Wave pools aren’t a new concept. As far back as the 19th century the
famous castle builder Ludwig II of Bavaria electrified a lake to create
breaking waves. More recently, the first (and last) professional surfing
competition held in a wave pool occurred in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in
1985.
In recent years, new technology has led to the production of better waves. Malaysia’s Sunway Lagoon and the Wadi Adventure Park in the United Arab Emirates have hosted numerous professional surfers and photography shoots. Meanwhile, the Wavegarden in Spain’s Basque country has offered incredible waves in a natural lake setting, all be it ones not available to the public.
Even more artificial waves are also being built. Here are three that
have currently been green-lit, two in the United Kingdom and one in
Australia. However, it begs the question: When will the U.S. get its own
world-class artificial waves?
Sunshine Coast, Australia
The first pool to be designed by Webber Wave Pools,
but constructed by Waterplay Pty Ltd, the company behind Sunway Lagoon
and the Wadi Adventure Park, will be on the Sunshine Coast in
Queensland. The designer, Greg Webber, claims that his technology
creates waves unlike other artificial versions in that they have no
trough and so create a barrel, the holy grail of man-made waves. The
park is scheduled for opening in 2016.
Snowdonia, Wales
Set in the foothills of the Snowdonia National Park, in Conwy Valley of North Wales, Surf Snowdonia will be the first publicly accessible Wavegarden. It uses the exact technology of the Basque country’s version and says it can deliver consistent surfing waves of varying heights up to six feet in a 300-yard-long lagoon. Prices haven’t been confirmed; however, the company says a one-hour lesson will be in the region of $40 to $70. It is scheduled to open in summer.
The Wave Bristol will recreate the Wavegarden in Spain. Photo by Wavegarden
Bristol, England
The Wave Bristol
is unique in that its capital was raised through crowdfunding.
Originally requesting $230,000, it ended up raising $337,000, meaning
the site near the village of Easter Compton on England’s west coast
received approval in June of 2014 and is scheduled to open this year.
Not much has been offered in terms of the wave technology; however, the
website says “the business is based on the ‘triple bottom line’ of
sustainability—measured according to environmental, financial, and
social factors.” A performance surfing center, restaurant, a natural
swimming pool and education center will also be housed on the
development.
