Experts wanted to use the pebbles to try to capture Eisbach’s famous surfing waves in its heart Munich to recover. The sediment deposits are intended to recreate conditions in the river bed that existed before routine cleaning – and thus also revitalize the tide, as the municipality announced after discussions with experts at the building authority.
According to the buildings department, the riverbed was cleared of trash and sediment in October. Since then the waves have disappeared and no longer accumulate as usual. Why is not entirely clear.
Test via model experiments?
Model experiments are now expected to be used to test the impact of possible changes. In early June, experts from Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg were tasked with creating a model to gain scientifically proven insight into the long-term situation of safe surfing of waves. Testing arrangements at a scale of 1:5 are expected to become operational next week. It could also be used to realistically test short-term measures to restore surfable waves at Eisbach, he said.
It was initially unclear when exactly the gravel deposits in the river bed began to form. A prerequisite for any structural intervention in a water system – including the use of gravel – is a water use permit.
Mayor Reiter is confident
The city is working at full speed to find solutions with external experts and in dialogue with the surfing community, said Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD). “I know everyone’s patience will be tested here. However, I remain confident that we will be able to restore the tide in good time so that many surfing fans can return to their hobby – and the people of Munich and many guests from all over the world can see the athletes again.
Experts are involved
A prerequisite for the creation of a surfable standing wave is that a sudden change from a rushing current to a flowing current occurs in a river or canal, as explained by Robert Meier-Staude, Professor of Resource Saving Design at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Industrial Engineering. This sheath creates waves or at least foamy water. The latter can currently be seen as a replacement for Eisbach waves. Staude was supposed to lead the effort to cover the waves again with gravel. The first changes to the Eisbachwelle tributary were unsuccessful.
The waves are challenging and attract surfers from all over the world. California surfing star and multiple world champion Robby Naish also took part in Eisbach.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251112-930-284448/1
