ABOUT US

OUR VISION is to create a community dedicated and focused on the growth and advancement of surfing beyond the ocean.

OUR MISSION is to educate, connect, and build a community amongst those who are serious about making waves in order to foster and promote the sustainable growth and development of manufactured surf destinations around the world.

OUR STORY

Surf Park Central was founded in 2012 by John Luff, a successful surf park developer and industry expert, and Dr. Jess Ponting, a Professor of Sustainable Surfing Tourism from San Diego State University, with a mission to accelerate the successful growth of surf parks. In September 2013, Surf Park Central hosted the first ever Surf Park Summit in Laguna Beach, California.

What was then a small gathering of dedicated investors, surfers and wave engineers intent on creating the ideal surfing waves for man-made wave pools, has now grown into a full-blown industry with over 150 surf parks in development around the world.

Since the first Summit we’ve cemented ourselves as the go-to resource for all surf park and surf pool news and information with a growing loyal network of 275,000+ followers. Our INSIDERS® membership, audience and contributors consist of real estate developers, investors, retailers, resort owners and operators, action sports enthusiasts, professional surfers, entrepreneurs, wave technology providers, and professional service companies and industry stakeholders around the world.

CO-FOUNDERS OF SURF PARK CENTRAL

JOHN LUFF

John, a Beach Street Development & Desert Wave Ventures founding partner, is one of very few people in the world with over a decade of experience working in the surf park industry. Prior to his work in surf parks, he also has more than a decade of experience working in the hospitality and resort industry under flags ranging from...

DR. JESS PONTING

Dr. Jess Ponting is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University, where he founded the world's first Center for Surf Research. He is also the Executive Director of STOKE, a sustainability certification for surf parks, and a Partner and Head of Research at Surf Park Central...

CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY

As the only event dedicated exclusively to the surf park industry, the annual Surf Park Summit is the best place to connect with key industry players and gain access to the insights and knowledge that are critical for success in this rapidly growing industry.

Every year Surf Park Summit brings together global industry leaders from more than 200 companies that work together to create the future of surfing outside the ocean.

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INSIDERS® Membership

Surf Park Central also provides a comprehensive platform for surf park enthusiasts, industry professionals, investors, and anyone interested in surf parks. INSIDERS serves as a hub for the latest news, insights, and resources related to the development, operation, and enjoyment of surf parks.

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