New surf magazine: Surf 05/2025 is here - with freeride boards, the NeilPryde story, Spot Guide Kiel and much more!

When the Olympic sailing competitions were held in Kiel-Schilksee in 1972, windsurfing was still a largely unknown sport in Germany. However, the games made Kiel world famous and earned it a reputation as the sailing capital of Germany. A resourceful city marketing agency then gave the city the name "Kiel.Sailing.City" in 2016, which has even adorned the city's letterheads as a brand ever since.

Less official, but just as accurate and, above all, board sports enthusiasts have been calling Kiel "Surf City" for much longer. The name has burnt itself into the minds of almost all windsurfers, even without a large marketing budget. The university city is probably at the top of the wish list of every first-year windsurfing student - the course of study often becomes a minor matter. The fact that the fjord city is so popular with surfers is mainly due to the many spots close to the city, some of which can even be reached by bike - or with one of the numerous ferry lines in the fjord. And within a manageable radius, there is a spot for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced wave surfers.

The density of highly talented windsurfers in Kiel is correspondingly high. "Surf City" doesn't hibernate either, even on icy easterly wind days you are never alone on the water here. In addition, many distributors of wind, wing and kitesurfing equipment have set up shop around the fjord - the proximity to the water and consumers is not a disadvantage for many, both for business and for personal pleasure. The exiled Franconian in the surf editorial team, Manuel Vogel, also moved to Kiel in 2001 to study. He stayed and now knows all the spots, including the right wind directions and spot conditions, better than almost anyone else. He shares all his knowledge with you in the big spot guide in the new issue!

The other topics in the May issue of surf:

• Big Days on the Cape Verde Islands: Leon Jamaer, Laurin Schmuth and Henri Kolberg catch the winter waves on the Cape Verde island of Sal
• Fehmarn Surf Festival: What's going on from 29 May to 1 June at Südstrand?
• Test freeride boards 130 litres: It's hard to believe how big the differences are between the eight test candidates. This test is all the more important to ensure you get the perfect board for your needs
• Science: Extreme waves "Monster waves" are not only found in the ocean, but also in the North Sea
• Who is Lars Poggemann? The young Kieler specialises in foil slalom. What are his goals and how difficult is the road to the top?
• Jono Dunnett - around Japan: After a winter break, extreme touring surfer Jono Dunnett is back on the road. How did he cope with going ashore and the cold start on the water?
• Toxic foam: How dangerous are the high PFAS concentrations in the North Sea and Baltic Sea for windsurfers?
• Mr Neil Pryde: From young rugby player to world market leader for windsurfing products. New Zealander Neil Pryde tells his exciting life and company story

New products in surf 05/2025

• Naish Mutant 98
• SurfEars 4.0
• Flight Sails Zorro V4
• Waist harness ION Axxis

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