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Playspot: Germany, NIedersachsen(lower saxony), River Ems, Listrup Wave

What's it like

Listrup Wave runs best in springtime, sometimes in summer after heavy rainfalls. The wave only appears when the river Ems is on high water or - even better - flood conditions.

The wave itself  is about one to barely two meters high, depending on the waterlevel. It is always breaking, and can get quite sticky and a bit nasty. It is not very fast but most modern moves can be done here.  On surfer's left is a green shoulder to go for big blunts. On the right side the shoulder is foamy. There's a good eddy service on the right side.

The spot is not good for beginners and even as an average playboater you've got to get used to this pulsating monster.

Look out for wood and trash coming down the weir, which is normal during floods... Except from the - for German standards - enormous amounts of  water, there are no dangers. No ground contact.

How to get there

From the Netherlands go the A1 which changes its name to the A30(E30) in Germany. Leave the A30 at the exit "Salzbergen" onto the K327 direction "Emsbüren" (go north). Follow the road (speed controls!) to the cross-way with the L58. Turn right onto the L58 and follow the road until it crosses the Ems. Drive over the brigde and turn right into the small road. Follow the road for about one kilometer and turn into the first road on the right side (quite in the forest). It's called "Zum Emswehr". Follow it and park at the lock.

Put in above the lock or carry straight to the weir. On surfer's left there is a stairway, usually half in the water, this is the best take-out.

More info

http://playboaters.de/view.php?my_id=335  (german website)

Water level info: http://luadb.lds.nrw.de/LUA/wiski/pegel.php   choose the station "Greven"

or use the direct link (not always working, address may change):

http://luadb.lds.nrw.de/LUA/wiski/pegel.php?stationsname=Gre ven&ersterAufruf=aktuelle%2BWerte

When the waterlevel reaches 550cm you will get a good level for the spot. The gauge is far upstream, we assume (pretty sure) the water needs about 36h to get down to the wave. You have time to plan your trip!

Videos from diffrent waterlevels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivRvyqKUvLE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZCpoZVnPX8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQwfkZSyH2w

pictures: http://playboaters.de/view.php?action=gallery>opic=1&a mp;gal=86&ansicht=

Locals

Please be friendly to the locals. The man who controls the weir lives right at the parking lot. The german water police has a station on the lock site. They don't work on weekends. Very friendly guys. They know we go kayaking there, but when the don't see it they don't have to do something about it ;-).

Events

No events. The spot does not run very often.

Info source

Benjamin. If you're not sure how to get there, or have problems with the gauge, contact mia via Playak!

Nearest weather station (°C):