ASB MAGAZINE: Gold Coast based artificial wave park creator, Surf Lakes, is edging closer to bringing its “5 Waves” surf technology to the Gold Coast, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a group who have land suitable for the development of a Surf Lakes facility. For the past 12 months, the Surf Lakes team have been reviewing several potential sites in the Gold Coast area, with the selected site being the standout.
Unfortunately due to confidentially agreements, the site location cannot be disclosed at this stage.
While the signing of the MOU is very exciting, it is the first step of many. Finalising 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 are currently being engaged to assist Surf Lakes with the DA process.
“After an exhaustive search, we are positive that this is the right site and location, plus the site owner shares our enthusiasm of 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 short boards,”.
Surf Lakes ambassador Mark “Occy” Occhilupo is equally enthusiastic.
“The Gold Coast is screaming out for a something like this,” said the 1999 world champion. “Surf Lakes is ideal because it has perfect waves for every level of surfer. 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 the following:
- Eight separate breaks – four left breaking and four right breaking
- Five levels of waves at the same time: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert and Pro
- Wave-face heights from 0.5 metres for beginners, to over 2.4 metres for expert surfers
- Guaranteed offshore conditions at all times, regardless of wind direction
- Five second hollow barrels at the premier break (both left and right)
- A heavy slab for expert surfers and bodyboarders
- Ride lengths ranging from six seconds for the slab style wave, up to 14 seconds for the two point break style waves
- Throughput capacity of up to 160 surfers per hour (including learners)
- The ability to cater for the “after work hours crew” via night surfing
- 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 amongst 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. 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 first soil is turned.
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