Wave Pool Mag

We returned live to the middle of a sheep paddock in bucolic Easter Compton to check in with the new CEO at The Wave, Hazel Geary. In this podcast we explore the similarities and differences between the Leisure, Beauty and Well-being Industries and Surf Parks. Are we really that different? Yes and No. Hazel digs in with a fresh level of sophistication gleaned from years in the fitness industry. In the process we discover many nuanced learnings that our wave pool industry can benefit from.

How does one go about training a machine to recognise each and every individual surfer? Flowstate have created an AI powered capture system that records each guest’s surf experience. And the amazing thing is that it works without RFID wristbands or board stickers. In this podcast we dig in and learn how Chris, Mike and the crew at Flowstate have built a system that recognises those minute nuances that separate and define us each individually as surfers. By developing this “style fingerprint” Flowstate have created a system that provides surf park guests with keepsake video clips of their wave pool sessions. Dig into the podcast to learn how Flowstate do what many consider to be an impossible task.

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.