Surfing in Wavepools

It is a strange thing to think that the best wave in the world might soon be found in a freshwater pool. Currently there are plenty of wave pools around the world all vying to create the best artificial wave and user experience in the world. When one sees a perfect tube peeling down a lake it is hard to not get frothed up and riding one just might make you a believer in the wave pool concept. From hydrofoils to pressure pumps below the surface there is a huge variety in wave pool technology that all create unique waves, wave pools are from from the gimmick they once were (See the movie Point Break for more details). Below is a list of some of the top wave pools operating worldwide.

Waco Surf

Found smack dab in the middle of Texas Waco Surf is powered by Perfectswell and rose to fame with the Stab High air contests. This is one of the best pools in the world for fast air sections as well as mini slab tubes. Perfectswell technology is also branching out, it powers a couple other pools on this list. In the meantime head to Waco to sample the pool, or use the rest of the water park. Check out our guide for more details.

Shizunami Surf Stadium

There were plenty of well founded rumors before the 2020 Olympics that the first surfing event in the international competition would be held in this wave pool. After seeing the conditions that the event ended up being held in I would be inclined to agree. This wave pool is another one powered by Perfectswell and is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and retail inside the facility to keep you happy in between sessions. Located just a short train ride from Tokyo, add this to the list of must stop places for your next Japan trip Check out our spot guide here!

Surf Lake Yeppoon

Surf Lake Yeppoon is an exciting new wave pool concept that utilizes a large plunger in the middle of a circular pool. This creates a circular wave which hits multiple reefs/set ups around the lake. The company has plans for bigger and better waves, but currently the chest to head high size is it’s max. Unfortunately this facility is not yet open the the public, but should be soon! Check out our spot guide here.

Surf Ranch

The first wave pool to truly rival the ocean poetically was created by the world’s best surfer, Kelly Slater. I still remember the day I saw that muddy colored tube travel down a seemingly endless pool. Today the wave is the longest and probably the highest performance artificial wave in the world. There is both a right and left and it has been honed in for competition. The WSL holds a yearly (controversial) contest here and the bar for high performance surfing is nothing but elevated when the worlds best step into the water here. Check out our spot guide here.

URBNSURF Melbourne

This was Australia’s first major wave pool that was open to the public. It is powered by Wavegarden technology which tends to offer a tight take off position followed by steep performance and barrel sections. The perfect little sections are pumped out at a large number of waves per hour which ensures a shoulder burning session. This pool is a great option for any traveler due to it’s proximity to the airport! Make sure to get a long layover in order to snag a session between travel legs. Learn more here.

Wai Kai

Why would Hawaii, which might have the highest concentration of surf spots in the world, need a perfect artificial wave? Better yet, why not? This is a standing wave located just West of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. This wave imitates a river wave, but can be broken up into multiple sections in order to increase the amount of surfers that can ride at the same time. The facility offers discounts to native Hawaiians at the time of writing. Check out more information here!

Skudin Surf

New York City is not the first place that people will think about when you ask them to name a thriving surf community. Never the less the Skudin brothers have fostered a massive surfing community and have recently opened a wave pool in the American Dream Mall powered by Perfectswell. This facility offers some great high performance waves in the middle of a one of the biggest shopping centers in the world. Learn more here.

The Wave at Bristol

The Wave at Bristol is another pool powered by Wavegardern. Expect a tight take off into a fast but high performance wall. This offers high quality artificial waves close to the surfing centers of Great Britain and London. Being a Wavegarden wave pool this facility pumps out a large number of waves per minute, so make sure your arms are up for the task and bring some extra rubber for the cold. Find out more information here.

Adventure Parc Snowdonia

Found in one of the most beautiful places for a wave pool, surrounded by mountains and forests, Adventure Parc Snowdonia offers a plethora of activities along with the wave pool. The set up is similar to the Surf Ranch, just think about half the size/power. The Parc is perfect for families and those looking to dip their toes into other activities. Check out our spot guide for more information.

Boa Vista Surf Village

A new type of wave pool experience, Boa Vista Surf Village is a community that offers many activities with your membership one of which is access to a Perfectswell powered wave pool. Think very nice country club about an hour from Sao Paolo. This looks to be one of the new ways wave pools are looking to monetize their value. The perfect lines of surf are more than tantalizing, check out our spot guide for more information!