Surf Ranch Coolum

Plans are formalizing around another Surf Ranch, powered by Kelly Slater Wave Co. technology, on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. The wave pool would be the centerpiece of a 20,000-spectator stadium surrounded by accommodation, event space and other amenities.

The cost of the entire facility, which will span a whopping 529 acres, is speculated to be $100 million. Andrew Stark, WSL General Manager, says the stadium would cater to recreational surfers and aim to draw major competitions and events, including world qualifiers. For the development to successfully attract recreational surfers, the Coolum Surf Ranch will have to produce rides at a higher frequency than the Lemoore Surf Ranch and target a wider variety of surfers. The Surf Ranch in Lemoore generates about 15 rides per hour. The Wave in Bristol (a Wavegarden Cove installation) could generate 900 or more rides per hour.

WSL General Manager Andrew Stark said that the Surf Ranch would be the center of a multi-use tourism development. Facilities surrounding the wave pool would include a six-star eco-lodge with 200 rooms, restaurants, bars, event and training facilities, public open space and an environmental experience center.

The project is going through state and local planning approvals, but if everything goes according to plan, Stark expects development to commence in 2020 and hopes to be making waves in 2022.

Sources: Surfline, Australian Leisure Management, The Sunshine Coast Daily, Coastalwatch