Every time you put your wetsuit on, strap that leash to your ankle, and run into the water, you are, at the core, looking for one specific feature; the perfect wave. Let’s be honest, the world would be a little happier if all Mother Nature threw at us is the crème de la crème of swells, but that’s not the way she goes. Now I’m not saying there are days of surfing in which you aren’t having any fun. Hell, the worst day of surfing is better than a day at work, as Rob Machado would say. But, what if the waves could be perfect and consistent, all the time. Well, that’d just be a dream.
Good News! There is currently a team of surf experts that are gaining momentum and pushing your dreams into a pretty wicked reality.
A large team of heavy surf riders, owners, and scientists are teaming up with the guys at San Diego State’s Center for Surf Research to do one thing; give the people sustainable surf. Who could ask for more?
With sponsors such as Forbes, ESPN, and even The Surfrider Foundation, the project of bringing the perfect, endless waves to your city is not so far away. On September 13th, a collective summit was held in Laguna, CA, bringing together all the wave lovers and their great ideas. The summit covered everything from the mechanics of the wave machines, to the all-mighty dollar, hoping to shine light on the overall goal, and work out all the kinks in cracks. Big names, such as Fernando Aguerre, president of the International Surfing Association, and PT Townend, surf legend and owner of the Active Empire, showed up to get work done. With the stacked roster at this summit, results were definitely made right.
What can see from all of this in the future? Say hello to more equality in surfing competitions. With every wave being made evenly, and set to a standard, competitions in the future will be more about the surfer’s skill, rather than wave choice. It even has potential to make it all the way into the Olympics. Will ocean surfing competitions die out? I think not. Surfing is more than just about skill and competing, so those who stay true to the ocean always will, and good for whomever that may be. But, it is still nice to know that the alternative is there.
So, rest assured friends. Soon, the endless dream wave will be closer to you than you could have ever believed, and the riding you see will be better than ever. Stay up.
Here are are few more Surf Park links for you to check out