A New Tradition Established During Oktoberfest 2003

While Barbus' previous post very adequately explained the history and long standing traditions of Oktoberfest, it did not identify some of the newer traditions that have emerged. I am specifically talking about a new sport, which we have affectionately titled, Nude Table Surfing. That's correct, you heard it (I mean, read it) properly. We first experienced this great spectator sport during our last visit in 2003.

Nude Table Surfing goes something like this.....
Put two tables at an Oktoberfest tent end-to-end, pour some beer all over the tables, remove your clothes (hence the title), take a two or three step running start, and jump/dive onto the tables, sliding the length of the tables, and hoping that something (or someone) on the other end will cushion your fall.

During our first experience of this event, we had several thoughts running through our mind. You can imagine most of them, all of which pertain to the naked factor. One other thought was how the local security teams would react to this activity. Of course you would think that there would immediately be a large contingent of security at the tables to stop the event; much like what would happen should a fight break out. However, you would be thinking incorrectly.

Remember, the Germans are great at rules. Have a rule, you are in trouble if you break the rule. While the security team did arrive, there was no real effort to stop the event. We surmised that there probably was not a rule against Nude Table Surfing. Security basically allowed the event to come to its normal conclusion... drunk surfers with minor abrasions to parts of their anatomy that we will not discuss at this time.

So, for our trip this year, have the Germans created a rule against Nude Table Surfing? It would be a shame if they did, but it would also be understandable.