URBNSURF Melbourne Opens First Artificial Wave Park

Imagine experiencing the adrenaline rush of surfing without traveling to the coast. URBNSURF Melbourne, Australia's first surf park utilizing Wavegarden Cove technology, is making this dream a reality. Since opening its doors in January 2020, this urban surf oasis has welcomed wave riders from around the world, offering perfect waves for everyone from seasoned professionals to first-time surfers.

At the heart of URBNSURF Melbourne lies the advanced Wavegarden Cove technology, capable of precisely controlling wave size, shape, and frequency to create ideal conditions for surfers of all levels. The surf lagoon is strategically divided into four zones, with the Point and Bay areas on either side of the central pier, each catering to different skill levels during one-hour surf sessions.

The "Advanced Surf" sessions at the Point area offer experienced surfers the challenge of riding waves up to 2 meters (nearly 7 feet) with rides lasting up to 16 seconds. The unique design creates both left and right-breaking waves, allowing surfers to choose their preferred direction before each session.

Wavegarden Cove's flexibility enables a variety of wave patterns, with operators selecting from a regularly updated "playlist" of wave types during advanced sessions:

• The Beast: Features a steep takeoff followed by a smooth transition into a deep, heavy barrel section
• The Ramp: Offers an easy takeoff with quick acceleration and a vertical end section
• Tubos I-V: Provides long, thrilling barrel experiences
• Giros I-IV: Open-faced waves perfect for practicing smooth turns

Advanced sessions typically begin with mellow waves that gradually increase in power, generating a new wave every 8-10 seconds. With 18 surfers allowed per side, participants can expect 10-12 quality waves per hour.

The intermediate sessions at Point Break offer more manageable 3-4 foot waves with open faces, reminiscent of classic beginner-intermediate surf breaks like California's Malibu. These sessions also provide 10-12 waves per hour with 12-16 second rides, ideal for skill development.

The Bay area serves as URBNSURF's beginner zone, offering 1-3 foot whitewater waves that form as the intermediate and advanced waves travel further from their source. Sessions last up to 10 seconds—enough time for novices to experience the thrill of standing up while learning fundamental skills.

For safety and quality instruction, Bay area sessions are limited to 24 surfers per side, while lessons maintain an even lower ratio of 8 students per instructor.

URBNSURF offers flexible participation options:

Hidden within the central pier, 46 pistons create waves using just 1 kilowatt of electricity per wave. "We can generate 500 waves per hour," explains URBNSURF founder Andrew Ross, noting the facility uses half the energy of regional aquatic centers while operating entirely on renewable energy.

The 23 million liter lagoon is filled primarily with rainwater collected near Melbourne Airport. The water remains unheated, requiring wetsuits in cooler months, though wind protection keeps temperatures more comfortable than ocean conditions.

Advanced filtration systems maintain water quality at near-drinking standards through constant oxygenation and minimal chlorination. The facility prohibits children under six to minimize contamination risks.

Renowned restaurant Three Blue Ducks provides dining options with views of the lagoon, featuring smoked flavors, fresh local ingredients, and Victorian beers and wines. Additional amenities include bouldering walls, skate ramps, and relaxation areas.

URBNSURF's journey began in 2011 when founder Andrew Ross became intrigued by surf pool technology. After years of planning and construction on the 7.1 hectare site, the $28.3 million facility opened in 2020, creating 45 full-time jobs and projected to contribute $267 million to Melbourne's economy over its lifespan.

What started as an ambitious vision has transformed into a world-class surf destination, bringing ocean waves to the heart of the city while pushing the boundaries of wave pool technology.