My Firsthand Experience with the Industry's Leading Wave Manufacturers:
All my life, I’ve been an avid action and water sports enthusiast, with a deep attraction to surfing.
Growing up in Atlanta, quality waves were hard to come by, but that changed in 2012 with the invention of the surf gate.
This advancement revolutionized wake surfing, sparking over a decade of double-digit growth in wake-surf boat sales.
My family and many others embraced these enhanced wake surf experiences. However, despite the improvement, the wake surf experience still leaves many surfers longing for more... larger faces and more wave variation allowing surfers more area for expression and a more authentic surfing experience.
Around the same time, Wavegarden released its first-generation plow technology, showcasing the immense potential of artificial waves. As a landlocked surfer, this innovation piqued my interest! I had a vision for how this could bring a missing element to my city and set me on a journey to explore new-generation wave technologies, aspiring to bring waves to Atlanta.
Merging Professional Expertise with Passion for Surfing
Professionally, I’ve been an architectural consultant for nearly 20 years, currently representing nine high-quality manufacturers. Over the years, I’ve partnered with leading architects and designers on world-class projects, developing a keen eye for design, material understanding and manufacturing quality. Although none of my manufacturers are wave technology providers, this independence gives me an unbiased perspective in evaluating surf park solutions. In future posts I will also be discussing finish material considerations and suggestions for surf park design.
To truly understand these technologies, I’ve prioritized firsthand experiences as a developer, surfer, and guest. Over the last 13 years, I’ve attended two Surf Park Summits, had numerous meetings with most of the leading wave tech manufacturers, and built an extensive network of trusted associates within the surf park industry.
My journey has included solo surf trips, family surf trips, and surf outings with friends, giving me a multifaceted perspective on the surf park experience. Exploring, both moving wave and standing wave technologies.
Researching the Leading Moving Wave Technologies
After years of exploration, I’ve experienced many of the industry’s leading moving wave technologies, including:
I’m knowledgeable on All Waves and Surf Loch, with plans to experience both this spring. All Waves fully concealed technology, along with simultaneous wave variety, large capacity and long ride potential make an especially intriguing provider.
I also have experience with deep water standing waves:
Currently, I consider myself a progressing intermediate surfer, honing skills like turns, cutbacks, and barrel riding.
I have a strong background in board sports like wakeboarding, snowboarding, skating and foiling. I’ve been fortunate to ocean surf in iconic locations around the world like Indonesia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cabo, and Encinitas.
The Opportunity of Surf Parks
With only 1% of the global population having surfed, the potential to expand access to this uniting and healing sport is enormous. Surfing’s universal appeal transcends age, ethnicity, and background, fostering connections and breaking down barriers. As a lifestyle amenity, surfing not only enhances real estate value but also brings the coastal experience inland—a transformative feature for modern developments.
The global surfing market is growing rapidly, projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2030, up from $4.1 billion in 2022. In the U.S. alone, surfing generates over $6 billion annually, with a global community of approximately 23 million surfers. Meanwhile, surf tourism, valued at $65.3 billion in 2023, is expanding at a 5.8% annual growth rate.
Surf parks and artificial wave technologies are revolutionizing the industry, making surfing more accessible while creating significant opportunities for developers and investors. These technologies address key challenges such as geographical constraints, wave supply limitations, and safety concerns. By bringing consistent, perfectly tailored waves to landlocked areas, surf parks offer a controlled environment for surfers of all skill levels. They complement traditional ocean surfing by acting as training grounds, preparing riders for the authentic ocean experience.
Through firsthand experiences, I’ve developed a unique, independent perspective on wave technology manufacturers. While confidentiality agreements prevent me from disclosing certain details, I aim to provide credible, balanced evaluations to help developers and enthusiasts navigate this emerging industry. My goal is to ensure the right wave technology aligns with each project’s vision and business model, contributing to the long-term success of this transformative industry.
In summary, my journey as a landlocked surfer has fueled a deep passion for exploring and understanding the emerging surf park industry. Through firsthand experiences and professional expertise, I’ve developed a unique, independent perspective on the leading wave technologies available today. In sharing these insights my hope is to help others make informed decisions and support the growth of this transformative industry. Surf parks have the power to expand access to the joy of surfing, creating connections, fostering wellness, and bringing the coastal lifestyle inland.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving into detailed blogs on my experiences with each wave manufacturer, sharing both the highlights and opportunities for improvement.
Topics of consideration for each wave technology:
Stay tuned for an inside look at the innovations shaping the future of artificial wave technology!
In the meantime, below are a few of my favorite developments to spark your interest:
