The Future of Wave Pools is in Your Hands

The Surf Ranch. Wavegarden. American Wave Machines. The wave pool arms race continues to proliferate, and given how far we’ve come in such a short period of time, it’d be easy to assume the fate of the fresh water surfing world is already predetermined. But alas, it’s a volatile, complex sector of the surfing biz that continues to evolve in new and unexpected ways.

Part of it is technology. The tools to create waves continues to develop and grow. Where we were five years ago certainly isn’t where we are today. As the tech improves, and potentially comes down in price, the ability to make more waves in more places opens up.

Tied to the tech is the financial aspect. With interest rates high, it’s gotten more expensive to borrow money and subsequently fund construction and develop new surf parks. Where once investors were chomping at the bit to get involved, the temperature in the pool has cooled considerably as the tide's gone up on interest rates over the last few years.

Also tie in the equation the idea of who actually makes money for the surf parks. Is it the five percent of core lords that show up and blow up for a session, or is it the business retreat and birthday parties chalked full of beginners that really drive revenue. Wavegarden, who runs a really smart business, are betting on the beginners to ensure foundational revenue.

That leads us to a new survey being conducted by the folks at Surf Park Central. Because the fate of surf parks everywhere is hardly set in concrete, they want to know what surfers are after in a wave pool facility.

“The Surf Park Survey aims to understand how people are using surf parks, what they find important, if they are replacing regular surf trips in the lives of surfers, and how surfers view sustainability in surf parks,” explains Dr. Jess Ponting, who heads up the Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University.

“Previous versions of the survey have informed decisions by many surf park developers and operators, particularly around prioritizing sustainability,” Ponting continues.

But time ain’t cheap and nothing comes for free, that’s why Surf Park Central is giving away one Rob Machado-designed model from Firewire for the effort. There’s also $150 up for grabs for four lucky winners.

“We're lucky to have the support of Firewire and Rob Machado for this year's survey so we are able to offer a draw prize of a free Machado Designs surfboard of the winner's choosing,” Ponting adds.

So there you go, say your piece, change the future of surfing and score a new sled in the process. Why wouldn’t you?

Fill out Surf Park Central survey here.