FLASHBACK TO THE WORLD’S BEST WAVEPOOL: THE OCEAN DOME
Surfing Life’s 2007 Hot 100 Trip: Japan’s Extinct Ocean Dome
Words by: Mimi LaMontagne, Surfing Life
Photos: Andrew Shield
Video: Ryan Kenny
Heath Joske pre-beard and pre-extinction of Miyazaki Japan’s Ocean Dome Wave Pool. Photo: Andrew Shield
In October of 2007, the best wave pool in the world was shut down. We knew this was happening before the fact – that’s why we decided to take the best of Australia’s junior surfing talent to Japan for our annual Hot 100 trip. And as you can see from Owen Wright’s froth, it was all we hoped and way more. But one month after this clip was filmed, the Ocean Dome was no more. We saw the last professional surfing the Japanese wave wonderland would ever play host to – and it left us wanting more.
Owen Wright unleashing his inner froth during the last mega session at Japan’s Ocean Dome Wave Pool. Photo: Andrew Shields
If Tokyo decides to including surfing as a sport in the 2020 Olympics, the Ocean Dome will be reincarnated. And politics of the debate aside, we very much want that to happen.
Was Japan’s Ocean Dome the best wave pool ever? Definitely the best one yet… Photo: Andrew Shields
And we bet Wilko, Jules, Owen, Jay Davies, Heath Joske and Mitch Coleborn will back us up. Just scroll down for the evidence (and relish in the baby-faces of your favourite pro surfers).
A young version of the Julian Wilson we all know and love perfecting his air game at the Ocean Dome. Photo: Andrew Shields
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