Quick-thinking surfers intervened and pulled the men to safety, preventing what could have turned into a serious accident.
The incident occurred on June 21 on the Ländkanal at the Floßlände in the Thalkirchen district. The three men, visiting Munich, were floating in an inflatable boat and failed to exit the water before the artificial wave, as experienced boaters typically do. Instead, they attempted to ride the wave with their raft. What began as an adventurous moment quickly escalated into an emergency when the boat turned sideways and got stuck in the current.
A video of the event, which later circulated on social media, showed the men wearing straw hats, visibly panicking as they struggled to free themselves. Barbara Feige, a city guide and eyewitness, happened to be filming nearby when she captured the scene.
“I found it quite strange at the time,” she said. “Usually, inflatable boat riders get out before the wave and carry the boat a few meters further. I thought they would do the same. But they went straight through.”
That decision soon proved to be a mistake. The footage showed the boat being repeatedly hit by waves and slowly filling with water. Feige described the men’s reaction as frantic: “They were clearly frightened and paddled desperately but couldn’t get free.”
Fortunately, several surfers were nearby and responded immediately. One after another, five of them jumped into the water. They managed to reposition the boat and allow it to drift away from the danger zone. Their swift action defused the hazardous situation and brought the men to safety.
The inflatable boat had been rented from a Munich-based outdoor company, where boats are available starting at 75 euros. After the incident, the tourists met the rental operator, who asked them about their experience. Their reply was telling: “We totally underestimated it.” Thankfully, help had been close at hand.
While navigating this section of the canal in inflatable boats is legally permitted, experts strongly advise against riding through the surfer wave. Franz Fasel of the Interessengemeinschaft Surfen in München (IGSM) reassured that no serious incidents had ever occurred at this spot. “If you’re unsure, just carry the boat past the wave,” he recommended.
Safety Rules for Boating on the Isar River
With summer temperatures rising, the Isar attracts both locals and tourists, but strict rules apply. The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. Extra boats designated solely for drinks, known as “beer dinghies,” are not allowed, nor are glass bottles or loud music. Violations can result in fines of up to 5,000 euros.
Which sections of the river are open for boating? Within the city limits, boating is permitted from the southern city boundary to about 100 meters downstream of the Thalkirchen Bridge, and from the Bogenhausen Bridge to 200 meters upstream of the Oberföhring weir. The season ends on October 15. More detailed regulations can be found at the city’s official website.
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