by I didn’t expect that my first time surfing in Sydney would involve driving inland.
But as I discovered this week, you don’t need to go to the city’s east coast to find the perfect wave – you can find them through a building in the whitewashed Olympic Park, where surfboards are spread over a manicured lawn. and slice surfers. through impossible turquoise water.
Sydney’s first surf park opened this week – four years after Australia’s first opened in Melbourne. And as UrbnSurf – which owns both parks – says on its website, they are “frothing like a grom” at the opening.
When I visit, there are plenty of frothing-looking groms and adults, ready to experience the thrill of riding an artificial swell.
I was not quite frothing like a grom when I arrived. I was worried. I usually have one or two surfs a year when I return home to the far south coast for Christmas. Often, I manage to stand up – and I’m glad. But mostly I feel as if I’m rolling around in a salty washing machine, unable to catch a wave, and in the way of those who can.
I was hoping this wouldn’t be one of those days.
Related: A day at the beach: ‘I looked through the water tunnel at all the people who were walking towards me’
Inside, there are boards for rent and a surf shop. Cafe is blasting indie pop for those getting their surf fix. And in the middle is a scene that would make any surfer’s heart flutter: perfectly spaced waves, pumped out every few seconds, only 18 people allowed in at any one time – plenty for everyone.
The vibe is more of a sports facility than a family beach vacation. Perhaps this is influenced by the fact that it is far from free unlike the beach.
The cheapest option for one session costs $109 per hour for an adult (about $10 per expected 10-12 waves), or $104 for a child. A discount is available if you book multiple sessions that can be used over a year. The most expensive option is $159. Parking isn’t even cheap, at $7 an hour.
Each hour time slot has a set size and wave shape that is produced using an artificial wave generation technology called Wavegarden Cove. The Sydney park is the eighth in the world to open using such technology, which uses panels moved by an electromechanical system that moves the water to mimic different types of swell.
In 2022, Melbourne’s surf park hosted the first ever World Surf League-sanctioned wave competition in the southern hemisphere.
“What we’re creating is a more welcoming surfing experience. It can be intimidating in the ocean,” UrbnSurf chief executive Damon Tudor tells me.
“Because you have a really controlled environment, lifeguards, everyone is welcome and there are waves for the true beginner all the way to the expert who can ride barrels. So it’s kind of something for everybody.”
There are six waves to choose from which are set for when you book. I chose the cruiser wave, a gentle imitation of 1 meter break point.
When I was asked which board I wanted to rent, I asked for one that would give me the best chance of standing up. I was given an 8 foot soft board that the UrbnSurf team called a “boat”.
But with the bottom of the concrete pool, there are different challenges to look out for than a typical beach survey. The other six surfers going out for the session and I were told in the mandatory safety briefing to put our arms around our faces and the back of our heads in case we fall. Helmets were available for use.
As I stood on the “shore” and watched the mechanical waves come to life, I was reminded of my greatest surfing experience. It was just me and my best friend surfing on a beach in our hometown that has yet to be overrun by tourists. The waves were small, but glassy and perfect for my skill level. Then, I stood up more than I came crashing down.
My anxiety melt into excitement. I paddled out with the simulated current that runs along the side of the pool, helping to pull the surfers towards the break.
We all waited patiently in line for the sets to roll in. Then it’s my turn. One of our two guides took me to the take-off spot – a line marked on the wall of the pool. The wave is going after me, and the guide shouts: “Paddle! Paddle! Paddle!” I don’t paddle fast enough and miss the wave.
For my second attempt, I was too far ahead on the board and was much closer. Before each wave, the guide gave me a hint: “Don’t lay so far ahead of your board.” And later: “How many push-ups can you do? Push yourself up like that!”
The third time was a charm – I stood up, and he was in a hurry. I stood up a few more times. Then exhaustion set in. It’s a little restless when every wave is perfect.
Unlike that happy day at the beach with my friend, I knew my hour in the pool was ticking away. I realized how much beach surfing can be waiting for you – part of the excitement is the anticipation and uncertainty of whether nature will give you your perfect wave.
Not long before our time was up, I asked another much more experienced surfer how he was finding it.
“It’s great…you’d be really quick to catch these waves on the beach,” he tells me. “Although there is something about the spirit of surfing that is on the beach.”
