Hawaiian big wave surfer Brian Keaulana has proposed an artificial wave pool in Hawaii, which is intended to provide a guaranteed perfect break for competitive surfers. However, the plan has ignited controversy, particularly with Native Hawaiians. Critics argue that the commercialisation of the sport will destroy surfing’s traditional cultural practices, which is a vital part of Hawaii’s identity. Others are concerned that underwater turbines used in the facility will damage ancient Hawaiian remains. Despite the criticism, Keaulana believes that the facility will make Hawaii’s Olympic surfers more competitive with those who can easily train at one of several surf parks worldwide. The proposed $7m artificial pool, which will utilise the latest technology, will feature a 7-million-gallon tank that simulates ideal conditions needed to keep surfers competitive and serve as a “life-saving lab” to teach safety skills in a controlled setting. The facility is eyeing a summer 2024 opening, although the lawsuit could affect the timeline.
Emerging Popularity of Artificial Wave Pools in the UK
Artificial wave pools are also gaining popularity in the UK as the demand for outdoor activities, particularly surfing, increases. UK’s emerging surf park operator, Emerge Surf, has applied for planning permission to build a surf park featuring a 5.4-acre artificial wave pool in Coleshill, Warwickshire, which could attract up to 250,000 visitors per year and create 100 jobs. The park aims to offer a “world-class surfing experience for surfers of all levels” and features an outdoor heated pool, a perimeter track for Onewheel electric skateboards, and a main building to house other amenities. If planning permission is granted, the building work will start later this year. The park will be named Emerge Surf Birmingham. Snowdonia already operates a similar lagoon, and another one is under construction in Bristol. Developments are in process to construct wave-generating lagoons in Edinburgh and Bournemouth.
Lost Shore Surf Resort Aims to Deliver Significant Sustainable Benefits
A £55m ($73m) development is set to rebrand itself as the Lost Shore Surf Resort, located in Ratho, near Edinburgh, and open to the public in summer 2024. The development includes a surfing facility featuring the latest wave generation technology, which can offer a thousand bespoke ocean-like waves each hour, allowing it to cater to surfers of all abilities. Additionally, the resort will offer accommodation, a restaurant and food market, retail outlets, a surf school, a wellness spa, and free, publicly accessible green spaces. The developers aim to create up to 130 jobs once the resort is operational, generate up to £11m for the local economy, attracting over 180,000 visitors each year. These developments are expected to deliver significant sustainability and community benefits, boosting long-term socio-economic, recreational and tourism benefits.
W.H. White’s Proposal for a £25m Surf Lagoon in Southern England
W.H. White has submitted an application to Dorset County Council to construct a £25m surf lagoon on a 32.8-hectare site in southern England, which aims to increase demand for surfing and other outdoor activities. The lagoon aims to accommodate up to 30 surfers at any given time, with white-water waves produced for beginners and fully-adaptive surfing facilities available. Ancillary facilities will also be included. Pay-per-mile insurance can be a good option for low-mileage drivers, but other mileage-based auto insurance options are available, such as safe driving telematics programs and usage-based insurance. Although pay-per-mile insurance is a more direct approach, usage-based insurance and safe driving telematics programs provide more comprehensive data to determine rates and discounts. Low-mileage discounts, which some insurance companies offer, are calculated as a percentage off the total cost of the car insurance premium rather than based on distance driven. Pay-per-mile insurance is typically best for those who don’t drive regularly, such as people who work from home, college students, or anyone who uses mass transit or another mode of transportation.
Conclusion
The demand for artificial wave pools in the UK and Hawaii shows that people are getting increasingly interested in outdoor activities, particularly surfing. However, the commercialisation of the sport could have an impact on the traditional cultural practices of surfers, particularly in Hawaii where Surfing is an integral part of the island’s heritage. As the popularity of surfing increases, there’s a need to ensure that sustainable development is prioritised, and wave pools are seen to play a significant part in that.
