Petro Surf 4.0
Every year a gathering takes place of air cooled Porsches, with their surfing and skating pilots, on Sylt, a small island off the Northern coast of Germany. Brainchild of surfer, Porsche enthusiast and Sylt native, Ken Hake, this is a special event, held over three days, near midsummer.
The Island is beautiful, with its traditional thatched cottages and laid back feel. It has long been the go to holiday destination, the German version of the Hamptons.
Sylt was the birthplace of German surfing over 70 years ago, and is the perfect location for Petro Surf, which brings together air-cooled Porsches who love surfing.
The Warm Up
A chance to catch up with friends old and new at the harbour, the music plays and we dance, as the sun sets behind our Porsches, sitting proud on the harbour walls.
The days are long and sultry, with the odd storm that leaves as quickly as it arrives, clearing the air.
Surf Competition
An early start for the surfers, driven by the best waves, with a 6:30am call, a hardy few head to the sea for the surf competition, boards strapped to their cars.
The Main Event
A DJ plays in the background as the sound of exhausts rumble past, to park at the harbour, carrying their surf or skateboards. The sun is shining and the vibe is chilled as friends welcome each other.
The Porsches take over the harbour for the afternoon and do what enthusiasts love best; we check out each other’s cars and listen to the stories that they come with, as the music plays in the background.
The Driving Challenge
Deceptively difficult. A short ‘autocross’ course, with two runs. The winner is the person with the closest time on each run. The judges oversee.
The Ferry
Heading home, this is a sight to see; a ferry full of air-cooled Porsches.
Somehow we all fit in, with inches to spare. There is a party atmosphere as awards are announced on the deck and thanks are given to Ken and his team.
The afterparty
Landing on the Danish Island of Rømø, some head for home, and others head to the beach. Flat, drivable sand, sunshine and air-cooled Porsches, what could be better for the final goodbye.
With a long drive ahead of us in our Race Car, we headed for home. Until Next time!
Photography
Photography is popular at Petro Surf. When time allows, Porsches can be spotted all over the island getting the perfect shots., especially at sunrise and sunset. An early start.
Some of the best photography is at Weststrand which is privately owned. Expect to pay your €6.50 either at the gate or, if you are out-of-hours, to the gentleman who will come and find you. Be nice.
Sheep graze wildly here, so be considerate, drive slowly and quietly. Drones are a big no-no. If you look like you are taking commercial photography, expect to pay a fee for that.
At this time of year, the sunrises and sunsets are long, and give the most amazing light.
Practical things
Tickets go on sale about April, and there are a limited number of places. The Island is small and there is a capacity limit for the locations used. Tickets include the Warm-Up, the Events and the Ferry.
This is a casual event, organized by Ken, it has a chilled vibe. Things change depending on the surf forecast, and the needs of the day.
The Wi-Fi is limited and there is little to no data signal for your mobile phone on the island.
Getting There
We travelled from the UK in our ‘73 RSR race car, averaging about 400km and 4 hours driving a day. We allowed four days each way, which gave us a rest day if we needed it.
There are not many accommodation options north of Hamburg, and in Hamburg much of the parking is in public underground car parks. We suggest you look for a hotel south of the city.
Side Trip
If your journey takes you up the A50 in Holland, then it is well worth a stop at Porsche Classic Centre Gelderland. You will have seen nothing like it, anywhere.
With a showroom full of classics and a huge workshop capable of everything from a bare-metal restore to a simple service, only upholstery is done off-site.
The owner’s collection of model cars lines the walls, and the team is knowledgeable, friendly and very happy to show you around.
Porsche Classic Centre Gelderland
Ressenerbroek 2, 6666 MR Heteren, Netherlands
