Surf Lakes wavepool closer to being constructed on Gold Coast with world class surfers critiquing the man-made waves

Exclusive video footage has emerged of world-class surfers testing revolutionary wavepool technology ahead of its construction on the Gold Coast next year. WATCH THEIR REACTIONS >>>

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INCREDIBLE footage has emerged of surfing legends Mark Occhilupo “Occy” and Dean ‘Dingo’ Morrison carving up Surf Lakes’ revolutionary wavepool — revealing a hint of what’s coming to the Gold Coast in 2021.

The pair were also joined by Mark Matthews, Macy Callahan and Sheldon Simkis to give their brutally honest opinion on their experience riding the artificial waves.

Earlier this year Gold Coast based company Surf Lakes announced its first commercial ‘5 Waves’ wave pool will be built at a yet to disclosed location “in the middle of the Gold Coast”. It’s set to be bigger and better than the one featured in the video.

While an application is yet to be lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Surf Lakes aims to start construction within 18 to 24 months, with completion approximately nine to twelve months after that.

Surf Lakes wave pool near Yeppoon.

Surf Lakes chief executive, founder and owner Aaron Trevis and co-owner Reuben Buchanan are the Broadbeach-based businessman behind the century.

“The site will be a genuine showpiece not only for Surf Lakes technology, but for the Gold Coast as well,” said Mr Trevis.

“I think the prof surfers, many of whom who had not surfed in a wave pool, were pleasantly surprised. As for surfers in general most were shocked by the quality and power of the waves.”

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Mr Buchanan said many surfers were speechless and found it hard to get their heads around the breaks that were coming in from all different directions.

“Some were speechless,” he said.

“Just being there and seeing the machine was just a mind-blowing experience and there were lots of high firing and cheering.”

Mr Trevis said the surf park could host daily surfing competitions, something not possible in the action surf.

“It could host night surfing, triathlons and a range of other water-based activities — the possibilities are endless,” he said.

General Manager Global Operations and International Media Director Wayne Dart (left), founder and CEO Aaron Trevis and Director Reuben Buchanan pose for a photo while the barrels roll in at Surf Lakes.

With an estimated 2.5 million recreational surfers, Australia has among the highest ratio of surfers in the world. The Surf Lakes facility on the Gold Coast is set to include:

• Eight separate breaks – four left breaking and four right breaking
• Five levels of waves at the same time: beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert and pro
• Wave-face heights from 0.5 metres for beginners, to over 2.4 metres for expert surfers
• Guaranteed offshore conditions at all times, regardless of wind direction
• Five second hollow barrels at the premier break (both left and right)
• A heavy slab for expert surfers and bodyboarders
• Ride lengths ranging from six seconds for the slab style wave, up to 14 seconds for the two point break style waves
• Throughput capacity of up to 160 surfers per hour (including learners)
• The ability to cater for the “after work hours crew” via night surfing

Mr Buchanan said Surf Lakes Gold Coast aimed to attract more surfers from within Australia, which will help to boost local tourism and jobs.

“Plus it will deliver a range of economic and community benefits such as high performance surf training, surfing in schools, disabled surfing, indigenous surf programs, and more,” he said.

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