Since wave pools first became a viable alternative for surfers, the technology has been improving by leaps and bounds. Back in 2011, Wavegarden released photos and video of their test wave in Spain’s Basque Country. Now, nearly 15 years later, wave pools — made by Wavegarden and others — are springing up all over the world. The most recent grand opening was URBNSURF Sydney at Sydney’s Olympic Park.
Wavegarden’s newest surf park comes on the heels of URBNSURF’s Melbourne pool. Australia is the only place with two surf parks that are open to the public in the world, and although Australia certainly does have more than its fair share of ocean waves, it also has more than its fair share of surfers. Wave pools will do one of two things, or possibly both. They will either spread the crowds out or introduce more people to surfing, making the crowds worse.
The newest pool is designed to receive 1,000 visitors per day, seven days a week, and sits on nearly four hectares of land.
“Good news for Sydney surfers who were used to driving 45 minutes a day to the nearest ocean in search of quality waves, while being exposed to common hazards such as strong currents, overcrowding and even sharks,” Wavegarden’s press release says. “The URBNSURF group, following the success of their first surf park located next to Melbourne Airport with Wavegarden Basque technology, has invested €46 million to develop a second project in Sydney.”
The new facility boasts a whole lot, including two restaurants, a surf academy, leisure
pool, skate park, surf store, and wellness center.
Jose Odriozola, the CEO and founder of Wavegarden, couldn’t be happier with the latest project. “The fact that our customers like URBNSURF are opening their second facility and are
satisfied with our technology is the best endorsement for our business can have,” he said. “It enables us to keep growing and continue adding value to communities and bringing surfing closer to everyone.”
According to the creators, the new wave pool offers more than 20 different kinds of waves, from tiny little beginner waves to thick, barreling ones.
“In addition, the press release continued, “its capacity to host the highest number of surfers, along with
the highest quantity of waves per hour, makes it the most competitive option from a
commercial and sustainability perspective, consolidating Wavegarden as a world
market leader in this emerging sector.”
URBNSURF Sydney is the eighth pool globally to use Wavegarden technology, with a ninth slated to open its doors this fall in Edinburgh, Scotland.
