Laboe is one of those classics of the Kiel Bay. Against the backdrop of the submarine U995 and the naval memorial stretches a huge standing-depth area, knee- to hip-deep, about one kilometre wide. Exactly the kind of water in which you learn to ride in peace.
| Area | Kiel Bay (Schleswig-Holstein) |
| Wind | Almost all directions except southeast (offshore), best with west to northwest and east |
| Water | Large standing-depth area, knee- to hip-deep |
| Level | Beginner to advanced |
| Sports | Kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, SUP |
| Camping & parking | Campsites and car parks in Laboe and the Probstei |
| Season | Most reliable April to June and September to October |
The standing-depth area
What makes Laboe special is the sheer size of the shallow area, around one kilometre wide and half a kilometre long, knee- to hip-deep. Here you can fall, stand up, carry on, without ever fighting for depth. People ride in almost all wind directions, only southeast is offshore and therefore off limits. With a southwesterly it can get too shallow for foilers and windsurfers.
Our impression: If anyone asks us where to learn to ride on the Kiel Bay, we say Laboe. Plenty of space, shallow water, good infrastructure, and the submarine at your back is a spot photo that everyone recognises.
Getting there and sleeping
Laboe is quickly reached from Kiel, with campsites and pitches around the Probstei. A perfect weekend area if you like shallow water and a bit of buzz on the beach.
You will find more waters in our spot overview.