Surf Lakes announced a new reduced size model of their wave pool technology to target suburban communities.
The demand for artificial wave facilities continues to grow, and the Australian company behind the concentric wave-making technology wants to lead the revolution.
Surf Lakes created a new product model designed to suit reduced-sized footprints and target the beginner-to-intermediate surfing market.
While still producing up to 2,000 waves per hour - like its larger sibling, formerly 5 Waves, and now known as Surf Lakes XL - the new Surf Lakes model requires only two hectares (five acres) of land for construction.
Therefore, it can be built in areas closer to higher population densities where larger landholdings may be limited.
This new standard Surf Lakes model will boast waves suited to three surfing ability levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced.
It will also be suited for bodyboards, bodysurfing, shortboarding, longboarding, and kneeboarding.
"We've had close to 600 enquiries from all areas of the planet," said Aaron Trevis, CEO of Surf Lakes.
Surf Lakes and Surf Lakes XL
And while they all love the idea of building a Surf Lake XL model, many sites are just not large enough to cater for the 3.6-hectare lake.
"With our motto of 'Everyone Gets a Break,' we also realize that, while the XL model will be ideal for athlete training and international events such as the Olympics, there is a huge opportunity to really penetrate non-surfing market places by locating near shopping malls and local sports fields.
"As a result, we can share the stoke of riding waves by making facilities that are more accessible to all."
The Surf Lakes model will also have a lower price tag with a turnkey solution being delivered in the order of $20 million.
This lowers the barrier to entry for developers and also potentially allows for a quicker return on the investment, given that the wave-making potential is still at 2,000 waves per hour, and therefore, people throughput is at a premium.
"We genuinely see the new standard Surf Lakes model as being a perfect way for kids, and complete beginners to get into the sport while aspiring to progress to the bigger and more challenging waves in the Surf lakes XL facilities as their ability improves," continued Trevis.
"And being located in environments where non-surfing passing traffic can see the waves and the grinning faces of those enjoying the rides, everyone will certainly wish to grab a board and get out there."
The new Surf Lakes standard model can also be integrated into existing or future developments and can become genuine pieces of community-focused infrastructure, similar to public swimming pools or sports fields.
It is also important to note that when waves are turned off, the potential uses for the large body of water cross over into flatwater sports such as swimming, kayaking, or simply, still water fun and games.