Sure to be a star attraction among rich kahunas, this $40 million wave machine provides six-foot bulges more Maui than millpond.
The Guardian notes, "From 2011, the world's first outdoor artificial surfing machine will try to rival the Atlantic breakers of Devon and Cornwall using cleaned river water. The plan is to persuade surfers to take to their boards in Tower Hamlets rather than make the long drive to the West Country, where the surf is sometimes more millpond than Maui."
Set to open in London sometime in 2011, water sports enthusiasts will be charged a fee of $60-an-hour to urban surf.
Surf Pools
$40 Million Surfer Wave Machine to Launch in London
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Surfing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more advanced artificial wave machines to replicate natural surfing conditions and attract surfers in urban areas.
2. Urban Water Sports - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create new water sports activities and infrastructure in urban areas to capitalize on the growing interest in outdoor activities and adventure sports.
3. Surfing Tourism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build surfing tourism destinations and facilities in non-traditional surf locations to cater to surfers who want to experience unique surfing spots.
Industry Implications
1. Water Sports Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture advanced water sports equipment suitable for artificial wave pools, providing a new market segment for manufacturers.
2. Leisure and Entertainment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative leisure and entertainment venues that incorporate artificial wave pools to offer unique and thrilling experiences for visitors.
3. Adventure Tourism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create adventure tourism packages that include surfing experiences in urban areas, expanding the target market for adventure tour operators.