Kite courses for the deaf

What the wind whispers

Author: Anna Monterroso Carneiro
Published: March 21, 2025

In the Schaproder Bodden in the west of Rügen, you can stand right up to the fairway - an important prerequisite for surfing beginners. Kitesurfing instructor explains in sign language to the kitesurfing student what she should do.

Luisa and Patrick are standing on the shore of the Regenbogen Ferienanlage Suhrendorf campsite, a popular destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The kite instructor holds up an anemometer. „Not even twelve knots“, he comments. „Not an easy wind speed for a beginner, because it's difficult to keep the kite in the air with so little wind.“ For his explanation, Patrick has slipped the anemometer into his trouser pocket – he is deaf and needs both hands to communicate with Luisa in sign language.

Kitesurfers on Ummanz surf in the standing area on the Baltic Sea
Luisa's dream: kitesurfing on the Baltic Sea like the experts! That's why she booked a kite course at DeafVentures.
Kitesurfing lessons in sign language - The instructor explains to the student on Ummanz.
Everything clear? Luisa is deaf. So is her instructor Patrick. DeafVentures is the first certified kitesurfing school in Germany for the deaf.
Team from DeafVenture, Germany's first certified kite school for the deaf

What can come of a chance encounter?

Germany's first certified kitesurfing school for the deaf!

The two became friends in Sri Lanka. It turned out that Marie, the native language interpreter, never really had much work in the summer. "Why don't you come to Ummanz for a summer and help out at the surf school?" Pia suggested. That happened in the summer of 2017, and by the time the summer on Ummanz was over, the two friends had combined their respective professional skills into a joint project - a kit school for the walking-less. Pia, who had a Master's degree in International Management with a focus on start-ups, even completed a native language course. Now I can communicate quite well with deaf people, but of course not as well as Marie. She has really studied it.“

If it is too weak, beginners will find it difficult to keep the kite in the air. A kitesurfing instructor measures the wind with a wind gauge.

Five-day kite course for walkers

Wind fairs, lines and pizza

The beginner's course consists of ten hours spread over five days, from Monday to Friday. The program includes practical sessions on the Bodden, theory lessons and many moments of relaxation. The latter also take place in the form of a fresh pizza evening at the „tiki bar“ of the nearby surf hostel, where pastrami pizza is served with beer and summer soda, accompanied by wildly mixed music from the band.

Before taking the kite into the water, Patrick shows how to release the lines in an emergency.
Before going into the water with the kite, Patrick shows how to release the lines in case of emergency.
The kite pulls Luisa out of the water. The kite instructor holds her securely behind.
The kite pulls Luisa out of the water. It can finally start!
Refreshments with pizza, summer lemonade, beer and the two DeafVenture founders Pia and Marie in the "Tikibar".
Refreshment with pizza, summer soda, beer and the two DeafVenture founders Pia and Marie in the "Tikibar".
The Ummaii Surfhostel from the air with a view of the Baltic Sea at sunset
Right next to the kite spot - the Rügen Surfhostel with a view of the sunset.

Surfspots at the Baltic Sea and Lake District

Surfing spots in MV - Shallow water, flat water and wave spots for every wind direction

63 Ergebnisse
  • Great Jasmund Bodden, © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Groß Banzelvitz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18528 Groß Banzelvitz

    With northeast to south winds, beginners will find smooth water, a wide standing area and a meadow for relaxed set-up. Since the spot is only very small and therefore quickly overcrowded, inquire beforehand at the local surf school about the conditions.

    Read more: "Surfspot Groß Banzelvitz"
  • © TDG Rechlin mbH / BVCDMV Holger Martens

    Campsite "Boek" C16

    • Gertrud-von-le-Fort-Allee, 17248 Boek

    Welcome to the campsite "Boek" C 16, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin OT Boek. The campsite "Boek" C16 with a surf and canoe base is located directly on the south-eastern bank of the Müritz on a wide meadow. A camping vacation on the south-eastern shore of the Müritz means unspoiled nature, surrounded by water and forest, pure peace and relaxation, but also with all the opportunities for active pursuits. Shallow, sandy beaches and clear water invite you to swim, sail, surf or paddle - the campsite is a paradise for all water sports enthusiasts, but also ideal for families with children.

    Read more: "Campsite "Boek" C16"
  • © TuK GmbH Graal Müritz, Alexander Rudolph

    Surfspot Graal-Müritz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18181 Graal-Müritz

    Sideshore winds from the west and northeast are optimal for a surf day at the Baltic health spa. In stormy weather, however, Graal-Müritz is only recommended for experienced wave slashers due to the densely standing groynes and the steeply sloping beach.

    Read more: "Surfspot Graal-Müritz"
  • Mecklenburg Bay, © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Dierhagen

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18347 Dierhagen

    Dierhagen is a first-class wave spot from west to northeast. Since there are no groynes here, even beginners can venture into the Baltic waves.

    Read more: "Surfspot Dierhagen"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Surf Spot Ueckermünde (Stettiner Haff)

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17373 Ueckermünde

    This shallow water spot with the broad standing area is still a real sleeper. Optimal conditions dominate in northwest and southeast wind. Surfing is forbidden from May 15 to September 15. Then you can fall back on Bellin, which is only five kilometres away.

    Read more: "Surf Spot Ueckermünde (Stettiner Haff)"
  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Flessenow (Lake Schwerin)

    • 19067 Flessenow

    In the huge standing area, windsurfers of all levels get their money's worth with south to northwest winds. And you can even find a camping site directly at the spot.

    Read more: "Surfspot Flessenow (Lake Schwerin)"
  • © surflocal.de

    Kitesurfing track Boek

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Gertrud-von-le-Fort-Allee, 17248 Boek

    This is the top spot on the Müritz - and also the only one where you can kite on the water. The small but fine sandy beach slopes so gently that the water is shallow for 500 meters. You will have the most fun from southwest to north. If the water is calm, you can pass the time with beach volleyball or rent a SUP from the windsurfing school.

    Read more: "Kitesurfing track Boek"
  • Surfspot Prerow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18375 Prerow

    As a moderate wave area, Prerow also offers Baltic Sea beginners the best conditions - especially near the beach. The further out you surf, the heavier and more demanding the swell becomes. On good east wind days you can play with nice ramps.

    Read more: "Surfspot Prerow"
  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot North Beach Cape Arkona

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18556 Putgarten

    Cape Arkona at the northernmost point of the Island of Rügen is only for the hardy. With winds of 4 Beaufort or more from northwest to east, mighty Baltic Sea waves roll against the steep coast. Rocks lurk everywhere in the water, and when the wind blows from the north, extreme windward congestion occurs.

    Read more: "Surfspot North Beach Cape Arkona"
  • Surfspot Ückeritz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17459 Ückeritz

    Shallow water lovers will find dreamlike conditions in Ückeritz because of its sheltered location. With a 250-meter wide standing area, the spot is also perfect for beginners. You can rent equipment at the water sports school - and take a warm shower. South to northwest works best, then the wind has a free course.

    Read more: "Surfspot Ückeritz"

Content is loaded

Content is loaded

Content is loaded

back
Protected by