This session is a forum for successful surf park developers and operators to share their experiences and insights into the industry. The agenda will focus on  their success stories addressing the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.

In this session, industry experts showcase new surf park projects and innovations.  The focus will be about bring the latest developments in this rapidly growing industry to the forefront, with a particular emphasis on the most significant and exciting new projects.

In a round-robin-style presentation you will hear from the leading wave technology companies in this category to gain an understanding about the different surf tech and what project they are being installed in.   

The surf park industry is a growing market that presents investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike.  This  discussion will explore the strategies and best practices for securing financing and investment in the surf park market. 

As with any sport or leisure activity, surf parks come with inherent risks and potential liabilities for both operators and participants. This discussion will examine the risks and liabilities associated with operating a surf park, including classification of surf pools vs wave pools, lifeguarding, staff training, safety, and emergency protocols, and legal considerations. 

As the surf park industry continues to evolve, there are valuable lessons that can be learned from the water park industry. During this discussion, we will review key industry learnings from the water park sector, including best practices and examine the challenges and opportunities that can be applied to the surf park market.

The sport and adventure industries have much to teach the surf park industry when it comes to optimizing the customer experience, driving revenue, and mitigating risk. This discussion  will take a closer look at other successful industry leaders and how they addressed  strategies for ticketing, passes, and leveraging customer feedback to improve operations and increase bottom line revenue.  

In the expanding surf park industry, sustainability is a top priority for operators striving for a balance between profitability and environmental responsibility. This discussion will examine the challenges that surf park operators face in promoting sustainability and the creative solutions they can adopt to minimize environmental impacts. By prioritizing sustainability, surf park operators can build a more resilient and profitable business while also reducing their environmental footprint.

This discussion will focus on the guest experience in surf parks, addressing challenges and solutions from online booking to post-departure. Delivering exceptional experiences is crucial for success in the competitive hospitality and entertainment industry, and satisfied guests drive revenue and growth. We will discuss best practices for exceeding guest expectations and creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Developing and constructing a surf park is a complex and multi-faceted process that requires careful planning, execution, and management. This discussion will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the key learnings and best practices for surf park development and construction. From site selection, wave technology, safety, sustainability, construction costs, permitting and operations and maintenance, this session will address the challenges and best practices required to navigate the landscape.

When considering the development of a surf park, engaging with local government groups is an essential step.

This session will open discussion on some of the more common challenges to overcome: Key steps in tackling local government groups, understanding local regulations and zoning laws, identifying potential environmental impacts, and developing a strong community engagement plan.

The health and safety of guests should be a top priority in the development of a surf park. Not only is it important to consider all aspects like water quality, equipment, first aid and more, but priority needs to be given to the implementation and understanding of the standards and regulations. 

During this session no stone will be left unturned: developing a health and safety plan, training staff, emergency response protocols, ongoing monitoring and reporting.

Surfing has long been considered more than just a sport or leisure activity - it has the potential to be a form of therapy.

Many surfers have reported that the act of riding waves can have a profound impact on their mental health and wellbeing, with some even describing it as a form of meditation or spiritual practice.   This session will explore the evidence for surf therapy, and you be the judge.

With the right design and management practices, it is possible for surf parks to be sustainable and even beneficial to the environment.  

This session will explore energy use, water conservation, construction materials, local ecosystems and demonstrate how surf parks can be a model for sustainable development throughout the industry.

Certification programs have been developed to ensure that surf parks are operated safely and that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to do their jobs effectively. 

This discussion will focus on certification programs for surf park employees, covering coaching, teaching, and lifeguarding. We will explore various certification types, the prerequisites for obtaining them, and the advantages they offer.

As a new surfer, it's important to not only learn the technical skills necessary to ride the waves but also understand the unspoken rules of the surfing community. Surfer's code, also known as surf etiquette, is a set of unwritten rules that governs how surfers interact with each other in the water.

This discussion will cover essential rules including lineup respect, communication, wave sharing, and environmental awareness to name a few.