New project in Tennessee aims for family-focused wave pool development

It’s a busy endeavor pulling together a wave pool project. Along with the standard home-building construction challenges, there’s the labyrinth of surf-centric creation issues from ground conditions to local board approvals. Matthew Ford and Jonnie Corrie are currently in the midst of building a new surf spot complete with residences and activities that will embrace a family-centric slowed-down lifestyle. We were curious to learn how taking on such a massive challenge will ultimately equal more family time. In the process, we were privy to a peek at what Tennessee’s first surf pool will look like.

Tell us a little bit about how this project came to light. You found yourself in Tennessee and then you found this land in Tennessee.

Jonnie and I met through a mutual friend that pulled together a group of men who were trying to live life intentionally as fathers, husbands and business owners. As Jonnie and I got to know each other, we discovered that we both shared a passion not only for business, but for bringing families together, being out in nature as much as possible and of course surfing. And you guessed it, we were off to the races.

What is special about the land here? 

We’ve been stunned by the warmth of the community and the sheer beauty of the landscape. The green pastures, rolling hills, calming forests and pristine river are incredibly special. To think it’s going to be possible to surf with this backdrop is almost surreal. 

The history of the land, caught our attention too. Before and during the Civil War, self-made entrepreneurs Robert and Samuel Graham who owned the property, never employed an enslaved person. They would go so far as to rescue individuals by purchasing them out of slavery and bringing them to Pinewood as freemen.

We want to steward that revolutionary spirit at Pinewood, for generations to come and nurture a community that encourages each other to live a truly free life. 

Continue reading the interview by heading to WavePoolMag for the complete article.