Whether you want to learn to surf, bust out airs like you’re current world number 1 Jordy Smith or have never surfed a day in your life, I’m willing to bet you’ve seen or at least heard about The King of surfing’s new venture; Kelly Slater’s wave pool? If not, carry on reading. I’m sure a clip will appear somewhere on this blog that’s titled Kelly Slater’s Wave pool. If not… “Shall I google that for you?” – Chris Bond
The Pool
The name is pretty self-explanatory. ‘Wave pool’. What the surfing icon has managed to achieve is probably the most futuristic thing to happen to surfing since… well… Kelly Slater himself. He has created, what the majority of the surfing community thought to be impossible. An artificial wave in the middle of nowhere. That actually Barrels!
“It’s a freak of technology,” says The King.
The wave is created by pulling a wing-shaped device through the water. But neither Slater nor the scientists who worked on the wave have been willing to discuss details of the system, which is patented. I’m guessing it’s a similar effect to when you pull your hand through pool water at speed and it creates a wave around your hand? But who am I? No wave pool specialist. There have been many attempts in the past but none of managed to imitate what Mother Nature produces… Until now.
How will this shape surfing?
If you’re like me (sceptical), with many years of surfing under your belt, you will be thinking to yourself “How is this wave pool going to change surfing?” “Is it going to change the breed of surfer?” Well, question two stands out to me. I grew up surfing the East Coast of South Africa at a spot called Ansteys. Although, the wave is pretty easy to surf the majority of the time, when it gets overhead it’s not shy to pull down your boardies, bend you over its knee, spank your ass and leave you in the corner crying, wondering why you decided to try tame that salty sugar mommy.
The Problem
If you chatted with an experienced surfer, he/she will tell you that some of the best experiences they’ve had have been whilst getting a bit of a spanking by the ocean. Although at the time of the beating it may seem like you’re about to kick the underwater bucket but once through the experience, it leaves you humbled, and, for some reason, a better person. This is my biggest worry about Slater’s Wavepool. Having the ability to play Neptune doesn’t sit well with me. I’m sure there will be some surfers that would agree. Learning to surf in a controlled environment like that definitely has its perks but it completely takes away the main reason why we dedicate our lives to the ocean and sport… MOTHER NATURE. She is a downright bitch at the best of times but she is also loving and kind, especially if you show her the respect she deserved.
The Novelty
At the end of the day, the idea is great. Having that much control over your environment can benefit your progress substantially but I have no doubt that in the near future, this wave will be forgotten. Take that statement with a pinch of salt. Because the WSL have their fingers in the pie. I wouldn’t be surprised if they own the entire shindig, using Slater’s name as a Marketing tool (smart) But needless to say, there is just no substitute for watching the sunrise or set over a glassy horizon, paddling out into the ocean and waiting for that one special wave that makes it all worth it. The saying “ Only a surfer knows the feeling “ isn’t just a tagline. It’s life of a surfer. Ok so, I’ll be nice. Here is a clip from Kelly Slaters Wave Co. But once you’ve done that, please leave your comment below. I’d love to hear them.