Top athletes from the international surfing world will meet in the 62-metre-long action pool in Hall 17 at boot Düsseldorf 2026 (17 - 25 January). Three official World Cups will provide spectacular action in Hall 17:
The FPT Freestyle Pro Tour contest has been confirmed for a while now. The best freestylers and some guests will compete against each other at Tow In. "The support from the audience here is incredible. It's events like this that help to make the sport bigger and better known!" said a delighted 2024 Freestyle World Champion Lennart Neubauer after his victory at boot 2025. The special atmosphere of the indoor event creates a unique closeness between athletes and spectators.
"What is shown here on the pool is amazing. I'm glad that we at boot Düsseldorf have the opportunity to offer these impressive sports a stage. Our pool with 1.3 million litres of water in the middle of a trade fair is unique and brings the sport of surfing directly to those we want to inspire and motivate," says boot Director Petros Michelidakis. This enthusiasm is reflected in the entire programme, which offers other top-class events in addition to the World Cups.
The Pooltastic Wakeboard Masters bring jumps and tricks, accompanied by rousing music from popular DJs. Spectators can look forward not only to spectacular performances, but also to a good dose of splashing water in the front rows. The European Skimboard Masters will not be competing on the big pool, but with just as many fans and stars. Which professionals will be competing in the various contests will be announced at a later date.
Those who are inspired by the pros can get active themselves. In surf sports hall 17, you will once again have the opportunity to try out many of the sports yourself - whether you are a beginner or an experienced water sports enthusiast. Those interested can try out wakeboarding and stand-up paddling on the XXL action pool. Pump foiling is on the programme for first attempts at flying over the water. Anyone who has always wanted to learn windsurfing will have the chance to gain their first experience with the help of 82 wind machines after an introduction on the surf simulator.
The hands-on activities are organised in cooperation with the Association of German Water Sports Schools VDWS e.V., which provides professional instruction. Kitesurfing can also be tried out on the simulator - including a "jump to the ceiling". Accompanied by experienced coaches, participants learn how to handle the windsurfing sail, receive valuable tips and can try out new sports in a safe environment. The registration options for the various hands-on activities will be available on the website www.boot.de from December 2025.
After the trade fair closes, the atmosphere continues in Hall 17 at the Soft Closing. This is where exhibitors, riders and visitors meet up for DJ sounds, after-work drinks and relaxed conversations. The special atmosphere ensures a successful end to the trade fair day and offers the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with like-minded people.
For visitors with a longer journey, the Surf Festival Camp directly at the exhibition centre offers the perfect overnight accommodation. Visitors with a combined ticket can stay overnight in their own camper in car park P1 at discounted rates. The camp experience is rounded off by morning yoga with Sascha Lange for an energising start to the day at the fair and DJ sets in the evening tent.
The admission prices for the world's largest trade fair for motorboats, luxury yachts, sailing boats, diving, surfing, paddling and fishing remain stable. The most favourable rate is the ticket for www.boot.club members, which costs just €19.00 for two days of trade fair experience. Free membership also includes access to the boot.club lounges in Halls 7 and 13 with free Wi-Fi.
Children under the age of 13 continue to have free admission to boot Düsseldorf, while young people aged 13 and over pay €14.00. Tickets can be paid for with the usual payment methods and, from 2026, also with online services such as Apple and Google Pay.