Foil fans in Saxony have a good laugh again, as foiling has been officially permitted again for a few days now. The fact that this is now the case is primarily thanks to the perseverance of the local water sports community and associations such as the VDWS, which fought against the obviously completely unfounded ban with targeted media work and legal means. Background: Because foilsurfing as a new discipline was not even included in the official rules and regulations, the Free State of Saxony banned foiling in 2022 on the grounds that it was a new discipline, "that this poses a risk to swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts" would. The fact that there had been no significant accidents or incidents up to this point was ignored - this false data basis was also the reason for the lawsuit filed by the water sports community.
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The U-turn finally followed in spring 2023: As a result of public and legal pressure, foiling was cancelled as part of a pilot project The aim was to document accidents and complaints over a period of several months. As there were no incidents during this time either, the official authorisation was only logical:
Here is the ministry's statement on the foil ban:
"With regard to windsurfing with foil constructions (foil surfing), the results of last year's pilot test have so far confirmed the assessments made in advance with regard to the effects on the ecosystem and the potential hazards involved in practising the sport. Equating foil surfing (with wing or sail) with classic windsurfing (surfboards with fins) can therefore be justified. Restrictions in accordance with Section 7 (3) of the Saxon Shipping Ordinance (SächsSchiffVO) are not necessary. In this respect, foil surfing should continue to be able to take place within the scope of public use, on an equal footing with classic windsurfing. The disciplines of kite foiling and e-foiling continue to fall within the scope of application of Section 7 (3) SächsSchiffVO. The shipping authority can nevertheless authorise the use of designated stretches of water. The evaluation of usage behaviour, accidents and disruptions as well as nature and water protection concerns, which was started for the 2023 season evaluation, is to be continued in order to build up a valid database for the upcoming revision of the SächsSchiffVO and to be able to reliably classify foilsurfing constructions in the set of standards."
This should not only be a load off the minds of the Saxon water sports community, as the decision to ban foiling could also have a signalling effect for other federal states, where possible bans have at least been considered aloud. We'll soon reveal the best places to get out on the water in Saxony. There's a big spot guide with ten spots in surf issue 5-2024.
