Do you remember the moment surfing went full Mad Max?
Surf Lakes created quite a stir when they unveiled their full-sized prototype of their wave. Joel Parkinson and a handful of QS stars flew in to test the Occy/Barton Lynch-endorsed wave pool design.
The waves were tiny, a couple of feet at best, but boy did it have potential.
The days of testing were held in front of would be investors and many that had already dipped their hard earned into the project with hopes of mirroring the commercial success of Kelly’s-now-WSL owned Surf Ranch.
Then the giant plunger broke down while only operating at fifty percent capacity.
Since then we haven’t heard much out of Surf Lakes.
Had the whole thing gone belly up? Did Australia’s first amusement park for wave dancing and millions invested go down the gurgler?
Not so!
The company announced on Monday the location of its first commercial wave pool.
From the presser that dropped in our inbox:
Surf Lakes has been scouring the Gold Coast for suitable land, and at present has selected an appropriate site in a location that is centrally located and easily accessible for residents and tourists.
Newly appointed Surf Lakes Chief Executive Officer, Mal Borgeaud, is genuinely excited at the prospect of bringing Surf Lakes to such a coveted, surf-proud locale and envisions the facility will give great benefit to the community.
“As a company we are tremendously excited to be announcing our commitment to building a facility on the Gold Coast. We have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we have received from both Council and the Queensland Government,” said Borgeaud.
“It makes sense, with the Gold Coast being our home town, that we construct a commercial facility here. We know the facility will bring tremendous benefits to the community, not just by providing waves and surf-oriented fun… it will be a boost for employment, tourism and the local economy,” he continued.
“Our aim is to make this site a genuine show piece not only for our technology but for the Gold Coast as well.”
Surf Lakes envisions that construction will begin in late 2019 or early 2020 with a view to opening in the second half of 2020.
A bold claim but music to our ears.
Now let’s not forget about Greg Webber’s Tunnel Vision Wave Park slated for Loganholme, Queensland.
Will news of Surf Lakes announcement ramp up the wave pool space race?
Your move Mr Webber!
