The artificial waves have now been democratised in the surfing world. They offer surf enthusiasts the opportunity to practice their favourite sport regardless of ocean conditions. This makes it possible to progress and learn surfing in controlled environments offering a consistency that the ocean does not guarantee. In the surfing world, this subject is a big debate. Like it or not, one thing is certain: these waves are perfect and can be adapted according to level and needs.
Discover some of the world's artificial surf waves :
Alaïa Bay - Surfing in the mountains
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Alaïa Bay offers a artificial wave up to 1m8 tall. First Surf Park EuropeThis structure allows all those in the centre of the ground to train their take-offs and cut-backs!
Surf Snowdonia - Learn to surf with the Red Dragons
Based in the village of Dolgarrog, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, this surf park offers an artificial wave breaking over a length of 300 metres, no less. This wave is fed by rainwater and uses renewable energiesBut is that enough to stifle the ecological debate offered by these waves?
Surf Abu Dhabi - The world's longest artificial tube wave
With its 650m long waveThis artificial wave is the biggest on the planet, for the moment... Here again, the technology is different: seawater is injected directly to power the wave. The aim is to offer local people access to surfing and to create a real surf culture between skyscrapers and Arabian desert. Find out what we have to offer for this destination: surf trip to Abu Dhabi.
Surf Ranch - Surfing 160 km from the ocean
Created by the legendary surfer Kelly SlaterThe Surf Ranch is a private surfing facility located in Lemoore, California.
It offers one of the perfect artificial waves ever created. In partnership with WSLThis structure is used for competitions and professional training. It's clear that the creation of this structure has changed the face of football forever. surfing world.
In this article, we could have talked about the company Wavegarden which is one of the largest companies in the creation of artificial surf lagoons. Their technology has been installed at several sites around the world, including Spain, Australia, and the UK and Switzerland mentioned above. Today, many projects are underway or even under construction. We're going to have a real before-and-after look at the way we surf.
Debate : For or against artificial waves and wave pools?
Why :
- Greater accessibility: Allows surfers to train regularly without depending on ocean conditions or having to make long journeys to the other side of the world to surf.
- Safety: Reduces the risks associated with marine currents, sharks and other ocean hazards.
- Precision and training: Offers predictable, consistent waves, ideal for perfecting your technique, whether you're an amateur or a professional surfer.
- Economic impact: Promote tourism development and create jobs.
Arguments against :
- Environmental impact: Very high water and energy consumption to generate the waves.
- Loss of the spirit of surfing: Some purists believe that surfing should remain a sport linked to the ocean and its unpredictable natural conditions.
- High cost: Access to these facilities is often expensive compared to a traditional surf session at sea.
- Competitive imbalance: Can be detrimental to local surfers who do not have access to these sophisticated infrastructures.
The the debate on artificial waves and wave pools remains openinnovation and tradition in the surfing world. Should the surfing world take priority over the economy or the environment? That's the big question. In 2023, I wrote an article on this subject: " How eco-friendly is the surfing world?As far as I'm concerned, we can already see that things have changed for the worse in just 2 years... Where will this lead? surfing world in the future and artificial waves will be the best choice? To be continued...