Mick Fanning’s latest business venture in the wave pool industry comes after an eye-opening experience at the O2 SurfTown MUC in Munich, Germany, where the three-time world surfing champion tested out cutting-edge wave pool technology.
Last week, it was revealed that Fanning is planning to build a wave pool with ambitions to host Olympic surfing when the Games come to Brisbane in 2032. While the idea is exciting, it’s clear that much remains to be done before that vision becomes a reality. But how did Fanning, known for his career in competitive surfing, come to pursue this new venture in the wave pool business?
Dylan Graves, the surf filmmaker and “Weird Waves” host, offers insight into how the idea began. After being introduced to the concept of investing in an Endless Surf-powered pool in his hometown on the Gold Coast, Fanning traveled to Munich to test the technology alongside Graves. Their session was a key turning point.
“I had the chance to surf with Mick Fanning in Germany, testing out the latest in wave pool technology,” Graves wrote, sharing footage of the experience. “What I didn’t know at the time was that this very technology would later become the foundation for Palm Valley, the Gold Coast’s first surf park, which Mick and his business partner, Luke Altschwager, announced plans for just days ago.”
The global wave pool industry has seen numerous players enter the field, including Wavegarden, Kelly Slater Wave Co, American Wave Machines, Surf Loch, and Endless Surf, the company behind the Munich pool. While each brand has its unique features, Endless Surf has garnered attention for its dynamic waves and varied conditions. During their session, Fanning and Graves enjoyed everything from powerful bowls with air section enders to crystal-clear tubes, experiencing a wide range of wave styles.
Fanning, ever the surf enthusiast, was impressed by the versatility of the technology. “I love how you can change every wave. It keeps it fresh and exciting,” Fanning said after a three-hour session. “You can experiment with mystery boards and throw different types of waves at surfers, just like you’d experience in the ocean.”
This test session marks the beginning of Fanning’s new venture, with Palm Valley set to bring Endless Surf’s technology to Australia. The project promises to introduce a new wave pool experience to the Gold Coast, further cementing Fanning’s role in shaping the future of surfing beyond the competitive circuit.
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