Surf Lakes is edging closer to bringing its "5 Waves" surf technology to the Gold Coast.
The Gold Coast-based artificial wave pool developers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a group of people who have land suitable for the construction of a Surf Lakes facility.
For the past 12 months, the surf company has been reviewing several potential sites in the Gold Coast area, with the selected site being the standout.
Due to confidentiality agreements, the site location cannot be disclosed at this stage.
The signing of the MOU is the first step of many.
Finalizing terms with the site owner will now progress, along with seeking the necessary regulatory approvals and funding, after which the construction will follow.
The team of town planners, architects, and specialist consultants is currently being engaged to assist Surf Lakes with the Development Application (DA) process.
"After an exhaustive search, we are positive that this is the right site and location, plus the site owner shares our enthusiasm for bringing this project to life," said co-founder and director Reuben Buchanan.
"Our vision is to build a world-class facility for recreation surfing and training that suits all surf craft - not just shortboards."
Gold Coast: The Perfect Location for Surf Lakes
Surf Lakes ambassador Mark "Occy" Occhilupo is equally enthusiastic.
"The Gold Coast is screaming out for something like this. Surf Lakes is ideal because it has perfect waves for every level of surfer," said the 1999 world surfing champion.
"It will be huge for the thousands of surfers who live here, as well as visitors who will be able to surf perfect waves without relying on the ocean."
When built, the facility will feature four separate left and right-breaking waves - eight in total.
There will be five levels of waves pumping down the line at the same time: beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert, and pro.
Wave-face heights will range from 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) for beginners to over 7.8 feet (2.4 meters) for expert surfers.
There are guaranteed offshore conditions at all times, regardless of wind direction, and five-second hollow barrels at the premier break (both left and right).
Surf Lakes Gold Coast will have a heavy slab for expert surfers and bodyboarders.
The ride lengths range from six seconds for the slab-style wave to up to 14 seconds for the two-point break-style waves.
The wave pool will have a throughput capacity of up to 160 surfers per hour (including learners).
Night Surfing and Multiple Programs
Surf Lakes will open the facility for the "after-work hours crew" via night surfing sessions.
The surf park will have the capacity to host major events for all surf craft plus events for broader action water sports.
With an estimated 2.5 million recreational surfers, Australia has the highest ratio of surfers in the world per capita.
"Surf Lakes Gold Coast is aiming to attract more surfers from within Australia, which will help to boost local tourism and jobs," adds Buchanan.
"It will also deliver a range of economic and community benefits such as high-performance surf training programs, school surfing programs, adaptive surfing opportunities, indigenous-focused surf programs, and more."
Surf Lakes hopes to start construction in early 2021.
It is expected the project will be completed and open to the public within nine to 12 months after the first soil is turned.