Leisure time - Implementation of surfer wave open - Giessen examines options
Despite the completion of an environmental impact assessment, it remains unclear how a future surfer wave on the Lahn river in Gießen can be realized. The city of Gießen is examining various options, as stated.
An investigation into the flora and fauna around the Gießen city works weir revealed that, at least from an ecological perspective, there are no insurmountable obstacles. However, representatives of the water and shipping office in Koblenz pointed out several aspects that should be considered and examined when building a wave directly behind the weir in the Lahn, as Gießen's Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher (SPD) explained.
For instance, protected water areas around the weir should be preserved, conflicts with an existing boat ramp should be avoided, and any measures must comply with the Water Framework Directive.
"Wave bypass" for the Lahn?
Now, possibilities are being explored that might be simpler to implement. For example, a "wave bypass" could be installed, which is a man-made side arm of the river, into which a construction for the wave would be built. This is an attractive option because the need for a complex dry-docking of the construction site can be avoided.
However, water supply lines would need to be relocated on the bypass area. Other options, such as water diversions through pipelines or moving the wave to another Lahn section, are also feasible.
"The closer we get to addressing the necessary detailed questions for implementation, the clearer it becomes that there is no completely simple solution," Becher said. "We are now examining all viable options because the construction of a Lahn wave in or near the river is an attraction and a genuine addition for the city – for sports and recreation as well as from a tourist perspective."
Planning includes kayakers as well
Once the chances of realization for the project are clarified, negotiations will begin on how the planned wave can be made as useful as possible for various sports. Kayakers, in addition to surfers, have shown interest in the project, and they will be included in the planning, Becher added.
An initiative from water sports enthusiasts had developed the idea several years ago to install a standing artificial wave for wave riders behind a weir on the river. Meanwhile, a supporting association has been founded, in which Gießen surfers and kayakers are engaged. They advocate for a "wave for everyone," as the first chairman of the association, Janne Paul Schmidt, explained.
Germany-wide, there are already several such river waves, such as in Hannover, Nürnberg, and Pforzheim. The most famous is the Eisbach wave in the English Garden in Munich.
- Despite the interest from water sports enthusiasts, the preservation of protected water areas around the weir in Hesse is essential when considering the installation of a wave bypass for surfers and kayakers on the Lahn, as suggested by Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher from the SPD.
- The city of Gießen, in collaboration with the water sports enthusiasts' association, is exploring the possibility of leveraging the Lahn wave for leisure time activities, not just for surfers, but also for kayakers, which could attract tourists to Koblenz.
- As the environmental impact assessment and various feasibility studies progress, it's crucial to examine potential construction options for the Lahn wave, such as the wave bypass, while ensuring compliance with the Water Framework Directive and avoiding conflicts with existing infrastructure like boat ramps.
