In recent times, a new surfing trend has been expanding worldwide, it consists of creating artificial waves in a giant pool of water for people to surf perfect and consistent waves. Australia, the land surrounded by sea and world renowned surfing spots is now jumping on the band wagon and introducing its first Surf Park.
1998 World surfing champion Mark “Occy” is partnering with the firm Surf Lakes to form a 2.4 meter high barreling wave with eight different peaks. The professional surfer claims that “the wave generator is oscillated to create a set of waves just like the ocean, with the breaking waves resembling a peak wave seen at quality beach breaks”. But the real question is: would you try it?
Expanding the Surf Community
Surfing is continuously growing in popularity every year with more and more people wanting to try the sport. However, many places in the world do not offer quality waves or even a near ocean to learn how to surf. Therefore, having such technology would give the opportunity to these “landlocked” people to get their feet in the water and get a taste of the sport.
Personal Growth
Surfing is considered one of the hardest sport in the world and a big reason for that is that we are relying on nature to practice it. From one day to the next, waves in the same exact spot can change dramatically, obligating us to readjust and adapt to the new conditions every day. Also, every time surfers travel to a new beach and surfing spot, they are using their skills and knowledge to re-adapt all over again. With that being said, having a pool with perfect and consistent waves would allow room for surfers to grow and learn faster. It would be very helpful to practice new maneuvers such as turn, drop ins, barrels and paddle strength so it can be applied in the ocean afterwards.
Cost and Artificial Waves
Creating such wave garden all over the world can have many benefits for the sport of surfing and for people wanting to get into it, but a few disadvantages and negative opinions are shared by the community. For example, the cost can be an important factor that would scare away the potential clients. Building an establishment like the one discussed earlier can be super expensive and in some way or another, clients will have to pay a certain price to use it. However, if you look at surfing in open water; practicing the sport is completely free (except for the purchase of boards and accessories), keeping the sport very pure.
Moreover, a huge aspect of surfing is nature, in the sense that the sport is practiced in a very natural environment with the ocean, sea life and beautiful sceneries that are often part of the experience. Nature also plays a big role in the size, shape, speed and consistency of the waves. However, a surf pool takes all these elements away to create “perfection”.
Finally, this new surfing trend and technology has many benefits and disadvantages but is for sure worth the try. Also, with the upcoming Olympics and surfing that just got added to the disciplines, we shall see how the Surf Park will be utilized and incorporated into the event.
Marie Donaldson
Surf Instructor / Host