If you're giving surfing a go for the first time or aiming to improve your confidence and improve your intermediate skills, wave pools are a fun alternative to the ocean.
The controlled environment eliminates many of the challenges of open-water surfing and provides the right environment to focus on technique and consolidate previously learned basics.
There's even a growing number of experienced surfers refining their aerial and tube-riding game in these transparent water basins.
The silent inland freshwater surfing revolution is here to stay and may very well duplicate the number of worldwide surfers in a couple of decades.
Although it can be different to ride an artificial wave, the feeling will always be the same. And the ocean will always be there for you.
Here are some of the coolest advantages and benefits of wave pools:
1. No Getting Swept Away
In the ocean, strong currents can carry you far from your lineup. In a wave pool, you stay in a confined area, so you won't have to worry about paddling long distances back to the take-off zone.
2. No Localism or Intimidation
Some surf breaks often have a local culture that can be intimidating for newcomers. Surf pools are neutral ground and eliminate the localism factor. Surfers don't have to worry about being called out by locals for taking "their" waves. Everyone gets an equal chance to ride.
3. Controlled Crowds
Unlike at your popular surf break, wave pools limit the number of surfers in the water, so you won't have to fight for your share of stoke. Consequently, there's no overcrowding, meaning more time surfing, less time waiting, and less tension in the lineup.
4. Guaranteed Waves
Wave pools operate on a rotation system so that every surfer gets the same number of waves. There's no jockeying for position or waiting endlessly for the perfect wave to appear on the horizon. As a result, the fairness playing field is leveled.
5. No Drop-Ins
In a wave pool, no one will drop in on you, and your wave will never be stolen, meaning a smoother and more respectful experience for everyone. After all, you're paying for peace of mind.
6. More Camaraderie and Less Stress
Wave pools normally have a friendly atmosphere and a sense of community. With fewer people in the water and everyone taking turns, you're more likely to exchange tips with other surfers, learn from each other, and, who knows, build friendships.
7. Consistent Wave Shapes
Unlike ocean waves, which are unpredictable, surf pools create consistent waves that break the same way every time, making it easier to practice specific maneuvers and improve your flow and riding lines without having to guess how the wave will behave.
8. Practice Specific Maneuvers
With predictable and consistent waves, you can repeatedly practice and perfect specific maneuvers like cutbacks, aerials, or tube rides. The controlled environment makes it easier to break down and improve each part of your technique.
9. Customizable Waves and Menus
Many wave pools let you choose the type of wave you want to ride, such as lefts, rights, barrels, wedges, mushy, etc., so you can work on different aspects of your surf.
10. Better Wave Reading
Wave pools help surfers develop an eye for identifying and timing their take-off. Also, since the waves are consistent, you can focus on positioning yourself correctly and understanding how the wave breaks so that when you get back to the ocean, you can use it in your favor.
11. Improved Paddling
Although wave pools have shorter paddle-outs compared to the ocean, they still provide an excellent opportunity to practice paddling while getting back to the lineup via the channel and taking wave after wave without long breaks.
12. Tailored for All Skill Levels
Wave pools often offer different wave settings, from small, gentle waves for first-timers and beginners to larger, more powerful waves for advanced and pro surfers. Therefore, everyone can progress at their own pace.
13. Video Feedback Opportunities
An increasing number of inland surfing venues offer video capture and analysis of your rides. Reviewing footage helps surfers identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.
14. Confidence Building
Practicing in a confined artificial wave basin helps surfers build confidence in a controlled environment so that they can carry the gainings over to the ocean.
15. No Fear of Collisions and Drowning
With an organized, turn-taking lineup, there's no worry about accidentally running into someone or getting hit by a loose board. Also, wave pools are typically shallow and monitored by lifeguards, and there's no way you're going to get pulled under by strong currents or held down by multiple hold-downs.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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