Creating a wave on an indoor lake
The idea of creating a wave on an indoor lake is not new. Abroad, there are numerous parks based on this theme. Most of them are installed on artificial lakes, created from scratch, and draw their water from the water table.
Similar projects, resembling giant swimming pools, have been initiated in France. In Castets (Landes), Sevran (Seine-Saint-Denis), Saint-Père-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique) and Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), these projects were derailed by the opposition of several environmental associations.
A device with a small footprint
As for Okahina Wave, its founder, Laurent Hequily, is aiming for an installation on an existing pond, the Lac du Téleport. " Our concept is the most protective for the site. We don't have to draw water from the water table, nor do we need to concrete over or artificialize the soil to make the lake viable."
"Our structure is a sort of floating atoll, with a diameter ranging from 40 to 110m, depending on the formula chosen. It takes just a few weeks to install, and can be completely dismantled. The site can then be returned to its original state. The electric machinery, installed on the central platform, creates waves from 60cm to 2m high, with a glide time of around 50 seconds. No waves propagate beyond the structure, and the site's banks will suffer no damage."
A lucrative industry
Surf tourism is an ever-expanding, multi-billion euro industry. Each surf spot generates between $18 and $22 million annually. Researchers at Oxford University have concluded that a spot renowned for its waves significantly stimulates local economic development. In France, according to Eurosima, the number of surfers has risen significantly, from 300,000 to 700,000 between 2012 and 2022.
However, the budget required to open Okahina Surf has not yet been finalized, although work is due to start soon. At a time when "natural" surf spots are saturated during the summer, Okahina Surf offers beginners and experienced riders the chance to continue enjoying their hobby on an accessible, environmentally-friendly site.
