p.m.

There will also be pumping on the final Sunday from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 3pm. So that spectators can not only marvel at your friends' first attempts, but also experience the full potential of the sport, boot Düsseldorf is also organising a Pump oil jam. A hand-picked group of foilers will be there to race a short course against an opponent. Anyone who is confident enough to start from the ramp and round two buoys is very welcome! Registration takes place according to the motto "first come - first surf" also at the boot Düsseldorf tent. The fastest in the three categories (women, men and U17) will receive a total of 500 euros in prize money and the applause of the crowd. The winners will be honoured on the big stage on Saturday at 2:45 pm.

Kids Camp Dennis Müller

Windsurfing pro and globetrotter Dennis Müller has dedicated himself to promoting young talent and is organising a surf festival kids' camp together with his team for the first time this year. Here, girls and boys of the same age can surf without end. Whether freestyle tricks,

Power jibe, slalom performance or windsurf foiling - everyone trains individually at their own skill level. Would you like to take part and are between 7 and 18 years old? Then register quickly at dennismuellerger89@gmail.com - only a few places are still available.

Girls Day Lina Erpenstein

The Racer of the Sea - Girls Day at the surf festival on Fehmarn is the ideal opportunity for all female windsurfers to take the next step. Under the guidance of professional surfer Lina Erpenstein, you can improve your skills individually and pick up tips for your further learning goals. Thanks to the support of Starboard & Severne, you will have access to a wide range of the latest equipment in addition to your own material. The Girls' Day is rounded off with an after-surf drink together. Info and booking: 1001grad-events.de

The festival site at a glance

Click here for the festival highlights on land!