Top 5 Best Indoor Surfing Venues and Wave Pools in the USA
When the Beach Boys released their massive hit “Surfin’ USA” in March of 1963, they could have never imagined a day when the lyrics “everybody’s going surfing” could be followed by “in an indoor surfing venue in the USA!” It only makes sense that we can replicate ocean surfing in indoor venues now since we do the same for activities from rock climbing to hitting golf balls to target practice and more. Indoor surfing venues offer a way for nervous first-timers to try their luck at surfing in a controlled environment and for seasoned surfers to practice when they cannot make it to the beach. We have all the information you need on how to surf in wave pools, and our roundup of the top 5 best indoor surfing and wave pool venues in the USA below. Can You Learn to Surf Indoors? Some skeptics might wonder if you can learn to surf indoors, especially those who have never dipped their toe in a wave pool. But the answer is “absolutely! You can learn to surf indoors!” Learning to surf indoors may prove easier for you for a variety of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is location. If you do not live anywhere near a coastline, surfing seems out of reach as a hobby. Even if you travel to the beach for an annual summer vacation with your family, one week is a short time to conquer the waves or build your skills. Wave pools offer a way for those who are landlocked to experience the same thrill as those who are fortunate enough to live near salt water and sand. For others, indoor surf venues and wave pools also offer a controlled environment where nervous first-timers may be more confident about trying to surf. Rather than paddling out into the unknown, newbie surfers can try out some consistent waves they feel comfortable with instead of wondering what sort of swell might lie ahead. Staff members and instructors at wave pools can also guide nervous beginners with important safety tips and tricks for getting up on the board. By practicing in a controlled environment first, surfers can master some important skills before testing their luck in ocean waves. Additionally, wave pools give experienced surfers another avenue for training and working on stance, balance, and more. What Is Indoor Surfing Called? If you have spent time at any wave pools or water parks, you might be familiar with the terms “Flowriding” or “Flowboarding” and think they are synonymous with indoor surfing. Any ocean surfer will quickly tell you there are some distinct differences between the two. Indoor surfing is ultimately the same as outdoor or ocean surfing. Flowriding, on the other hand, is a popular activity that incorporates some elements of surfing along with skills used in bodyboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, snowboarding, and skateboarding. There has always been a considerable amount of overlap among these sports, especially considering the many crossovers between surf culture and skateboard culture. A FlowRider produces a consistent “sheet wave” that does not move forward, so the rider can perform carving and jumping tricks over the water as it consistently flows over a stationary surface. Flowriding is now so popular that it has its own league (Flowriding League of the World, or “FLOW”) and a world championship for its top competitors. Indoor Surfing and Wave Pool Locations: The Best in the US Wave pools are popular destinations all across the globe, giving thrill seekers worldwide a chance to jump on a surfboard no matter how far they live from the beach. Thankfully there are numerous choices in the US, making it fairly easy for any American to experience that “surf’s up” feeling. If you are ready to give indoor surfing (or outdoor wave pools) a try, check out some of our favorite venues below. Kelly Slater Surf Ranch Website: kswaveco.com/surf-ranch/ Location: 18556 Jackson Avenue, Lemoore, California, 93245 Schedule: Limited availability (learn more here) Few names are as synonymous with surfing as Kelly Slater’s, and his surf ranch in Central California is one of the most sought-after experiences for surfers thanks to an incredible system that produces the longest open-barrel artificial waves anywhere. The waves at the Surf Ranch measure between 3 and 8 feet in a pool that operates on a simple plow system. Surfers can bring their own boards or choose from an outstanding selection of boards onsite. In addition to surfing, visitors can take advantage of outstanding accommodations and amenities, hanging with other surfers around the fire pit, relaxing in the hot tub, or enjoying local, organic dishes prepared by an onsite chef. The only downside of the Surf Ranch is its limited availability to the public, but if you are one of the lucky few who gets a chance to ride the waves here, it will be an experience unlike any other. Skudin Surf at American Dream Website: skudinsurfamericandream.com Location: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Schedule: Open year-round, with surf sessions available from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to midnight Located just 15 minutes away from New York City, Skudin Surf at American Dream gives urban dwellers a chance to get out of cramped apartments, cold winter temperatures, or boring office cubicles and transport themselves to far-flung places like the North Shore, all thanks to an indoor wave pool where everyone from beginners to seasoned surfers can catch some incredible waves. Private or public sessions are available to surfers, and the park also offers more than 50 different boards that can be used on a first-come, first-serve basis. The water temperature is 80 degrees year-round, so visitors can surf comfortably even when the temperatures outside are frigid. Waves are as small as one foot for beginners and up to four feet for more advanced surfers. Splash House Indiana Website: cityofmarion.in.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/splash-house Location: 2601 S. Adams Street, Marion, Indiana, Schedule: Memorial Day through Labor Day, closed Mondays, open weekends after August This seasonal Indiana park is home … Read more