With over 150 projects in development across the globe, the upcoming 2022 Surf Park Summit is set to be the largest networking and insider event for the booming wave pool attractions sector.
Running from 16th to 18th October at Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego, California, USA, is on track to be organiser Surf Park Central's biggest event yet as interest and activity around surf parks and wave technology companies continue to grow.
Returning as an in-person event having been held solely online in 2021, the Summut line up includes panels on marketing, park development, project feasibility and technological advancements while talks with leaders in the industry will focus on creating world-class experiences for surf park visitors and innovation and progress surrounding sustainability.
Speakers from this year’s event include big-name surfers like Shane Beschen and Damien Hobgood along with industry leaders Paul Chutter of Endless Surf, Damon Tudor of URBNSURF and Seán Young from Wavegarden.
Speaking recently about the growing interest in wave pools, Dr Jess Ponting, co-founder of Surf Park Central and Director of the Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University, advised "the surf park market is still in its infancy; there are approximately 10 third-generation surf parks currently operating. But best estimates put that number over 100 within five to six years. What we are now beginning to see is increasing sophistication and diversification in the business models.
"From private club-style real estate development to member-owned and financed models, to a far greater diversity of accommodation, retail, F&B, events, and complimentary attractions, all anchored by a surf park.
"A surf park can (also) be a cultural hub for a wider attraction, bringing an authenticity of experience that other components cannot emulate.
"Surfing is also an incredibly lucrative sport. Surfing comes with 30 to 40 million regular participants in over 100 countries. Many of these travel internationally on a regular basis for the express purpose of surfing."
Click here for more information on the Surf Park Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.
Image: A panel at Surf Park Summit. Credit: Surf Park Central.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
