We use cookies to personalize your experience, content and advertising. We also use cookies to provide social media features and analyze traffic. By using this site you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Image: 24/7 Wave
Image: 24/7 Wave
Image: 24/7 Wave
Image: 24/7 Wave
SurfPoel
An indoor surfing playground in the HagueAverage Reviews
Description
SurfPoel is an indoor wave pool being built in the Hague, Netherlands. Once built, the SurfPoel will produce waves that are 1.2m (4 feet) high on the face of the wave. The lefts and rights will be rideable for around 10 seconds, and wave shapes will vary to accommodate all skill levels and board types.
Dr. Steven Schmied, lead engineer at SurfPoel, says the wave will be “semi-hollow at the break point, opening up into a steep wall before flattening out near the hull. This allows the surfer to ride the section of the face that best suits their abilities.”
At either end of the pool, the wave will encounter a close-out section that allows for air, floaters, etc. That same part of the pool should also allow for an early take-off near the hull, before the surfer fades into the pocket, maximizing the ride time.
The wave shape is modeled after Lorne Point, one of Dr. Schmied’s favorite waves.
Capacity and Productivity
By producing around 120 waves per hour, with a maximum of 10 people in each session, surfers can expect to ride 12 waves in a 1-hour session at the SurfPoel wave pool.
Technology
The proprietary technology for the SurfPoel wave pool is designed and built by 24/7 Waves, the parent company behind SurfPoel.
Details about the technology are not publicly available, but it’s easy to see from the images shared by SurfPoel that they are using a foil to produce the waves (similar to KSWC and Wavegarden Lagoons). The adjustable foil will allow waves of various shapes and sizes to be generated as it runs up and down the pool, producing lefts and rights.
The pool will be built above the ground. It will be 68m long, 16.8m wide and up to 2.5m (8 feet) deep. The water temperature is expected to be 14 ºC (57 ºF), matching the ground temperature, so wetsuits will be a necessity.
The modular, above-ground construction of the pool has another benefit: the pool is transportable and easy to set up in 2-4 weeks. That could mean we see facilities like SurfPoel appear in temporary locations to host events before being broken down and moved to the next site.
Pricing
SurfPoel is not planning to open to the general public (yet). They are currently only selling surf sessions as part of a crowdfunding campaign. SurfPoel sessions are priced below:
| €60 ($66 USD) | 1-hour surf session |
| €100 ($110 USD) | 2-hour surf session |
| €250 ($276 USD) | 5-hour surf session |
| €450 ($500 USD) | Exclusive 1-hour session for 10 people |
| €950 ($995 USD) | Exclusive 2-hour session for 10 people |
Anyone who participates in the crowdfunding will get a “Riders Account” which will allow them to buy additional surf sessions later.
The SurfPoel wave pool facility is roughly 2400m2 (7800 square feet). It will include a surf school that offers lessons through crowdfunding as well. Wetsuits and surfboards will be available for rent. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
SurfPoel’s parent company, 24/7 Waves, is lead by Jeroen Den Otter and Joeri Fredriks, and Dr. Stephen Schmied. Dr. Schmied has years of experience on wave pools including some work with Greg Webber. They have a sizable team of architects, legal, business development and other professionals behind them.
April 2018 crowdfunding started and the team hit their funding goal of €100,000. In December 2018, the team was aiming to open in the Q1 of 2019, but that didn’t happen primarily due to design finalization.
In July 2019, construction started. The pool will be open to the public sometime in 2020.
Photo: SurfPoel 
Photo: SurfPoel 
Photo: SurfPoel
Sources: SurfPoel, The Inertia
