208 – The Thing(s) with Wavepools – Surfrider Foundation Europe about Surfparks

Imagine you love surfing — but you live in the middle of Europe.
Landlocked. No ocean in sight. Sounds familiar? For many of us,
it’s reality.


Now imagine there’s a savior on the horizon: a perfect,
machine-made wave breaking every day in the middle of the
countryside — the wavepool. Would you surf it? Would you even
skip your next trip to the ocean for it? Or are there reasons
that might hold you back?


Today we’re having an inspiring talk with Vanessa Balci from the
Surfrider Foundation Europe. She shares powerful arguments
against the development of wavepools and surf parks — though she
ist not surfing herself, not from an outsider’s perspective, but
from the view of an organisation, founded and carried by real
core surfers.


In our conversation, we explore the pros and cons of wavepools,
and look at meaningful alternatives to cope with surf withdrawal
— without compromising our connection to nature.


We’re super curious to hear your thoughts: are you pro or con
when it comes to artificial waves? Or do you find yourself
somewhere in between?
Let us know in the comments on social media, spotify or our
website!