Who says you need the ocean to surf? In Austria’s landlocked terrains, the thrill of surfing is capturing hearts, particularly in Ebensee, where surfers tackle what’s claimed to be the world’s largest artificial river wave on the Traun River. This inland surfing hotspot defies traditional surfing locales, proving that waves are where you find them.
Avoid nosediving or leaning too far back—a couple of well-intentioned tips from seasoned surfers. Yet, the novice, clad in a thick wetsuit, wonders how to balance on this quivering mass as thousands of liters of water thunder beneath. It quickly becomes clear: skills honed on the ocean’s waves offer little advantage here.
The spectacle of more experienced surfers captivates those in line for the stationary wave. With grace, they launch from the side into the vibrant blue waters, carving the river wave with such speed and agility that onlookers get drenched in his wake. Their performance, filled with spins and speed control on the ten-meter-long and nearly one-meter-high wave, showcases their skill. Their ability to seamlessly merge with the wave, then casually rejoin the queue, leaves an indelible mark on the burgeoning scene of river surfing in Austria.
The novice surfer, electrified by the prospect of tackling the river’s waves, sets modest expectations before diving in. The moment of truth arrives: they hop on the board, push away from the concrete wall, and engage in a brief but exhilarating battle with the wave. For a fleeting seven seconds, they surf before succumbing to the water’s embrace—nosediving, then finding themselves in an awkward back position, swallowed by the swirling current, only to queue up and try again. Max Neuböck founder of the.riverwave offers words of consolation: “You’ve probably surfed this green wave longer today than on your first days at sea.” A statement hard to counter.
At the edge of his hometown Ebensee, 27-year-old Neuböck has brought to life something that’s currently the buzz of the European surfing scene. Before the Traun River flows into Lake Traunsee, in a scenic nowhere near Miesenbachmühle and right beside a high-voltage power line, an artificial river wave has been constructed.
Ebensee, the wave, and the surrounding natural beauty offer an endless surfing experience in the heart of Austria’s hinterland. Neuböck believes his creation, known as “The Riverwave,” operates consistently for at least 250 days a year. According to the operator, it’s the largest artificial river wave of its kind worldwide, having launched in mid-May this year.
The word about the wave in Ebensee spread quickly, even without much advertising. Despite the pandemic, it has attracted not just locals and curious visitors from all over Austria but also surfers from Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. “Recently, Belgians drove down twelve hours to get here. Five people crammed into a small Golf, with five boards strapped to the roof,” Neuböck shares.
Natural and Engineered Surf Spots in Austria
In addition to engineered wonders, Austria is home to numerous natural surf spots along its rivers. These spots come alive particularly when significant amounts of water flow quickly over a large elevation drop and the riverbed conditions are just right, creating surfable standing waves. This phenomenon is most common in the spring with the melting snow or after heavy rains. Cities like Graz have seen regular surfing in the Mur river, and other notable spots include the Inn river at Silz in Tyrol, the Ybbs near Amstetten, and the Traun near Bad Ischl.
However, these floodwater waves, with their unpredictable currents, debris, and rocks, are generally suited for experienced surfers. Many of these spots are closely guarded secrets within the local surfing community and can disappear as quickly as they form due to changes in the riverbed.
For those new to river surfing, courses are available, like those offered by the Rivermates Surfclub Salzkammergut, providing a safer introduction to the sport. Max Neuböck, a surf aficionado and once Austria’s youngest surf instructor at 16, sought to create something more permanent. His project on the Traun river required considerable persistence, with regulatory approval processes lasting six years due to the project’s unprecedented nature.
Neuböck ingeniously utilized the natural height difference at a specific section of the river to construct a 120-meter-long and 10-meter-wide concrete channel, featuring two hydraulically adjustable steel flaps to control the flow and shape of the wave. Dubbed “The Riverwave,” this engineering marvel can regulate water flow between 12,000 and 35,000 liters per second, adjusting the wave’s height from 30 centimeters to 1.5 meters to cater to both beginners and experts. This innovation has made “The Riverwave” a focal point in the European surfing scene, attracting surfers from all over the continent to experience its consistent, rideable waves.
Regulars, who have snapped up annual passes for 444 euros, enjoy exclusive access on Mondays and Thursdays, while day visitors hope for a peaceful queue, regardless of their skill level. Day passes range from 23 to 27 euros, with equipment rental sets available for 35 euros.
Even seasoned ocean surfers find unique challenges and thrills on “The Riverwave.” After a few attempts and adjustments, the joy of mastering the river wave is unparalleled, inspiring surfers to return to the lineup with a broad smile, ready for another run.
