A stationary surge in a Munich stream that served as a surfing magnet for more than 40 years has vanished, leaving urban surfers high and dry.
The water volume in the "ice brook" dropped last week for annual cleanup work along the river bottom.
But when the barriers were removed and water began to flow again on Friday, the famous surge failed to appear like it typically does.
"We're at a loss," surfer Klaus Rudolf told a publication. "I stood at the bank with my surfboard on Friday night and was astonished."
The river surge in the Englischer Garten park has become a landmark in the southern German city since unofficial wave riders in the 1980s turned it from an occasional natural phenomenon to a permanent surfable presence.
Municipal authorities vow rapid resolution
"The city administration is working with the water authorities and wave enthusiasts to find a quick solution so that the renowned water surge will return shortly to its normal state," Mayor Dieter Reiter announced this week.
The precise reason the surge disappeared was still unknown as of this week, as stated by city officials.
The recent work cleared debris from the streambed and inspected the waterway.
"No alterations were performed on the Eisbach wave or its edges throughout the maintenance," the city said, and an examination of the location earlier this week did not reveal structural issues.
Recovery attempts in progress
Officials plan to redirect additional flow from the Isar River into the stream in hopes the surge returns.
The Munich river surge is generally considered the biggest and steadiest river wave in the center of a large urban area, and has grown into a visitor draw in Bavaria's state capital, which is typically recognized for beer and sausage at the annual Oktoberfest.
Franz Fasel, head of the local surfers' association the surfing organization, told news agencies in summer that thousands of Munich wave riders use the Eisbach wave.
"Surfing is simply integral to the culture in the city," he stated. "Not only for the riders personally, but also for the urban identity."
Safety measures established after previous event
Previously, the river surge had recently resumed after a months-long closure following the spring tragedy of a 33-year-old Munich woman who became trapped beneath the water while riding waves after dark.
Since it reopened, new safety rules prohibited after-dark riding and established an age requirement of fourteen to enter the stream.
