Proposed Venue Strategy
IWWF has evaluated four lakes in the Karlsruhe region. Our technical preference is Epplesee (~8 km from Karlsruhe) — the only lake that can host both boat-tow and a new cable system on one body of water. As an equally viable alternative, St. Leoner See offers the only existing, operational cable park in the region with a unique two-lake complex that can accommodate all disciplines. Heidesee provides an excellent cable venue with outstanding spectator facilities. All three options deliver a strong World Games venue — the final choice depends on permitting and city coordination.
| Criterion | Epplesee | St. Leoner See | Heidesee | Buchtzigsee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Course (IWWF) | Suitable | Two-Lake Split | Survey Pending | Too Small |
| Cable System | New 5-Mast | 4-Mast Active | Well Suited | Feasible |
| Boat + Cable Combined | Single Lake | Two Lakes | Survey Pending | Cable Only |
| Distance to Karlsruhe | ~8 km | ~30 km | ~20 km | ~12 km |
| Spectator Facilities | Good | Good | Excellent | Limited |
| Zoning / Permits | Amendment Req. | Existing Permit | Amendment Req. | Amendment Req. |
| Legacy Potential | High | Already Active | Good | Moderate |
Cable Facility — Private Investment & City Legacy
IWWF Cable, already in agreement with Rixen Cableway GmbH (the official World Games cable supplier, proven at TWG 2025 Chengdu where the installation was retained as a permanent public sports facility), has identified a private investor prepared to fully finance and install the competition-grade 5-mast cable system at no cost to the city. The investor will subsequently operate the facility as a commercial cable wakeboard park to recoup the investment. What we need from the city is straightforward: approval of the necessary water-use and installation permits. In return, the cable park remains as a permanent legacy for Karlsruhe — a self-sustaining water sports facility serving clubs, schools, and recreational athletes for 30+ years, at zero public cost for the cable infrastructure itself.
Recommended Disciplines
IWWF recommends two sport categories for The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe: boat-tow waterski (Slalom, Tricks, and Jump — all on the same body of water) and cable wakeboard on the full-size cable system described above. This combination showcases the full breadth of the sport, maximises athlete participation, and aligns with the format successfully delivered at previous World Games editions.