Technology is always evolving; we see it in our smartphones, our
electric cars, and our tablet laptop hybrid concoctions. But it's not just our
cool toys that are developing technologically, our environment is too. Large
ponds that are actually wave pools are popping up with man-made waves big
enough to surf. This advancement will not only change the rules of the surf,
but could go on to change the Olympics in time for Tokyo in 2020.
There are three important positions that
can be taken when exploring this new trend - technological, business, and the
surfer.
Wave pools are a popular attraction at
many theme parks and have been for many years. However, now there is the
capability of creating actual ocean-like waves, with no time for flat-spells,
constantly and consistently - two things you're not likely to get in the real
ocean. Each wave only takes about 90 seconds, so there's plenty of time for
plenty of rides. Four major technology companies in this area currently are set
to compete for head title of this new sensation within the next two years. Surf
Snowdonia and Wavegarden currently lead the pack.
In August, Surf Snowdonia opened to the
public bringing about the reality of this being a serious business venture.
They almost reached their maximum capacity every day it was opened for the
first two weeks. Drawing in $30-70 a surfer, it shouldn't take long to profit
off of the $7 million expense to build the creation. Once they perfect the
barrel wave technology, profits and customers will only increase. Another park
is planned to open next year in Austin, Texas.
This idea definitely draws in surfing fans
from around the world. It' a great way to learn how to surf for beginners, yet
provides constant waves for pros. However, it isn't the ocean. It lacks the
saltiness of the sea, the marine life, and the overall depth and danger
associated with riding a huge wave in the middle of the ocean, far from land.
Paul Evans, editor of Surf Europe Magazine, for example, is not at all excited
about the idea of a perfect wave pool.
What Evans and the article seem
to overlook is the fact this could very well be game changing for the
world's view on surfing as a sport, as well as giving new hope to land-locked
people. With this technology, waves are always available, making it now
eligible to be an Olympic sport. People who have always wanted to try to surf
yet live nowhere near the water's edge now have the opportunity to learn and
try to surf, almost quite literally in their own backyard. This technology has
opened up the world of surfing to the entire world.
Wave creating and wave riding technology
has been previously introduced by many parks, but neither have quite perfected
it. Thanks to Wavegarden and Surf Snowdonia, we are closer than ever before.
With the creation of these man made waves, these places such as Surf Snowdonia and WaveGarden are setting themselves up for a large profits. As flat-spells do occur more often than surfers like, this provides a great alternative than the ocean. With these places charging $30-70, they will have no problem recovering from the cost to make this wave maker. Although this tech is only able to be used in shallower waters and has a wave size limitation, with time and more advancement, this will be able to create more realistic and oceanic waves that will attract a wide range of surfers. Parks can even create different sections on the water for different sized waves. They can use smaller waves for introductory surfers, charging only a small fee and create monstrous waves for the pros, and charge much more to compensate for the expensive tech.
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