Enter the Disruptor: Will SwellSpot Richmond Change the Game?
The emerging details on a surf park planned for the Richmond Virginia area are extraordinary, to say the least. SwellSpot Richmond hopes to generate waves at a frequency and size similar to URBNSURF Melbourne, but the cost to construct the Richmond facility is a fraction of the cost of a new Wavegarden Cove.
SwellSpot Richmond is a 2.2-acre wave pool that will use SwellSpot’s patented modular plunger technology to produce waves. According to Walter Bennett, founder of SwellSpot, the wave pool will produce waves simultaneously across three different areas that correspond to skill level.
The advanced area will offer A-frame waves that measure up to 7′ (2m) on the face of the wave. The waves will run left and right for 6-10 seconds of surfing. The shape of the wave will vary from mellow open faces to high-performance runners, thanks to the adjustability of SwellSpot technology.
After passing through the advanced area, the swell will reform into intermediate breaks that will offer lefts and rights that measure up to 4′ (1.2m) on the face of the wave. Each wave will provide about 6 seconds of surfing. The shape of the wave will accomodate surfers learning to go down the line and dialing in their first turns.
The swell then reforms again to create beginner breaks that will be ideal for kids and adults learning the basics. Whitewater rollers measuring 2-3′ will offer rides that last about 5 seconds.
The planned frequency and capacity are also notable. Each of the 300 swells generated per hour will break in all three zones. With 120 surfers in the pool per hour, each surfer will get around 12 waves to themselves. Beginners, who share waves, can get even more if they are up for it.
The cost to surf SwellSpot Richmond for an hour is one of the lowest we’ve seen. According to Mr. Bennett, the price for an hour of surfing will probably be between $25 and $45. URBNSURF Melbourne is $42-55 and BSR Surf Resort is $60-90.
But wait, there’s more: the one-hour session fee also allows surfers to step into vacant spots if one of the sessions following their own isn’t filled to capacity.
If you plan on surfing frequently, you will be able to grab an unlimited pass for $125 a month plus a $50 activation fee. URBNSURF Melbourne charges twice that much for their premier membership which only includes 4 sessions per month.
Again, these numbers are part of planning, and they may change. Regardless, SwellSpot Richmond has a unique operating model that is sure to keep waves from going unridden.
The low customer costs are only possible because of the low construction costs. According to Mr. Bennett, the wave pool and supporting infrastructure will cost roughly $4m to construct. Other modern wave pools cost nearly 5x that to construct.
So let’s recap: SwellSpot Richmond plans to provide quality waves in a high-capacity pool where all 120 surfers get 12 waves in a one-hour session for as low as $25. And they expect construction costs to be a fraction of other modern surf parks.
The plans are indeed impressive, so naturally the next question is “will it work as planned?” We’re as eager as you are to find out, and we won’t have to wait long. Construction could start as soon as June and, with some luck, the pool could open before the end of the year. This story will unfold quickly, so subscribe below and follow us on social media for the latest updates as the SwellSpot Richmond story continues.