Munich's Iconic Eisbach River Wave Disappears After Decades as Freshwater Surfing Destination

The 'mother of all river waves' in a German canal that is often credited as the birthplace of freshwater surfing has mysteriously disappeared after decades of flowing smoothly, leaving enthusiasts dumbfounded.

The famous stationary wave in the southern city of Munich is known as the Eisbach, or 'ice brook', for its frigid temperatures, and has become a pilgrimage site for surfers worldwide.

Unlike ocean surfing, its freshwater cousin takes place on a 'standing wave', which is often human-made, with currents often flowing over a concrete slab that manipulates the water into a permanent wave.