Founded in 2021, the “Rhein-Main Welle” initiative is a coalition of over fifty kayak and watersports clubs from central Germany. The initiative aims to create an inclusive watersports hub while preserving one of Germany's most renowned and historic playspots, the Steindamm Wave. As the only playspot within a 300-kilometer radius, the Steindamm faces the threat of being removed by a proposed fish bypass. Jonas Kuenkel, spokesperson of the initiative and volunteer advisor for wave building at the German Canoe Association, delved into the complexities of the European Water Framework Directive. Recognizing the potential loss of the Steindamm wave, he and a group of kayakers took action and led a multifaceted campaign. Through strategic social media and press efforts, political networking, and leveraging the sporting success of the region, Kuenkel successfully…
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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Winter 2024