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 results

  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Altefähr

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18573 Altefähr

    At the Strelasund you can surf with a southeast to west wind with a view of the skyline of the Hanseatic City of Stralsund and the impressive Rügen Bridge. On the lawn you have plenty of space to set up.

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

    Surfspot Dranske

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18556 Dranske

    The main spot is located in the middle of the town on the Wieker Bodden - protected from the open Baltic Sea. You can set up and launch on a large meadow. In front of it, there is a large shallow water area with a 200-meter wide standing area. A little insider tip: With east and west winds, you can enjoy the jet effect.

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

    Schaprode surf spot

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18569 Schaprode

    With perfect flat water and a gigantic standing area, Schaprode is made for refining your style under laboratory conditions. But stay away from the fairway! You are not allowed to kite at this creamy spot for nature conservation reasons. Optimal conditions are provided by winds from southwest to northwest.

    Read more: "Schaprode surf spot"
  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Baabe

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18586 Baabe

    Baabe is a top location with easterly wind directions. The waves break cleanly on the sandbank and run onto the beach with a moderate shorebreak. In high season, you are not allowed to go on the water in the bathing zone marked with buoys.

    Read more: "Surfspot Baabe"
  • © Oceanblue Watersports

    Oceanblue Watersports

    • Am Parkplatz, 18230 Rerik

    Our greatest reward is your joy! Fast learning success on the kite, through individual support.

    Read more: "Oceanblue Watersports"
  • Vitter Bodden, © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Hiddensee

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18565 Insel Hiddensee

    The car-free island of Hiddensee is an adventure playground for wave experts, especially with winds from the southwest to the north. In front of the natural beach, almost big waves start up for Baltic Sea conditions - in strong northwest winds, the green rollers build up to three meters.

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

    Surfspot Peenemünde

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17449 Peenemünde

    Locals on Usedom especially appreciate Peenemünde, especially with winds from the north to southeast. Unlike most Baltic Sea spots on the island, you only have to share the beach with a few bathers. The standing area is 120 meters wide, making it perfect for anyone venturing into the waves for the first time.

    Read more: "Surfspot Peenemünde"
  • © northtours, Krämer, Polly Ferienhof

    Boat rental at Polly Ferienhof Strasen

    • Pelzkuhler Str., 17255 Strasen

    On a quiet side arm of the Großer Pälitzsee in the Polly Ferienhof you can rent out Single kayak, double kayak with steering system, canoe (3 persons or 2 adults and max. 2 children), SUP (fixed boards), fishing boat (as rowing boat or with 5 HP motor, max. 4 persons)

    Read more: "Boat rental at Polly Ferienhof Strasen"
  • Tremt surf spot

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18519 Tremt

    On east wind days Tremt is a popular shallow water spot on the Greifswalder Bodden. The entry area is a bit narrow, but you can do it on the water and on land really wide. A fat nozzle provides extra power in kites and sails.

    Read more: "Tremt surf spot"
  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Thiessow (main spot)

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18586 Thiessow

    You can park and stay overnight directly at the spot for a small fee with your van, camper or other vehicle. You can set up your equipment on the beach or on a small meadow. Best wind direction for wave fans is southwest. Then moderately high waves run into the small bay.

    Read more: "Surfspot Thiessow (main spot)"

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