S: Straight-hander design
The first key feature of a good beginner wave, is a straight-hand design. Beginner waves are best designed as straight-handers featuring an extended take-off zone, eliminating the need for turning. It is the ultimate “Waikiki experience”. This simplification allows new surfers to concentrate on balance and stability without the added complexity of navigating turns. Beginner waves in wave pools should be designed to be easily catchable, even without extensive paddling experience. They can focus on proper technique and body positioning without the added challenge of timing. An extended take-off zone along the way is crucial for beginners, providing ample time to pop up on the board. It allows learners to practice their pop-up technique repeatedly, building muscle memory and confidence.
O: Open or Original Wave
An open or original wave, no-reform wave. The absence of whitewater turbulence in beginner waves creates a stable riding experience. This stability is essential for newcomers to develop a sense of balance and control on the board. At an AllWaves wave pools, beginners get clean, unbroken waves. This is in fact your typical Waikiki wave; gentle rollers that are easy to catch. That’s also what surfers call a “green” wave. It is a myth to believe beginners need to learn in the foam, the most fun to learn is in an open face wave.
L: Long Ride Duration
Longer ride times allow beginners to practice standing and balancing for extended periods, accelerating skill development and providing a more satisfying experience. Longer ride times allow novice surfers to take enough time to pop-up, older beginners for example might need to focus more on building core and upper body strength than kids and take longer to get up. If you can practice standing and balancing for extended periods, your skill development accelerates and it provides a more satisfying experience. The number of seconds or measure of “feet on board” is an important factor here. To be able to feel the “glide” and get in the “flow” gets people wanting for more.
D: Deep water
Deep water and the absence of a “washing machine” effect ensure gentle wipe-outs. It’s a non-intimidating wipe out, where you can fall head first and don’t hit the bottom. At Allwaves, there is no struggle against the whitewater. This safety feature is crucial for building confidence and reducing the fear of falling, which can be a significant barrier for first-timers.
By incorporating these key features of a beginner wave, learning how to surf has never been easier. Surfing becomes fun from the start. To see how this looks like, have a look at our video the R&D site in Belgium.
Benefits of Beginner Waves for Surfers & Operators
There are many benefits for both surfers & surf park operators in providing great beginner waves. Beginning surfers get an amazing first experience in a low threshold setting and are ‘sold’ on surfing. Surfers can practice very well on that start of the learning curve, getting the technique right. Surf park operators benefit from attracting a more diversified audience. Bringing surfing to inland areas and create new markets for surf-related businesses and expanding the surf community. There are more upsell opportunities such as rental equipment & surf lessons. And in the end, they achieve a higher return visitor rate at lower energy rates.
Want to learn more? Listen to our podcast on Wavepoolmag on how AllWaves is changing the game for surf park operators.
Conclusion
At AllWaves, we can create endless variations of waves by changing speed, height & shape. Hence we provide a wave for each step of the learning curve and can deliver on our vision of having everyone surf their perfect wave, close to home and feel relaxed & stoked.
Keep surfing!
