Thrill seekers have gathered at Germany’s Munich Airport for a surfing competition with a difference.

Reuters reports the second European Championships in surfing on a stationary wave is a two-day event that requires competitors to surf an artificial wave.

An open air pool was set up between the two terminals of Munich Airport in which the waves are produced by a simulation machine.

Contestants are judged on their skill and creativity.

Sarah Czepluch is the defending champion and says she surfs whenever she can.

‘On the one hand, you really have to work hard to be able to do it, but when you can, it is really great. I don’t think there is anything better in sports than riding a wave,’ she told Reuters.

Event organiser Jan Vogt said the competition attracts a range of international travelers.

‘You are able to build this wave wherever you want, in the middle of the city, where there is otherwise no water. We just want to bring surfing all over the place, to the middle of the city, so that everyone has the opportunity to stand on a board,’ he said.

Once the competition is over, the machine will remain in place at the airport to allow members of the public to try their hand at surfing.