$1.1b surf ranch to bring new wave of champs

Surfing identities believe southeast Queensland's new $1.1 billion surf ranch can make the region a breeding ground for world champions.

Sunshine Coast surfing identities say the region can become a breeding ground for world champions, like Julian Wilson in action here, if the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch proposal is given the green light.

SURFING identities believe despite a raft of issues and unanswered questions, the Coast's new $1.1 billion surf ranch can make the region a breeding ground for world champions.

Much of the Coast's strong surfing fraternity have reacted positively to last week's announcement but some harbour fears, mainly involving environmental and affordability factors.

World Surf League says construction could start on the big wave pool early next year, with a 529ha site at Coolum West put forward.

Windandsea Boardriders Club president Terry Landsberg said the Sunshine Coast lacked right-hand point breaks that were constantly pumping like Gold Coast beaches.

He said because of the protection Moreton Island provided, only Noosa "on a good day" can truly rival the likes of Kirra, Snapper Rocks or Burleigh.

He said an affordable wavepool would eliviate the problem and would help develop the next generation of top surfers.

"Hopefully there is an opening for boardriding clubs up and down the Coast for discounted rates, because it would be a shame if it was only made available for a certain few," Mr Landsberg said.

Mooloolaba’s Keely Andrew tests out a the Surf Ranch in California.

"It's exciting times for surfers here, it really showcases the skills.

"Locals will be lining up to surf these types of waves."

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Former professional and current surf school coach Robbie Sherwell had mixed views on the Aussie-first ranch.

He worried ocean knowledge and skills would be lost if grommets were only training on the man-made waves.

"It's great for innovative manoeuvres but every wave is the same, it's not like that in the ocean," Mr Sherwell said.

"The tricks they do are insane but there's no uncertainty like in the ocean."

Coolum Boardriders president Chris Barraclough said he was "all for" the ranch providing it was affordable.

Mr Barraclough said having a set coaching platform would give great help to coaches to refine techniques.

While he agreed nothing could replicate natural conditions, he said an arena-style surf contest would be great.

"They're not swell-dependant so having a run all year round will be good and the repetitive waves will be great development," Mr Barraclough said.

"Economic access to it will be the main issue, hopefully the majority can afford it."

Originally published as $1.1b surf ranch to bring new wave of champs