A look back at some of our favorite research and thought-driven articles of 2024.
By Jess Ponting
As 2024 sinks below the horizon, the surf park industry finds itself riding a wave of growth, innovation, and discovery. Last year we produced a wide range of research and thought leadership and disseminated a good deal of it through the Surf Park Central newsletter. From the evolving language that defines this burgeoning sector to transformative data on visitor behavior, community impact, and travel patterns, these articles offer a comprehensive look at the forces shaping surf parks today. In this review of 2024, we revisit some of the most compelling and impactful pieces of 2024, capturing the lessons learned and the opportunities ahead in bite-sized chunks with links to the full articles. 2024 is dead. Long live 2024!
Surf Park Nomenclature: Why Words Matter
This article delved into the importance of establishing precise terminology in the rapidly evolving surf park industry. It highlighted the challenges of creating new language to describe unique experiences and technologies, such as distinguishing between “waves” and “surf” and redefining terms like “opportunities” to manage guest expectations. The article also explored the implications of inconsistent terminology on regulations, operations, and public understanding.
Key definitions were provided for industry terms, including “wave pool,” “surf lagoon,” “surf park,” and “standing wave,” among others, emphasizing distinctions critical to safety codes, operational guidelines, and user experiences. It further outlined the differences between technologies such as pneumatic, electro-mechanical, and foil wave-generating systems, underscoring how language shapes perceptions and influences industry practices.
By advocating for precise, standardized language, the article underscored the broader impact of terminology on the industry’s growth, operational clarity, and future regulatory frameworks.
Who is Going to Surf Parks, How are They Getting There, How Long Are They Staying?
This article analyzed data from 2022 and 2023 surveys to uncover patterns in surf park visitation, travel behavior, and dwell times. Surf park visitors were predominantly intermediate and advanced surfers, with a significant portion traveling several hours to reach their destination. Over 30% took at least one flight to visit a surf park. Most visitors brought companions, averaging 2-3 friends or family members, with 43% traveling with two or more people.
The survey revealed that visitors typically stayed on-site for 3-4 hours, though dwell times varied significantly based on skill level and surf park location. Advanced surfers tended to stay longer. Additionally, about 70% of respondents indicated a preference for on-site accommodations during vacations, with lodges being the most popular option.
The findings highlighted the enthusiasm of surfers to travel and invest time in surf park experiences, demonstrating strong potential for surf parks to attract visitors and their companions. This engagement offers promising opportunities for the surf park industry to grow and cater to diverse visitor preferences.
How Are People Getting to and Spending in Surf Parks?
This article reviewed spending patterns among surf park visitors based on data collected in 2022 and 2023, highlighting significant revenue streams and opportunities for growth. While surf sessions were the primary expenditure, visitors also spent on rentals, food and beverage (FnB), lodging, and retail. Advanced surfers and women tended to spend more, with the average daily expenditure at surf parks in 2022 reaching $290. Beginners spent less on average, while advanced surfers spent significantly more at $380 per day.
The analysis revealed spending differences across specific surf parks. Visitors to destinations like WSL Surf Ranch and Waco Surf, which often involve multi-day stays, reported higher spending, with 45% of Surf Ranch visitors spending over $1,000 per visit. Conversely, The Wave Bristol had the lowest average visitor spending. Rentals also varied by demographic, with beginners more likely to rent wetsuits and surfboards, while advanced surfers showed less interest in these services.
The findings underscored the importance of diversifying revenue streams, as extended dwell times and additional amenities like lodging, FnB, and retail drive greater overall expenditure. Surf parks were encouraged to explore opportunities beyond surfing to maximize profitability and visitor engagement.
Communicating the Community Benefits of Surf Parks Part 1
Here we examined various methods to quantify surfing’s economic contributions and apply these insights to support surf park developments. It highlighted established research demonstrating the significant economic impact of surf breaks, including Surfrider Foundation’s “Surfonomics” methodology, which has calculated millions in annual local expenditure around iconic surf breaks globally. For instance, Australia’s Gold Coast generates $820 million annually from surfing, while California’s Trestles contributes $45 million.
The article also discussed innovative approaches, such as using nighttime lighting as a proxy for economic activity, estimating surf breaks globally contribute $50 billion annually. Additionally, real estate near surf breaks experiences substantial value increases, with homes adjacent to quality surf locations priced $106,000 higher on average.
International surf tourism spending, valued at $31.5-$64.9 billion annually pre-pandemic, has likely risen post-COVID-19 due to increased global surfing participation. Surf parks, with their consistent wave quality and operational hours, were argued to have the potential to match or exceed these benefits by smoothing demand cycles, creating employment, and driving direct spending on waves alongside traditional tourism and hospitality revenue.
The article underscored the growing role of surf parks in replicating and enhancing the community and economic benefits traditionally associated with natural surf breaks, especially as they begin to replace some international surf travel and attract a significant percentage of surfers despite limited access.
Communicating the Community Benefits of Surf Parks Part 2
This article explored the multifaceted community, mental, and physical health benefits of surf parks, building on prior research to highlight their potential as community assets. The discussion delved into how surf parks can enhance community capacity across dimensions like social relations, leadership, civic participation, and shared values, drawing from a study on Adventure Park Snowdonia and The Wave Bristol.
The article also emphasized the physical and mental health benefits of surfing, including exercise, water immersion, exposure to sunlight, and psychological well-being. It presented evidence that surf parks can replicate many therapeutic effects found in ocean surfing, such as reducing anxiety, boosting mood, and satisfying basic psychological needs like relatedness and autonomy.
Additionally, it showcased research estimating the economic value of surfing’s mental health benefits, suggesting that surf parks could play a significant role in promoting community well-being and economic value. These insights underscored surf parks’ potential to act as transformative spaces for individuals and communities alike.
The Public Perception Gap in Surf Park Resource Allocation: Part 1
This article explored societal biases against surf parks, particularly in their perceived resource use. Using the Coachella Valley as a case study, the piece highlighted the stark contrast between the backlash against proposed surf parks and the acceptance of the region’s 120 water-intensive golf courses. For example, one proposed surf park, Palm Springs Surf Club, would use just one percent of the water consumed by a typical golf course annually, yet it still faced significant public criticism.
The article challenged claims, like those made by comedian John Oliver, that surf parks are frivolous and wasteful, pointing out the economic, social, and health benefits surf parks bring to communities. It noted that surf parks foster inclusivity, local employment, tourism, and recreational opportunities, while surf industry advancements have mitigated sustainability concerns. The article called for a more informed perspective on water use and the value of surf parks, advocating for their recognition as legitimate recreational investments rather than dismissing them as unnecessary luxuries.
The Public Perception Gap in Surf Park Resource Allocation: Part 2
Building on the previous article, part 2 examined discrepancies in how society perceives water use by surf parks compared to other recreational activities. It highlighted the Coachella Valley, where surf parks faced significant public backlash over water consumption, despite using far less water than the region’s extensive golf courses. For example, one average golf course uses the equivalent water of 92 Palm Springs Surf Clubs annually. Comparisons extended to other water-intensive recreational facilities, including baseball fields, football fields, and swimming pools, revealing stark differences in public acceptance despite their larger water footprints.
The article also explored why surf parks face unique criticism, suggesting this could stem from their perceived novelty or the visibility of water use. It argued that surf parks offer benefits comparable to other sports, including community-building, physical health, and economic opportunities, but lack societal acceptance due to their relatively new presence. The piece called for better storytelling around surfing’s cultural and communal value and emphasized the need to shift public perceptions to align with its actual resource efficiency and broader benefits.
Texas Emerges as a Hub for Inland Surfing with Ambitious Surf Park Developments
In 2024, Texas solidified its position as a leader in inland surfing, with seven surf parks representing six wave-making technologies either operational, under construction, or in the planning stages. The first park, NLand Surf Park in Austin, opened in 2016 but closed in 2019. Its site is now slated for redevelopment by WSL Surf Ranch. Other parks include the recently opened Fireside Surf and GoodSurf, as well as forthcoming projects like HTX Surf, Sapphire Bay, and the Pura Vida High Adventure Community, expected to debut between 2025 and 2026.
The article highlighted Texas’ potential as a surf tourism destination, proposing a four-day road trip in 2026 to visit all seven parks, spanning 460 miles between Dallas and Houston. Each stop promises high-quality, dynamic waves and modern facilities, offering a unique experience for surfers seeking reliable, hassle-free conditions. This emerging “New North Shore” showcases Texas as a hub for surf culture innovation, blending cutting-edge technology with the spirit of adventure.
DSRT Surf Resort Breaks Ground on an Ambitious Surf-Centric Development
In 2024, the DSRT Surf project broke ground in Palm Desert, marking a significant milestone for surf park innovation. Spanning 17.69 acres, the development includes a 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon, a 139-key boutique hotel, and 57 luxury residential villas. Designed to blend surfing with high-end lifestyle amenities, phase one of the project—set for completion in 2026—will feature the surf lagoon, a skate bowl, pickleball courts, and foundational infrastructure for the hotel and villas.
The surf lagoon will accommodate up to 70 surfers at once for a premium experience, operating 17.5 hours daily across Palm Desert’s sunny 350 days annually. The project’s winter peak season offers clear skies and stunning snow-capped mountain views, contrasting with other surf destinations reliant on summer tourism. Income projections suggest the lagoon could generate $17 to $72 million annually, reflecting DSRT Surf’s ambitious integration of recreation and luxury living in a cutting-edge surf destination.
12 Stakeholder Reflections on the DSRT Surf Project
John Luff, Founding Partner of Beach Street Development
John shared the challenges and triumphs of developing DSRT Surf over seven years, navigating complex entitlement processes, regulatory hurdles, and external factors like COVID-19. He expressed gratitude for the project team, investors, and local council members, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the groundbreaking milestone.
Bruce Greenfield and Diego Alessi, Architects Orange (AO)
Bruce and Diego outlined their four-year involvement in the project, focusing on architectural and landscape design tailored to the desert environment. They highlighted the integration of customer experience, environmental considerations, and technical expertise gained from collaborating with Wavegarden to create a functional and immersive surf park experience.
Blake Hess, Beach Street Development and Operations
Blake celebrated the groundbreaking as a major milestone, discussing DSRT Surf’s impact on the local community through water-saving initiatives like the “Turf for Surf” program and partnerships with local schools. He highlighted the operational vision of “barefoot luxury” and the site’s favorable geotechnical conditions for development.
Dave and Denise Hilts, Coachella Valley Surf Club
Dave and Denise shared their nonprofit’s mission to introduce underserved youth to surfing. They reflected on their 16-year journey in the desert, fostering community engagement and excitement around DSRT Surf as a transformative venue for local youth to connect with surfing and its culture.
Doug Sheres, Co-Founder of Beach Street Development and Operations
Doug described the extensive planning behind the five-and-a-half-acre surf lagoon, designed to accommodate surfers of all levels. He praised the DSRT Surf site for its ideal setting within the Desert Willow community, complemented by amenities like a skate park and restaurant, promising an unparalleled experience at a lower cost than comparable venues.
Jan Harnik, Mayor Pro Tem of Palm Desert
Jan acknowledged the rigorous process of approving the project, commending the development team for their solution-oriented approach. She celebrated DSRT Surf as a project that will enhance the region by providing healthy recreational opportunities and boosting tourism.
Eric Ceja, Director of Economic Development for Palm Desert
Eric detailed the city’s partnership with DSRT Surf, emphasizing the project’s private financing and its infrastructure benefits, including water conservation and increased employment. He highlighted the city’s commitment to balancing community interests with supporting innovative development.
Andy Ainscough, Founder of Adventure Parc Snowdonia
Andy reflected on his role as a surf park pioneer and the evolution of the industry since opening Surf Snowdonia in 2015. Despite technical challenges, he remains passionate about the potential of surf parks to revitalize communities and create diverse recreational opportunities worldwide.
Cheyne Magnusson – Chief Hydro Officer of Palm Springs Surf Club
Cheyne Magnusson, Chief Hydro Officer of Palm Springs Surf Club, shared his excitement about the DSRT Surf project breaking ground, describing it as a long-anticipated milestone. As a wave designer and operator, he views the development of nearby surf parks not as competition but as complementary, creating a destination where surfers can experience diverse wave technologies. Cheyne believes such growth benefits the surf community, attracting travelers seeking varied surf experiences and introducing desert kids to surf culture. He highlighted how this exposure fosters ocean awareness, inspires new surfers, and expands the “stoked” community.
An Interview With Sam McIntosh: Surf Media Innovator and Pioneer of Surf Park Contest Design
This article explored the career and vision of Sam McIntosh, a groundbreaking figure in surf media and event design. The piece recounted how McIntosh, founder of Stab Magazine, revived the publication after its decline under corporate ownership, transforming it into a leading surf media platform. His innovative shift to a membership model during the pandemic fueled its continued success.
McIntosh’s passion for wave pools and their potential in competitive surfing was a central theme. He detailed the origins of Stab High, an aerial surfing contest at Waco Surf, which became a cornerstone of Stab’s growth. The article highlighted his insights on the challenges and opportunities of surf park competitions, including the controlled environment, audience proximity, and the importance of wave quality. He shared candid reflections on the limitations of current wave technologies, the evolving audience response, and the potential for future innovation.
The interview also touched on the broader implications of surf parks for the sport and industry, from community engagement to economic viability. McIntosh expressed optimism about the future of surf parks, emphasizing their role in fostering creativity and progression in surfing while advocating for more dynamic and challenging wave designs to push the sport further.
Pundits Argue That Olympic Surfing is ‘Inevitably’ Headed to Surf Parks
Published on August 22, 2024, this article explored the increasing likelihood of Olympic surfing transitioning to surf park venues in future Games. Following the 2024 Paris Olympics, where marginal wave conditions and controversial judging decisions drew criticism, commentators suggested surf parks could provide a controlled, equitable environment better suited to the Olympic format. A gold medal match in Tahiti featuring minimal waves fueled the debate, with some seeing the shift as necessary to ensure fairness and audience engagement.
The article highlighted contrasting views within the surf community. While some purists preferred the unpredictability of ocean venues, others argued that surf parks would appeal to non-surfing audiences by delivering consistent action and eliminating downtime. Polls and opinions from professional surfers and fans underscored a growing divide, with many advocating for surf parks to ensure a level playing field.
The potential industry impact of surf parks as Olympic venues was also examined. Increased global exposure could bring greater awareness to artificial waves, attract funding for purpose-built facilities, and position surf parks as training hubs for athletes from non-coastal regions. Competitive leagues and scholarship opportunities linked to surf parks might also expand, bolstering their role in mainstream sports culture. The article painted a picture of a sport at a crossroads, with surf parks poised to play a pivotal role in its future evolution.
2024 Research Shows Surf Parks Are Shifting Travel Patterns
Published on September 5, 2024, this article explored groundbreaking data on how surf parks are altering traditional surf travel behaviors. Based on preliminary results from the 2024 Surf Park Consumer Trends Survey, 16% of surfers globally had replaced a traditional ocean surf trip with a surf park visit in the past year, and 11% had substituted two or more trips. These findings validated long-held suspicions that surf parks could significantly impact travel patterns.
The article examined various narratives around surf parks, such as their potential to ease or increase pressure on traditional surf destinations, as well as their carbon footprint implications. Survey data revealed a growing trend of families and individuals choosing surf parks for convenience, accessibility, and controlled environments, making them a viable alternative to traditional surf trips.
The findings highlighted opportunities for collaboration between surf parks, surf travel businesses, and conservation entities. The report suggested surf parks might not only serve as alternatives to traditional trips but could also foster new market dynamics in coaching, gear rentals, and conservation advocacy. This preliminary analysis offered a compelling look at the evolving landscape of surf travel and set the stage for further in-depth findings at the Surf Park Summit.
How Surf Parks Can Build Community and Transform Lives. An Interview with Asa Cascavilla, Waco Surf’s Frothiest Champion
In this interview, Asa Cascavilla shared how surf parks, particularly Waco Surf, had profoundly impacted his life as a surf enthusiast living far from the ocean. As a Hawaii native turned Texas resident, Asa recounted his lifelong love for surfing and how Waco Surf reignited that passion, allowing him to surf regularly, forge deep friendships, and create a sense of community with fellow surfers, both novices and pros. He reflected on the unique opportunities surf parks provided for inland surfers to develop their skills, stay active, and build meaningful relationships, even later in life. Asa’s story underscored the transformative power of surf parks in fostering camaraderie, promoting health, and cultivating vibrant local surf cultures.
2024 Surf Park Summit: A Milestone in Industry Growth and Maturity
Surf Park Summit 2024 marked a significant turning point for the industry, combining sellout attendance with a palpable sense of progress and collaboration. Five key factors made the event stand out:
- Real Progress and New Faces: 2024 saw nine new commercial surf parks open, showcasing seven wave technologies, with many more projects in the pipeline. The Summit itself announced five new park developments and a new consulting partnership. Surf Park Central’s outreach efforts successfully expanded attendance, bringing in fresh perspectives and partnerships from new industries.
- A Culture of Collaboration: The tone of the Summit shifted from isolated ambition to open collaboration. Inspired by insights from more established industries, participants embraced a collective understanding that surf parks compete not against each other but against other discretionary activities. This new mindset fostered openness about both successes and failures, enriching discussions and connections.
- Focus on Financing: A major theme of 2024 was project financing. With a notable increase in investor and developer attendance, panels delved into alternative funding strategies such as municipal bonds and fractional ownership. The Summit moved from theoretical discussions to showcasing practical, proven financing solutions.
- The Launch of Surf Park Sharks: This pitch competition brought excitement and transparency, as six finalists presented detailed business plans to a panel of surf park investors managing $22 billion in assets. The feedback not only benefited the presenters but also educated attendees on best practices for surf park development.
- Evolving Business Models: Discussions at the Summit reflected a growing sophistication in surf park business strategies, from real estate integration to private club models and sustainability efforts. These insights underscored the industry’s maturity and readiness for long-term success.
Summit 2024 demonstrated the surf park industry’s transition from a niche market to a professionalized and rapidly maturing sector. With a strong foundation of shared expertise and collaboration, the future of surf parks looks brighter than ever.
Surf Park Travel Times and Distance Decay Over the Past Decade
This article explored how surfers’ willingness to travel to surf parks evolved over the past decade, focusing on travel times and the concept of distance decay—where demand declines as travel time or distance increases. Data collected from 2015 to 2024 revealed significant changes in travel patterns, influenced by advancements in wave technology and the growth of surf parks globally.
The study highlighted a 70% increase in the willingness of surfers to travel over two hours between 2015 and 2022, attributed partly to the introduction of high-quality wave facilities like the WSL Surf Ranch. It also showed that advanced surfers were more likely to travel long distances or fly, valuing premium wave quality, while beginners and intermediates preferred parks within a few hours’ drive.
By 2024, overall travel times had decreased due to the proliferation of surf parks, with 17% fewer visitors traveling over five hours compared to 2023. Gender and skill-level differences further shaped travel behaviors, with females and beginners favoring closer parks, while males and advanced surfers exhibited greater willingness to travel long distances.
Key insights recommended that surf parks near urban centers focus on accessibility to attract beginners and female surfers, while destination parks emphasize premium experiences for advanced users. The article underscored the importance of aligning park locations, pricing, and marketing with these distinct travel preferences to maximize engagement.
Keeping Visitors at Your Surf Park: A Deeper Dive into Surf Park Dwell Times
In this detailed article, we analyzed visitor dwell times across several surf parks, using data from the 2024 Consumer Trends Survey, which gathered over 4,000 responses. We explored how gender, skill level, and park-specific features influenced the amount of time visitors spent at surf parks, offering actionable insights for operators.
Key trends emerged: advanced surfers were significantly more likely to stay multiple days compared to beginners, while women tended to spend longer durations per visit than men, particularly at parks like The Wave Bristol and Palm Springs Surf Club. Notable park-specific findings included Waco Surf’s predominance of male visitors staying multiple days and URBNSURF Melbourne’s shorter dwell times, with most visits lasting three hours or less.
We highlighted how these patterns offer opportunities for surf park operators to refine their offerings. By tailoring amenities to different user groups—such as improving facilities for extended visits to attract women and beginner surfers or creating multi-day packages for advanced surfers—parks can better cater to their diverse audiences. This analysis underscored the importance of understanding visitor dynamics to enhance the overall surf park experience.
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