Episode 19 - Seán Young
Wavgarden is a leader in the surf park space, with multiple facilities currently open and operating, with dozens more in the works.
Seán Young, Wavegarden’s Head of Development Projects, joins episode 19 of Beyond the Ocean. Young discusses his role in helping parks go from concept to reality and the steps new surf parks must take to create a successful surfing experience. He also looks at what’s to come for Wavegarden and the surf park industry as a whole.
Episode 18 - Ryder Thomas
In an honest conversation about finances, costs, and other factors in making surf parks a reality, we hear from Ryder Thomas with Pro Swell in episode 18 of Beyond the Ocean. Thomas shares what makes surf parks jump from the sketch pad to a viable business and what blocks so many parks from ever opening in the first place.
In this episode, Thomas discusses the industry's growth and how it has become a huge investment center today, as well as where the industry is heading with park ownership as expansion continues.
Episode 17 - Kristina Chang
In the 17th episode of Beyond the Ocean, we hear from Kristina Chang, president of Westlake Wave Co. Kristina and her team work to be the leaders when it comes to creating waves for any surfer, with an emphasis on newcomers. Westlake Wave Co. aims to make waves that work for beginners and other newer surfers to create a more inviting entrance into surfing.
In this episode, Chang discusses her start in surfing and how it inspired her to lead the team at Westlake Wave Co. Not only is the wave technology company focused on teaching the next generation of surfers, but they’re also aiming to create a space-efficient and cost-effective model in the artificial wave world.
Episode 16 - Bruce Quay
Beyond the Ocean returns with Episode 16 with Bruce Quay, the COO of Aquatic Development Group (ADG), the team behind EpicSurf. Quay discusses the path that led him to become COO of a water park design and wave manufacturing company, as well as ADG’s extensive background in the industry, getting people outside and into water sports; and explains how EpicSurf and stationary surf waves will create a more inclusive surf experience at surf parks and other adventure parks.
In this episode, Quay also discusses Play Surf Ride, ADG’s concept for water-based adventure parks that incorporate everything from recreational water play and waves, to surf pools, to dry-park adventures, that provide a complete family experience. He also discusses their history with the FlowRider system and how some of ADG’s initiatives will create more surfing opportunities sooner than later.
Episode 14 - Damon Tudor
On this episode of the Beyond the Ocean podcast we’re joined by Damon Tudor. Damon is the CEO of URBNSURF and joined the business at the start of 2019. Having successfully led the completion and launch of URBNSURF Melbourne, the group has now commenced construction on its second location in Sydney. An experienced CEO and General Manager, Damon has spent over 25 years in a range of consumer-focused industries across goods and services, delivering several transformation projects, holding key executive roles with African & Eastern Middle East (as part of AB Inbev), Nakheel Middle East and NRMA in Australia.
In this episode of Beyond the Ocean, Damon and our host, Chris Kluesener, talk about the uniqueness of the URBNSURF experience and URBNSURF’s new Sydney location. They also dig into lessons that Damon has learned and best practices for surf park operators.
Episode 13 - Matthew Hyslop
On this episode of the Beyond the Ocean podcast we’re joined by Matthew Hyslop, Associate Director of the Destination Consulting Group at Colliers, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate firms. Matthew helps create successful destinations by consulting owners, developers, investors and operators of visitor-facing businesses. He has worked in the surf park industry for many years, most notably with the Surf Snowdonia project in the U.K. Surf Snowdonia, the world's first inland surf lagoon, located at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, and that’s powered by Wavegarden's Lagoon technology.