Wave Pool Mag

Matt Gunn, co-creator of wave technology at Swell MFG, shares fascinating stories of real-world R&D failures, triumphs, and preparations for opening Revel Surf Park in Spring 2024. Topics include difficulties faced in constructing a surf park, methods of generating swell, pragmatic navy testing, building and testing the wave machine, and plans for expanding surf park operations.

Dr. Jess Ponting, one of the brains behind Surf Park Summit, discusses the benefits of the Summit for wave pool developers. They explore the origins and methodology of a consumer trends report, and the evolution and opportunities in surf park development. The podcast also covers the growth of surf park summits, problem-solving workshops, and the evolving nature of wave pools and future developments.

Many of the surf parks scheduled to open soon have been in the works for nearly a decade or more. Their architects are the original crop of dreamers and doers - the devout wave poolers in a long-term relationship with artificial wave technology. Andy Hadden wed the wave pool dream back in 2013 and is now eyeing the completion of Lost Shore Surf Resort, a 52-module Wavegarden Cove near Edinburgh. Despite the global ebbs and flows experienced by everyone these past few years, the project is marching toward a completion date of September 2024.“We were relying heavily on this becoming an Olympic sport,” said Andy. “I think that was something that most of us could see coming. But still, you know, it's a bet. You could call it that. We had to go through two major planning applications, which is something that, you know, all the developers have to go through. So that meant knowing locally exactly how to navigate those choppy waters. And then fundamentally, you have to raise a heck of a lot of money and then you have to have the aptitude and desire to run one. So there's definitely a reason that surf parks aren't more numerous today. There are definitely going to be more later. You know everyone that's built a wave pool is wanting to build another one - I think that speaks volumes.”

Spencer Broome discusses Surf ATL's plan for Atlanta's first surf park, focusing on inclusivity and community. They aim to connect, grow, and foster the joy of riding waves, expanding the surfer community through various programs. The chapter explores the perception and reality of surf park projects, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences. They discuss the surf park's focus on maintaining the natural environment, collaborating with local artists, and showcasing regional food and retail options. Wave pools are explored as engaging alternatives for after school programs, and there is potential for surfing to rise in the American South, providing opportunities for kids to discover their passion and community connection.

Dave Taylor and Mike Schwaab, owners of Waco Surf, share their journey of building a surf park, overcoming challenges, and providing hospitality. They give advice for starting a surf park, discuss the growth and potential of wave pool projects, and highlight unique features of their park attracting diverse customers.

Ikaika and Greg from The Lineup at Wai Kai discuss the challenges and successes of running a wave pool in Hawaii, including community integration and training top professional surfers. They talk about the close-knit nature of Hawaii's surf community and the unexpected success of their wave pool. The speakers also highlight the behind-the-scenes work in planning and running a wave pool, expressing gratitude and excitement for the future.

Ander Wynne-Edwards is the Director of Operations at Endless Surf. He’s worked for Whitewater West for the past two decades building and commissioning large-scale wave pools – pneumatic wave pools in particular. In this episode, he walks us through everything that goes on in the time between a project breaking ground and rolling out the first set of waves. Ander also divulges what kind of things make a job go smoothly and conversely, some of those challenges posed in this unique project niche.

What is the premiere surf platform's take on wave pools? In this episode, we gather insight into the wave pool scene from the editor-in-chief at STAB Brendan Buckley. While we normally talk to wave makers and doers, Buck’s contribution to the wave pool discourse is on the culture, that unique confluence of salt and pool water. We hit on how ocean surfing is already changing due to the availability of wave pools as well as touching on points where the romance between the two is thwarted.

Blake Hess, a surf park manager, shares his experiences running and managing surf parks. He talks about the challenges and triumphs of the early days of inland surf parks in America. The podcast also mentions Lewis Hamilton learning to surf in a wave pool and the positive impact of staff sessions. Hess discusses Beach Street Development's role in creating man-made surf resorts and highlights their projects in Houston and Palm Desert. The revenue drivers for wave pool projects, including the main wave, secondary wave, and food, are also discussed.

Dr. Jess Ponting joins us to touch on several projects and points including Stoke Certification, Surf Park Summit, the new Consumer Trends Report and more.But the heart of the convo comes during his big-picture view of surfing. “People aren't used to thinking about a surf park as a legitimate recreation facility in a community," he says. "And there's, you know, a certain cultural cringe about the frivolity of surfing and how could we possibly allocate resources to something as frivolous as surfing? And the answer is because surfing is really good for people and it can be a real economic driver for communities and it doesn't have to be a drain on environmental resources.”