.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
How Do We Create Meaningful Surfing Spaces ….. Outside the Ocean?
Tom Lochtefeld, inventor of the FlowRider and FlowBarrel sheet waves, Wave House and Flow House venues, and now the SurfLoch SurfPool, brings his 30 years’ of experience to bear on this question in a recent interview with Dr. Jess Ponting. Dr. Ponting is a professor at San Diego State University, the Director of the Center For Surf Research, with a Ph.D. focusing on sustainable surf tourism management.
Tom Lochtefeld has designed, developed and operated parks (Raging Waters and Wave Houses); succeeded in forever changing the world of boardsports by creating the sport of Flowboarding; has been doing R&D on water-based attractions for 30 years (successfully with over 100 patents and trademarks); and is himself a life-long dedicated surfer.
The Right Waves in the Right Park
Wave Pools have been around for a long time. SURFABLE wave pools have been scarce commodities in the world of water-based attractions, for many reasons. We are now on the cusp of change in that sphere, as indicated this year by the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee short-listing surfing for inclusion as a new sport in the Olympics.
There are two main questions facing professionals, experienced surfers, groms, wannabees, park developers, and now even Olympic Committees: (1) What makes a good surfing wave; and (2) what makes a good surf park? (better yet – what makes a MEANINGFUL surf park that is economically viable?). Tom Lochtefeld’s interview with Dr. Ponting addresses the latter.
Let’s talk surf parks. Listen HERE.
Leave a Reply