Action, adrenaline and aftershow vibes - what surf fans can expect at boot Düsseldorf 2026

Action, adrenaline and aftershow vibes what surf fans can expect at boot Düsseldorf 2026 © Messe Düsseldorf / CT

When boot Düsseldorf opens its doors from 17 to 25 January 2026, Hall 17 will once again become the hotspot for the international surf and trend sports community.

The XXL indoor pool will host world-class contests, and visitors can hop on a board themselves - and wind down the day with music, drinks and good vibes. Those travelling from farther away can spend the night in their own camper at the Surf Festival Camp on P1 directly at the exhibition grounds, together with other surf enthusiasts.

World-class contests at boot Düsseldorf

In January, top athletes from the surf world will meet on the 62-metre Action Pool. Three official World Cups will deliver spectacular action in Hall 17:

The "GWA Indoor Wingfoil World Cup - boot Düsseldorf 2026" promises once again to be a major highlight, thrilling spectators in the hall.

Pump foilers will have their own stop on the "SFT Surf Foil World Tour - boot Düsseldorf 2026", where they appear to fly across the flat water of the Action Pool. At the "EuroTour SUP Indoor World Cup - boot Düsseldorf 2026" the stars of the racing scene will once again fight for every tenth of a second needed to win their duel on the pool.

The windsurfing stars will also demonstrate why their sport belongs in front of a large audience. Jumps that are normally only visible from the beach through binoculars will be showcased up close at the "FPT Freestyle Pro Tour - boot Düsseldorf."

"The support from the crowd here is incredible. These are exactly the kinds of events that help make the sport bigger and more well-known!" said 2024 Freestyle World Champion Lennart Neubauer after his win at boot 2025.

"What is showcased on this pool is simply mind-blowing. I'm glad that we at boot Düsseldorf have the opportunity - and actively use it - to provide a stage for these impressive sports. Our pool with 1.3 million litres of water right in the middle of an exhibition hall is unique and brings surfing directly to those we want to inspire and motivate," says boot Director Petros Michelidakis.

The "Pooltastic Wakeboard Masters - boot Düsseldorf 2026" amazes visitors with breathtaking jumps and tricks, accompanied by energetic music from top DJs - and they guarantee plenty of spray for the spectators in the front rows.

Not on the big pool, but with just as many fans and stars, the "European Skimboard Masters - boot Düsseldorf 2026" will also take off.

Which pros will compete will be announced soon - but one thing is already certain: the contests promise first-class action, spectacular tricks and an extra dose of adrenaline.

Give it a try - the participation programme in hall 17

Anyone inspired by the stars can take to the pool themselves. Whether beginner or experienced rider - Hall 17 offers the right activity for every visitor:

• Wakeboarding and stand-up paddling on the 62-metre Action Pool
• Pumpfoiling for first attempts at "flying" over the water
• Getting started with windsurfing, powered by 82 wind machines, after an introduction on the surf simulator in collaboration with VDWS e.V.
• Kitesurfing on the simulator - including jumps "up to the ceiling hall"

With the support of professional coaches, visitors learn to handle the windsurf rig, receive tips from experienced surfers and can try out new sports in a safe environment.

Party, camping and community

Even after the exhibition closes, Hall 17 keeps the vibes going: at the Soft Closing, exhibitors, riders and visitors meet for DJ sets, after-work drinks and conversation.

Anyone wanting to fully embrace the exhibition experience can find a temporary home right on the grounds. The Surf Festival Camp offers discounted camping spots for visitors with a combined ticket, plus morning yoga to start the day right and DJ sets in the evening tent.

Further information, programme details and registration for participation activities will be available from December 2025 at www.boot.de.