Is the Sport of Surfing being Killed by Artificial Wave Pools?

In a recent article, avid sports blogger Chris at 5ones.com, discusses the effects of wave pool surfing as a commercialized sporting competition. What type of impacts would this have on the competitive surfing circuit as we know it? At this point in time, the exposure and participation in surfing competitions is highly limited to people by geographic location. Of course, nothing will ever beat the actual experience of surfing at the beach, but promoting wave pool surfing will open up similar possibilities to those in non coastal locations. I think the introduction of wave pool surfing, as a competitive sport, is a very good idea.

Currently, most of the profit being made in the commercialized surfing industry is by the sponsors, and the manufacturers of products selling goods that are associated with the surfer lifestyle. Unlike other action sports events, most of the surfing competitions are free to attend. This is not setting well with some, and for good reason. Others may think nothing of it, since the current situation has seemed to work out well thus far. Regardless of your opinion, the fact remains that the Association of Surfing Professionals (ARP) are the organizers of the competition and have little to no control of it. The sponsors basically run the whole show, the ARP is not making much of a share, and it is hindering this action sports expansion. In a possible attempt to raise capital, the ARP is considering implementing wave pools as part of the competitive surfing industry. This would allow the ARP to start running its own events, promoting its own competitions, and bringing in its own sponsors.

What effect would this have on the competitive industry? There will be some people who will argue that, "surfing needs to stay at its core". They may believe that commercializing this sport, in a controlled artificial environment, may in some way, diminish the spirit of its personality. In my opinion, if this vision of an evolved sporting competition turns into a reality, the spirit of surfing will in no way suffer. In a recent ESPN article, professional surfer Kelly Slater expressed his support of the idea. He believes that it could result in a lot of positive change for the industry. I mean think about it, people in landlocked states will pick up on the surfing blaze like wildfire. There will be people who have never stepped foot on a beach competing in this strenuous water sport. We're talking open arenas, thousands of new fans, internationally televised, Monday nights through Friday night action.

Another consideration to take in to account, is the affects that weather has on surfing competitions. Many skateboarding facilities hold tournaments inside, and as long as there's not a blizzard in progress, snowboarding competitors are in their element. Action sports involve anticipating fans and eager competitors. An indoor surfing facility would alleviate the problem of postponed competition. This new form of surfing is guaranteed to generate a whole new unique fan base, and it will also give current fans added opportunities to see their favorite surfers perform.

As Chris points out in his article, a wave pool will give skilled surfers a controlled predictable environment allowing for bigger and better maneuvers. This should not only excite the fans, but the aspiring surfers in landlocked areas, and the professionals alike.

5ones.com