Let’s Go Surfing … At Munich Airport?

Traveling through Munich Airport between now and August 24th, 2014? Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! Just in time for German school holidays, the airport has re-opened the Surf and Style initiative between Terminals 1 and 2, in the Munich Airport Center. Over the coming weeks, those traveling through MUC will have the option of hopping on a complimentary surfboard for a free 45-minute surf session. We are not even kidding…

Experienced surfers can pre-register online for their own 45-minute time slot, where they will surf alongside nine other people in 1.5m high waves. The wave pool is open daily from 3pm to 8:15pm, and all equipment – including boards and wetsuits – is offered free of charge!

This pool may also actually prove to be one of the best places to test out your surfing abilities. Beginning at 3pm and 6pm daily, a support bar is lowered over these shark-free waters to help newbees find their surfing legs during two 45-minute sessions. Professional instructors are on hand during these slots, offering up tips and tricks as you learn to ride the waves. Teens and children are also invited to take part in three-day camps, where skilled professionals teach the basics of surfing. While signing up for an airport surf camp may not be the classic German summer vacation, we’re certainly intrigued by the idea!

Even if you don’t plan to surf, you’d be wise to wander past the pool on a layover. A 500-person grandstand, a palm-fringed temporary beach and an excellent cocktail bar currently surrounds the pool. Better yet, should you find yourself in Munich on August 9th or 10th, the pool will be hosting the European championship for Stationary Wave Riding. Germany’s top “urban surfers” will compete against some of the world’s best river surfers for prizes that total over 10, 000 euros. We are certain that it is not every day you get to watch a surfing championship in an airport…

We mean, why not squeeze in a quick tropical vacation to your northern European travels? We’re dying to hear feedback from anyone who has suited up – or lounged on the “shore”!