Water sports

Active on the water

Surfing, sailing, or boat tours on Lake Steinhude—anything is possible.

Mecca for surfing fans

Over the years, the kiteboarding and surfing beach on Mardorf’s northern shore has become a popular gathering spot for surfers. During the summer season, you can access nearly the entire sea from here. Mardorf is also a hub for the kitesurfing community, where riders stand on small surfboards and hang from large stunt kites to perform acrobatic stunts that draw crowds. Experience a spectacle that, by the way, even beginners can learn at a local kitesurfing school.

Tip: If you feel like giving surfing a try, a surf school at the kite and surf beach will be happy to provide you with information about beginner courses and equipment.

Pure sailing pleasure

Sailors on Lake Steinhude — Sailing on the Steinhuder Meer

Lake Steinhude is one of Germany’s most historic sailing areas. Of the approximately 3,000 boats moored on the north and south shores, several hundred are out on the water on fine days—a fantastic sight. The lake is open to water sports enthusiasts from mid-March through the end of October; outside of this period, a winter navigation ban is in effect to protect the natural environment.

Over the years, a small "white industry" has developed around sailing, so that sailors can find all kinds of trade and services that are of interest for their sport. The offer ranges from jetty operators to water sports stores, boat rentals and sailing schools. Guests can bring their own boat and moor it at one of the guest jetties during their vacation or rent a suitable vessel by the hour or day from a local boat rental company.

You can find more information about sailing clubs, sailing schools, boat rental companies, and similar organizations here.

SUP - Stand-up paddling

People still use surfboards on Lake Steinhude even when the wind conditions are poor. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and perhaps that’s why you’re seeing more and more surfers gliding effortlessly across the water, standing on a long board with a large paddle. This new trend sport from Hawaii is called “stand-up paddling,” or SUP for short.

Even though your first attempts at standing up may look a bit wobbly, SUP is very easy to learn and suitable for anyone who isn’t afraid of the water and has some sense of balance. Stand up straight with your legs hip-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and pull the paddle backward in the water and forward above the water—this is an easy and comfortable way to glide across the water. You can find more information and sign up here.