A new, exciting surfing destination is soon to conquer the waves of Munich’s surfing scene: O2 SURFTOWN MUCan innovative project led by passionate surfers and sports enthusiasts. The wave technology from Endless Surf® Technologie will be used for the first time. While construction work on Europe’s largest surf wave is in full swing, Michael Mohr, Chief Surfing Officer (CSO) of O2 SURFTOWN MUC, explains to us what Endless Surf® technology is all about, how greensurfing is possible and why the municipality of Hallbergmoos will become a surfing hotspot in the future.
Destination Hallbergmoos: Mr. Mohr, You are co-founder and CSO of O2 SURFTOWN MUC. What qualifies you for this?
Michael Mohr: I have dedicated my entire life to board sports, both professionally and privately. I’ve gained a lot of know-how and surfing expertise in the process. As a passionate surfer, I know Chris Boehm-Tettelbach (editor’s note: CEO of O2 SURFTOWN MUC) from the Eisbach in Munich. Together we wanted to create more opportunities for enthusiastic surfers.
Destination Hallbergmoos: How special is the O2 SURFTOWN MUC compared to other surf projects?
Michael Mohr: There are only a handful of surf pools in the world. The O2 SURFTOWN MUC doesn’t just focus on the surfing experience and a high-quality customer experience. It will be a place for everyone. With innovative wave technology, we guarantee perfect waves for surfers of all levels at all times. You will find the perfect environment here. In addition, our amenities, services and gastronomy enable all visitors, as well as citizens and companies of the MBP, to enjoy their stay to the maximum. The location can also be used for team-building events, birthday parties or even company and summer parties. This is an absolute specialty!
Destination Hallbergmoos: Let’s delve deeper into this. Does Endless Surf® technology mean that people can now surf day and night?
Michael Mohr: We will of course have opening hours that have to be taken into account, but otherwise: yes! The wave technology from Endless Surf® Technologie is unique in the world. The pneumatic technology works with 34 air chambers that are filled with air pressure. These are then pressed down like a keyboard to move the masses of water. This allows us to control the speed and intensity of the waves. What’s more, 60 people can be in the water at the same time.
Destination Hallbergmoos: Are the waves the same in every area of the surf pool?
Michael Mohr: The surf pool has different zones. The beginner zones are inside. Here you can stand in the water and the waves are beginner-friendly. What’s more important is what happens in the outside areas. In A-Frame mode, a wave breaks simultaneously from the center of the surf pool to the left and right, creating both right- and left-hand waves that are suitable for progressives and pros. In point break mode, the waves run along the wave generator for the entire length of the pool. These waves have a ride time of up to 18 seconds.
Destination Hallbergmoos: Two Olympians, Camilla Kemp and Tim Elter, recently visited us to test the water and wave quality. What was their feedback?
Michael Mohr: First of all, I have to mention that Camilla and Tim are doing an incredible job for surfing in Germany. Surfing is a young sport at the Olympic Games. Tim and Camilla are two Germans among the 48 approved competitors. Their feedback, as well as that of other surfers who have already been able to test the surf pool, has been incredibly positive. We are already being compared to Fiji and California and are told that we have the best pool wave.
Destination Hallbergmoos: Just as the Olympics have gained a new discipline, Hallbergmoos will soon have one too. Will people be surfing here all year round?
Michael Mohr: Hallbergmoos is an amazingly sporty community! Surfing will be possible here all year round in future. We know from the Eisbach that the Munich surfing scene is very tough. But we are also expecting people who are already active in other sports such as biking, hiking and skiing and now want to try out surfing. We also expect professional surfers to join us in the off-season. From 2025, we also want to organize competitions with our partners and take off internationally. By then at the latest, people will associate surfing, good food and beer with Hallbergmoos at least as much as with the sea. We are bringing this feeling to our Bavarian home.
Destination Hallbergmoos: With the masses of water that have to be moved, surfing – especially all year round – sounds like it consumes a lot of electricity. How sustainable is the concept?
Michael Mohr: We have very efficient photovoltaic systems on our roofs that supply the surf park with electricity. We will also be supplied with green and locally produced electricity by Vispiron in future. The photovoltaic park will soon be built just 500 meters away, which, together with our own PV system and storage solutions, will cover almost all of our needs.
Destination Hallbergmoos: And what about the water?
Michael Mohr: The pool has a closed water cycle. Thanks to evaporation and rain, the water level remains roughly the same throughout the year. In very dry months, evaporated water can be treated and replenished via a well into the groundwater. However, we do not consume any drinking water. Our aim is to promote sustainable surfing and take responsibility. We plan to show surfers the carbon footprint of their leisure activities in the future to raise awareness. This is important to us. We want to show that the fascinating sport and lifestyle of surfing is also possible far away from the coasts without the need for long journeys.
Thank you very much for the interview and the exciting insights!
Image material (c) O2 SURFTOWN MUC
You can find more information on leisure activities and events in Hallbergmoos in the Living category under Shopping & Entertainment.
