Veteran surf journalist Bryan Dickerson turns the mic to those at the center of the wave pool universe as WavePoolMag shines a light on the engineers, entrepren...
The collective wave pool wisdom of Craig Stoddart and Damon Tudor
In this podcast, we speak with Damon Tudor (former CEO of URBNSURF) and Craig Stoddart (co-founder of The Wave) about their journey and their exciting new Bahrain Surf Park project. Their partnership wasn’t sudden; over six years, they regularly exchanged insights on artificial wave technology, surf school structures, and maintenance systems. Despite operating in different markets — one with a mature surf culture and the other requiring broader appeal — they found common ground. Now, they’re bringing Middle East wave pools to life and ttaking on the challenge of introducing surfing to Bahrain, where half of the 1.5 million population can’t swim.
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46:47
On a Mission to Surf as Many Wave Pools as Possible
Mike Goldy’s has spent $15,000 on wave pool sessions. In return he has surfed 15 different wave technologies at 23 different standing and traveling wave pools across eight countries. What is the draw for this wonderful, possibly OCD-afflicted human? Is it the good vibes in the lineup, the guaranteed waves, the pumping soundtracks and close proximity to high-end coffee beverages? In this episode Mike shares what it’s like to be surf-obsessed in Baltimore and how that has led to his current mission - to surf as many wave pools as possible.
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How AllWaves is Changing the Game for Surf Park Operations
We learned about AllWaves last year on a visit to Belgium with Blair Conklin and crew in tow. During our visit, we saw firsthand the wave pool’s potential, documenting the unique circles of swell pumped out by its submerged bouncy pillow wavemaker.Since then, the Instagram-sphere has blown up—not with clips of pros doing amazing airs, but with videos of gentle, perfect, rolling beginner waves.Marie-Laure Clement of AllWaves shares how market demand is shaping the next step for Knokke-Heist’s wave pool technology.
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47:15
Mitch Crews: Senior Director of Surf Experience at Surf Abu Dhabi
Where do regular people eat in Abu Dhabi? I mean, it can't be a 5-star dining experience for every meal - maybe in the glossy press materials, but not for the average visiting human. But that's how many perceive this place. Former CT surfer Mitch Crews shares what it's like surfing, working and dining on a budget at the world's newest Kelly Slater Wave Co. creation. "My team has become like family to me and they're all, you know, a bunch of crazy surfers from around the globe. And it does feel like an authentic surf trip. I encourage everyone to at least give it a shot because once you've experienced that you know what it's all about. We're pretty proud of what we've done here and hopefully, we'll see many people's faces coming through."
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The layered complexities of commercial development with Joe Dale of The Wave
Joe Dale serves as the Head of Commercial at The Wave in Bristol. In his role, he develops strategies to attract visitors to The Wave. Easy, right? Well, no. Joe has been instrumental in addressing the challenges of leading a business in the emerging wave pool sector. As the industry evolves, Joe's insights in this discussion highlight the connection between business growth and the consumer’s interest in distinctive recreational opportunities that, if done right, create a vibrant customer base.
Veteran surf journalist Bryan Dickerson turns the mic to those at the center of the wave pool universe as WavePoolMag shines a light on the engineers, entrepreneurs, pros and the hand-picked few who have a wave pool story to tell. The questions are pointed and the answers range from the sublime to the illuminating, hitting all flashpoints in between. Dig in to hear from the minds designing, building and surfing the world’s wave pools.
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