Windsurfing Session in Weissenhaus
A stormy day in spring on the Baltic Sea
The forecast had been hinting for days that something was coming: the first spring storm—no longer quite so icy—heading for the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. By Friday at the latest, it was clear—Saturday wasn’t going to be a day spent on the couch.
By noon, though, things still looked pretty uneventful. Between Heidkate and Brasilienil: hardly any waves, most people out there with big wave sails, more cruising than action. I was still feeling a bit under the weather, so Plan B: hang on to the camera instead of the boom.
I arrive at the parking lot in Weissenhaus around 5:30 p.m. A few people are already outside, but somehow it doesn’t look quite like the forecast predicted. Everyone is keeping an eye on this ominous “orange patch” that, according to the forecast, is supposed to move into Hohwacht Bay starting at 6 p.m. So: bundle up, grab my tripod, and head down to the spot.
At exactly 6 p.m., as if on cue: the wind flips the switch. Behind me, the parking lot suddenly comes to life. What just a moment ago looked like the end of the day is about to explode in half an hour—the number of windsurfers jumps from maybe 20 to a good 50.
The conditions? Well, let’s just say they could use some work. Waves somewhere between waist and chest height, plus some pretty gusty wind. Not exactly a picture-perfect setup. But that’s exactly what makes it exciting sometimes. And what’s happening out on the water makes me forget the lackluster conditions right away: cutbacks with plenty of spray, backside turns, and even a few wave 360s and takas. They’re giving it their all on these small Baltic Sea waves. I can barely keep up with the camera—something’s always happening somewhere.
After a good two hours in the wind, reality finally sets in: it’s cold. Pretty cold. Apparently, the “warm enough” estimate was optimistic. But every now and then, the sun breaks through the clouds, bathing the spot in that golden light you can’t plan for—and suddenly my fingers are halfway functional again.
Eventually, it’s time to call it a day: two dead batteries, frozen to the bone. Back to the car, turning around one last time, one final glance at the water. The verdict on the day? Totally worth it. It’s exactly these sessions that stick with you.
April 29, 2026 © DAILY DOSE | Text: Marc Hollenbach | Fotos/Grafiken: Marc Hollenbach | translation: DE
