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
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • © surflocal.de

    Surfspot Rose Garden

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18574 Rosengarten

    A hunting ground without frills. Even the approach via the bumpy dirt road is a real adventure. But the courage is rewarded. When the wind blows from the northeast to the south, Rosengarten is a real top spot. Then you can ride kilometer-long strokes parallel to the natural shore and almost always have standing-deep water under your board.

    Read more: "Surfspot Rose Garden"
  • Surfspot Pepelow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18233 Pepelow

    The spot at the Salzhaff offers shallow water deluxe! You can park in front of or on the campsite. Day tickets are available at the reception. The Salzhaff is very shallow and the standing area is therefore extremely large. Especially windsurfers have to walk further out at low tide so that the fin doesn't involuntarily become an anchor. Pepelow shows its best side with southwest to north.

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

    Loissin surf spot

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17509 Loissin

    You can reach the spot via the campsite, where you can also take a shower and, of course, pitch your tent. Beginners will find a large standing area in Loissin. Experienced surfers will be happy about the fantastic shallow water conditions. The spot works with wind from west to northeast.

    Read more: "Loissin surf spot"
  • © 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"
  • © Rene Legrand

    Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15

    • Am Müritzufer, 17248 Boeker Mühle

    Welcome to the campsite "Bolter Ufer" C 15, in the state-recognized resort of Rechlin OT Boeker Mühle. The campsite with a catamaran and surfing mill is located directly on the south-eastern bank of the Müritz, in the middle of a mixed forest.

    Read more: "Campsite "Bolter Ufer" C15"
  • 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"
  • Boiensdorf surf spot

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 23974 Boiensdorf

    At the southern end of the Salzhaff, Boiensdorf offers you a 200-meter wide standing area when the wind blows from the west to the northeast. And perfect smooth water for practicing and tricks is on top.

    Read more: "Boiensdorf surf spot"
  • © Marie Kohlen

    DeafVentures

    • Suhrendorf, 18569 Ummanz

    DeafVentures offers you kitesurfing courses that are adapted to your needs. The team includes two deaf kitesurfing instructors, a sign language interpreter and a hearing kitesurfing instructor who also diligently learns DGS!

    Read more: "DeafVentures"

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