Wavepools are the next big thing. It’s nearly impossible to deny–whether you like it or not, they’re coming. And URBNSURF (the missing A makes it so hip, doesn’t it?) just released plans to build one in Perth. It’s not a Kelly Slater wave, but it’s a wavepool.
Here’s the greatest thing about wavepools: if you don’t like them, you don’t have to surf in them. No one will ever come to your house, point a gun at your head and say “grab your board, we’re going to the wavepool.” In fact, the more you hate wavepools and all their so-called soullessness, the more you should support them. And honestly, if you can look at a wavepool and say “nope, that wouldn’t be fun”– even the shittiest of mush-burgery wavepools–then you’re missing the point of surfing altogether, and no one can help you. That’s actually kind of depressing.
URBNSURF recently released this artist’s rendition of their Perth pool will look like, assuming it actually gets built. Using Wavegarden technology, by 2018–the assumed completion date–it would be Australia’s third wavepool. The company also has plans for Sydney and Melbourne, and if what they’re promising comes to fruition, they’ll be full on facilities, with bars and rooftop patios and an adjustable wave. But, since wavepools are still new and they’re still fraught with issues, as the saying goes, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. And when they do hatch, you don’t have to eat them if you don’t like chicken.
