Chasing the Storm @ Lake Urnersee

Benjamin, you’re known for chasing extreme conditions. What made you choose Lake Urnersee on this particular day?

Benjamin: Normally, I head to Lake Kochel when there’s a Foehn wind forecast, but this time, I wanted to try something new. Lake Urnersee had been on my radar for a while due to its notoriously strong winds. When I saw the forecast—nearly 15 hectopascals of Foehn pressure, meaning gusts up to 60 knots—it was a no-brainer. I’d seen lots of windsurf shots from there but hardly any wingfoilers. The challenge and intensity of it really appealed to me. So, I went for it.

How do you prepare for such a mission? Do you follow a specific routine or checklist?

Benjamin: The night before, I spoke with local riders Balz Müller and Michi Näf, and they both confirmed the storm would be serious. I packed my 2.5m wing, loaded the car, and set my alarm early. Even the four-hour drive through the Alps was wild—strong gusts were already shaking the car. That raw energy from nature just built up the anticipation. I always take two small wings in case one breaks, and I’ve set up a double leash system to avoid losing my wing mid-lake—that could mean a long and dangerous swim, especially in near-freezing water. And before getting on the water, I always take time to warm up properly to avoid injury.

What went through your mind when you arrived at the lake and saw the conditions?

The moment I came around the last bend and saw the lake, I knew it was going to be intense. The water was alive—spray flying, wind tunnels racing across the surface, even small branches in the air. When I got to the parking lot in Isleten, windsurfers were already out, and the wind was clocking in at 40 knots with gusts up to 65. Anything not tied down was airborne. Pure adrenaline!

What was it like once you were actually out there?

It was a battle—like dancing with chaos. Gusts would slam in out of nowhere and then disappear, so you had to stay laser-focused the whole time. At one point, a gust ripped the wing out of my hands, but thanks to the double leash, I held onto it. The hardest part, surprisingly, was breathing—the gusts were so strong they literally blew the air away. Add to that the icy spray from 5-degree water, and it felt like your lungs couldn’t catch up.

How did you recover after such a physically intense session?

I did about 20 minutes on the water at a time, then came in for short breaks. Without that, it would’ve been impossible to last. After three hours total, I was completely wiped out—like I’d been through a spin cycle. Probably picked up a few bruises too. But honestly, this is what I live for—experiencing nature in its rawest form. I think the full impact of it only hit me the next day.

For those inspired to chase a Foehn storm themselves—what do they need to know?

First off: never go out alone. If something fails, getting back can take half an hour or more. Second: Isleten is the best spot for full power, but Bollbach is a bit more forgiving if you’re looking for slightly calmer conditions. And third: don’t underestimate the cold. The Foehn may bring warm air, but the water stays icy—so make sure your gear matches the conditions.

Thanks for the insights, Benjamin - we’re looking forward to your next storm chase.

Thanks! I hope I get to experience another day like that again soon.