Wing Foiling in Hohwacht Bay

Early winter in late fall - let's head to Lippe for some winter sports

Hohwacht Bay, November 20, 2025. Sleet on Wednesday, followed by a frosty night and a mere 1°C in the morning as I packed the car. Given the first snowfall in the highlands of central Germany, I could have grabbed my snowboard, but it was the wing foil gear that was waiting to be put to use on Thursday.

A strong north-northwesterly wind was forecast, so Hohwacht Bay was chosen - where, with this wind direction, the wind blows sideshore to slightly onshore from the left.

The temperature climbed to 4 degrees on the drive to the spot, and that was to be the day’s high. Sun, waves, and wind for 3.5 to 4.0 - a 6/4 wetsuit with a hood, a warm protective vest over it, gloves, and thick booties, and off to the water.

The conditions were good, and there wasn't much seaweed in the water. Riding the waves in the light of the low sun - that alone made the trip worthwhile.

The wind and waves then died down a bit, and the sky became overcast. The cold air was especially noticeable on my hands.

First my fingers went numb, then came the inevitable chill, accompanied by a tingling pain that even circling my arms couldn’t relieve. After a good two hours, I had to get out of the water and endure the pain of my fingers thawing out. It had been a long time since my fingers had been this cold.

Others were still out on the water, so I quickly grabbed my camera and walked further down into the bay to take a few more pictures. Then I headed back home.

By evening, the wetsuit is frozen stiff out on the clothesline, even though I ordered thick 5mm neoprene gloves...

November 21, 2025 © WING DAILY  |  text: Jürgen Schall  |  photos/graphics: Jürgen Schall  |  translation: DE