Plans for new surf parks and surf-anchored destinations are popping up daily. There are exciting projects around the world and with that comes a greater demand for wave technology. AllWaves is working to become the new wave of choice.
The Belgium company aims to be the go-to option for ocean-like waves, with a heavy focus on energy efficiency. It uses a lake or lagoon that pumps out nonstop waves for countless surfers.
Surf Park Central spoke with AllWaves CEO and Founder Steven Nauwelaerts about what makes his waves unique and arguably some of the safest on the planet.
Surf Park Central: What sets AllWaves apart from other wave technologies?
Steven Nauwelaerts: There are three things that set us apart. First of all, the natural look & feel. Visitors experience an open lake view, world class waves with unlimited variation, and a completely silent technology. All you hear is the sound of breaking waves. Next, safety. A submerged pillow creates waves, making it extremely safe. 360° gently sloping beaches ensure surfers can exit the water anywhere, anytime. Lastly, Affordability. We have low operating costs thanks to a modular & energy efficient system. And a high ROI thanks to high capacity of surfers, because we can create waves which are suitable for all experience levels
Surf Park Central: What design standards are used to make AllWaves the safest wave technology?
Nauwelaerts: For safety, we work together with TüV, they test, inspect & certify technology to ensure potential hazards & prevent damages. A TuV Stamp is proof of competence quality & reliability. The entire system works in resonance frequency, so the water moves together with the pillow. You can never get an impact of it. There are a whole series of other standards, which I won’t go into detail about now.
Surf Park Central: Where can people go to surf an AllWaves wave? What will they experience?
Nauwelaerts: Currently, we have a full-scale prototype in the coast city of Knokke-Heist, Belgium where we further tune the technology. So the people who come over are future surf park developers, with sometimes the municipality or investors coming along. They want to see & try the technology before they go further in their development plans.
Surf Park Central: What projects are in the works?
Nauwelaerts: We are in contract negotiations with developers who already have the land and/or the terrain. Because of the nature of this business, we are under mutual NDA and can’t disclose yet any exact locations. But they span the entire world.
Surf Park Central: Why should surf park developers choose AllWaves to power their parks?
Nauwelaerts: Because AllWaves can deliver what surf park customers are looking for in wave variability and overall experience while creating an interesting business model for the surf park developer.
Surf Park Central: Why is it essential for wave technology to create beginner waves?
Nauwelaerts: They build & grow your market. Most of the people who live in land-locked areas don’t know how to surf. It’s essential you create a low threshold experience for everyone who wants to try.
Surf Park Central: Many wave technology companies aim to produce the most ocean-like waves. Why is this essential for a surf destination and what else can be done to bring the ocean feel to new destinations?
Nauwelaerts: We want people to forget they’re in a wave pool, forget there is any machinery. That’s what I believe will truly create that ocean feel.
People are enjoying the outdoors and they are together with friends in the line-up. They see them taking off on waves & can cheer each other on and paddle back together; it’s huge!
Surf Park Central: How does sustainability play an important role in surf parks?
Nauwelaerts: Sustainability plays a huge part. Surf parks should have a positive impact on planet, people and profit, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Some background information first. Global warming, caused by human activity releasing CO2 emissions and other Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s), is currently the biggest threat to our civilization. According to the IPCC we currently have 4 years left to act if we still want to keep our planet under the crucial 1,5°C global warming threshold. We also know that the main cause of CO2 emissions (GHGs) comes from burning fossil fuels. Summed up, they represent 73% of global CO2 emissions. The main CO2 emitting sectors are the energy sector, the industrial sector, the agricultural sector… and the transport sector (flights, cars, trucks, trains …).
We are convinced that, thanks to the rising availability of wavepools, many ‘non-essential’ surf trips could be avoided as surfers will be satisfied with regular waves in the wave pool & less hassle from traveling. An Allwaves wave pool is currently best in class regarding energy efficiency. We urge our B2B customers to power an AllWaves wave pool with renewable energy. (SDG 7) Next to that, a surfpark can provide decent work & economic growth. (SDG 8, 11). Making surfing safe & accessible for all benefits good health & well-being (SDG 3). It also benefits gender equality as generally line-ups are dominated by men (SDG 5).
Learn more about AllWaves on their website.
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