With the "Foilen 2023 pilot project", which is the Foil ban in Saxony lifted at least temporarily The state government has responded to the protests of windfoilers and wingfoilers. In a letter submitted to the surf editorial team, the responsible authorities have now been informed of the guidelines that are to be applied in the 2023 season.
Accordingly, windfoiling, wingfoiling and SUP foiling are summarised in a "case group" and may be practised freely. According to the letter, they are equated with normal windsurfing with a fin. The letter states: "Once a foil surfer is on the water, they are to be assessed as a windsurfer in terms of disturbance ecology. Although it rises about half a metre more out of the water than the classic windsurfer, in view of the total height of over 2 m and the already good visibility of a windsurfer on the water, this is not a categorical difference. Maximum speed and manoeuvrability are also comparable between windsurfers and foil windsurfers." The last point in particular is important, as it invalidates a key justification for the ban. At the time, it was said that significantly higher speeds could be achieved with a foil.
Saxony's existing surf spots are to be utilised
The guidelines also recommend using existing windsurfing spots so as not to come into conflict with nature conservation. "It can be assumed that bird species that are sensitive to disturbance will be scared off anyway, so that the extension of the potential utilisation period due to the lower wind strength requirements of foil windsurfing should not trigger any prohibitions under species protection law."
However, kite foiling and the use of foils with electric propulsion remain prohibited in Saxony. In addition, as already reported, some bodies of water are excluded from the pilot scheme for nature conservation reasons: Berzdorfer See, Partwitzer See, Seelhausener See and the Quitzdorf dam.
Kite-foiling and e-foils remain prohibited
Furthermore, the letter sent by the responsible State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport to the state directorate on 29 March recommends putting up signs for bathers on the shore and publicising the rules of conduct. Marking with buoys or buoys, however, is "not considered necessary".
It is expressly emphasised once again that after completion of the pilot project, the "water owners or users" are to submit a progress report for the evaluation of the risks. However, no further details are provided.
"With these results, we assume that we can look forward to a very modern and innovative water sports season in the Free State of Saxony," reads the ministry's letter. "Nevertheless, we continue to see the need for a fundamental revision of the SächsSchiffVO. We will intensify this process, which is already underway, in the next step and look forward to constructive cooperation," writes the head of the responsible department.
"A very good decision!" says VDWS Honorary Chairman Thomas Weinhold about the key points of the pilot scheme. In fact, the arguments of the water sports associations seem to have fallen on sympathetic ears in Saxony's authorities. Even if a further review is to take place in autumn, the prospects for an accident-free 2023 season are very good.
