Wendisch Rietz (Scharmützelsee)

Wendisch Rietz on Scharmützelsee is a small inland lake spot best suited to riders who can manage a tight, launch-area environment and shared-water traffic. The core wind directions are NNE/NE, with the most reliable months generally cited as April, May, September, and October. Water is described as flat to choppy/flat-choppy, with minimal to no significant currents typical of a large inland lake. Conditions at this launch are often more technical than open-water beaches. Multiple sources emphasize the small grassy (and partly sandy) rigging/launch space and surrounding trees/buildings that can create turbulence. Gustiness is commonly reported, and wind performance/reliability can change with passing frontal systems or local effects, even though the wind regime is broadly consistent in the spring/fall season. Safety is a major theme for this specific spot. Hazards include a pier/mole area, power lines/trees near shore, and heavy attention to other water users—especially ships and commercial/passenger vessels that have right of way, as well as windsurf courses and swimmers in summer. Several sources advise avoiding swimming areas/peak swimmer times and staying clear of windsurfing activity, with careful navigation around zones used by ferries/ships. For preparation, plan on a year-round wetsuit approach. The water is cold in winter and cool well into shoulder seasons, warming toward mid-summer. If you’re targeting kitesurfing, be especially mindful of the narrow launch, gusts, and the limited window of effective wind direction (north to northeast). Windsurfing is generally described as workable across a broader range of rider levels, while wingfoiling can be possible with sufficient depth, but launch handling may still be tricky in gusty conditions.