Slater’s talent pool
WELCOME to the brave new world of man-made surfing unveiled in a big way thanks to Kelly Slater and his wave pool Surf Ranch at Lemoore, California.
The 11-times world champion can add another achievement to his feats.
Some 10 years and $10 million later, Slater with support from financial backers, engineers and the World Surf League have pulled off a coup that will change the face of competitive surfing.
Sure it will never replace the ocean’s natural pulse of diverse waves but it is an incredible start to new technology in surfing.
There was a mixed reaction on social media with many saying it was boring, probably too perfect and, of course, doesn’t compete against Teahupo’o and Pipeline for fear and brute force.
There are obvious technical issues. One can only surmise how much water is needed for the 6ha Surf Ranch pool that generated about 100 waves with 25 surfers competing in a teams event over two days.
Joel Parkinson was left high and dry for nearly an hour waiting for his “run” on the opening day.
Although once the action recommenced it didn’t hurt his performance.
Unfortunately, the Australian team who were on top after day one were put out on the second day by the underdog team captained by South Africa’s Jordy Smith surfing for the Worlds.
Commentator Peter Mel called it a “pressure cooker” event with each surfer having only two waves each session.
The waves lasted for an average of 40 seconds and tube rides lasting 13 seconds were common.
Surfers received a 30second warning before the wave was generated. The right-hander was marginally better than the left.
“It’s a difficult wave to ride,” said Shaun Tomson, a world champion from 1977.
Tomson was credited for being one of the first tuberiding surfers to be able to turn and surf inside the barrel.
“I think this is a wonderful invention that Kelly has introduced as he is one of the best tuberiders in the world.
“What this will do is to see a smaller surfboard designed specifically for the wave pool.
“I can visualise Kelly and co will be trying to do 360degree turns inside the wave which is what I’ve always imagined for the future.”
Yet it is only early days and, as former 1989 world champ and WSL commentator Martin Potter said: “I would like to see bigger waves.
“Perhaps the true test will come in September for the first world tour event based on individual performances and not teams.”
One notable omission, of course, is there are no sharks in the wave pool.