Surftown MUC: Wave pool in Munich to open in 2024 - first tickets bookable
Tobias Frauen
· 01.12.2023
Almost everyone has seen pictures of Kelly Slater's "The surfing legend has just surfed the world's largest wave pool in Abu Dhabi, which is due to open soon. A few sizes smaller, it is also due to open next year near Munich, more precisely in Hallbergmoos near the airport. The "Surftown MUC" is still under construction, but you can already buy ticket packages for the artificial wave. A new option for wave SUPers and a quick wave in between - whether you can reconcile a session in the retort wave with your own conscience is up to you.
The "Presale Packages" are available for 50 sessions (2,899 euros), 25 sessions (1,699 euros) and ten sessions (749 euros). A session lasts 60 minutes and therefore costs 89 euros. In each session, the operator promises at least 12 opportunities for a take-off. Individual vouchers for beginners and advanced riders can already be booked. If you buy now, you can ride the first waves even before the official opening.
Seven different wave styles can be created
Surftown MUC will be around 20,000 square metres in size and is located in the Munich Airport Business Park (MABP). The surf pool has a length of around 180 metres and a total surface area of 10,000 m2. The operator promises "a surfing experience authentically modelled on the waves in the sea thanks to the patented Endless Surf technology". A total of seven different surfing levels, from beginner to pro, are catered for during the surf sessions to ensure perfect conditions for all ability levels. "We use modern software to precisely control 34 pneumatic wave chambers. This allows a wide variety of sections to be composed into a perfect wave." Rides up to 18 seconds long in point break mode and waves over two metres high are possible, whether with a shortboard, fish or longboard. "From the perfect beginner's wave with a simple take-off to powerful barrels and air sections, we create the right wave for everyone."
In terms of sustainability, the operators of Surftown MUC state on the website that existing infrastructure is used, there are compensation areas and the system can be operated 80% self-sufficiently via photovoltaics. The remaining electricity is sourced from 100% green electricity, and there is also energy storage for operation at night and when there is little sun. Fossil fuels are not used, and the pool is not heated and does not need to be drained for maintenance work. The actual generation of the waves is adapted to the utilisation and usage and there is a patented energy recovery system. The fact that the (not exactly cheap) pool is a real alternative to surfing trips by car or plane, as the operators claim, remains to be seen.
- More info: surftown.com
A wave pool is also planned in Stade, where BUND recently lodged an objection to the granting of planning permission. Farmers and a citizens' initiative are also opposing the construction of the wave park, which they see as incompatible with climate and nature conservation.
