Rerik is situated on a narrow strip of land between the open Baltic Sea and the Salzhaff, a shallow lagoon protected by the Wustrow peninsula. Historically, the town was a Slavic settlement known as Alt Gaarz until 1938, when it was renamed after the legendary Viking trading post of Rerik, which archaeologists believe was located nearby. Today, the spot is defined by this dual nature: the rugged, wave-heavy coastline of the Baltic to the north and the expansive, mirror-flat waters of the Haff to the south. It is primarily known for being one of the most reliable shallow-water training grounds in Northern Germany, where the enclosed geography creates a safe but technically rewarding environment for freestyle and high-speed runs.