Surf Festival: Lots of wind, Racer of the Sea and German Freestyle Battles - a perfect day on Fehmarn
Tobias Frauen
· 20.05.2023
With around 20 knots of wind in the afternoon, the conditions at the surf festival continued to improve: smaller equipment could also be tested and most of the boards and sails were on the water. There was a lot going on in front of the festival site on the south beach, as surfers of all abilities and ages were out on the water testing the exhibitors' equipment.
In addition to hundreds of testers, around 60 competitors took part in the German Freestyle Battles and the Racer of the Sea. 120 windsurfers who enjoy contests and want to compete with others in a relaxed atmosphere - a very strong showing!
The fascination of a regatta at the Racer of the Sea
At the Racer of the Sea, the mixed field for foils and Finns started first with twelve starters, with the majority later taking to the water in the Finn-only classification in freshening winds. We were able to be there up close on the finishing boat in the first race and capture the good mood and emotions. Ex-worldcupper Marco Lang, who is on site at the surf festival for Duotone and Fanatic, and Dennis Müller were seasoned pros who were battling it out for victory. But amateur surfers and first-timers of all ages and abilities were also there and clearly had fun. What was particularly striking was that no special equipment was required to have fun at Racer oft he Sea. After several races, all the starters had a meal together to refuel for the next races tomorrow.
The German Freestyle Battles, which are also part of the European Freestyle Tour EFTP this year, were also attended by many newcomers who were keen to compete. Lina Erpenstein, Leon Jamaer and other well-known names were also at the start. The heats lasted well into the evening. You can read detailed reports on both competitions here on surf-magazin.de in the next few days!
Protest against the Baltic Sea National Park
Today's surf festival also focussed on a less pleasant topic: the plans for a Baltic Sea national park are of concern to many water sports enthusiasts. In protest against the plans, Vincent Langer started a circumnavigation of Fehmarn on a foil in the morning. Under the motto "Never again?", he wanted to surf around the island one more time before it is possibly banned. After around four and a half hours, he arrived back on the south beach - "there was very little wind on the leeward side, in some places I could only bob around," Vincent reported afterwards on the beach stage. Shortly afterwards, Björn Brüggemann, one of the activists against a water sports ban, reported on the main stage about the current situation and further scenarios. According to Brüggemann, it is important that all affected groups make their voices heard and continue to be active.
The wind forecast for the final day is also still very good, even if it is a little less than forecast today. In addition to further races at the Racer of the Sea and the German Freestyle Battles, you can continue to test your fins and foils until 16:00. There are also more workshops and lectures on the programme!
