Josema Odriozola, the visionary founder of Wavegarden, knows that creating a successful wave pool involves far more than just generating waves. With a background in mechanical engineering, Odriozola’s journey began in 2005 when he envisioned a wave pool designed specifically for surfing. The journey to bring his idea to life took years of experimentation, including one early attempt where Odriozola tested a wave-making foil towed behind a tractor through the rugged Basque countryside.
By 2010, after five years of development, his technology attracted the attention of top surfers, including world champions Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina. Odriozola, though initially unaware of the challenges ahead, reflected on the journey: “If I’d known what I was getting into, I might have thought twice. But you have to start somewhere and keep going,” he shared in an exclusive interview with SURFER magazine.
Wavegarden’s progress over the past 15 years has been marked by continuous research and development. Today, the company is a leader in the surf park industry, capable of producing 1,000 waves per hour and supporting up to 90 surfers simultaneously—equivalent to the crowd size at Lower Trestles on a typical summer day. From humble beginnings with a small team, Wavegarden has grown into a thriving enterprise, employing over 90 people and operating a state-of-the-art demo center.
Odriozola emphasizes that building the wave pool is only part of the equation. “There’s so much that goes into a surf park,” he said. “We’ve always approached it holistically.” This holistic approach includes not only creating cutting-edge wave technology but also developing supporting systems such as water filtration, sustainable energy solutions, artificial intelligence for real-time analysis, and business models that help investors navigate the complexities of surf park development.
Wavegarden’s success is rooted in this comprehensive vision. The company has established a reputation for not just launching projects but also ensuring their success. As of November 2024, Wavegarden has nine surf parks in operation globally, with 50 to 70 more in various stages of development. Locations span the globe, from Brazil to Australia, South Korea to Switzerland, and the Middle East. The first Wavegarden surf park in the U.S. is set to open in Virginia Beach, with others planned in California, including Palm Desert and Newport Beach.
The key to Wavegarden’s continued growth lies in its ability to provide investors with certainty and support throughout the process. “Once we proved the concept in action, it became easier for investors to see the value,” Odriozola explained. “Building these facilities isn’t cheap, and we’ve been working alongside investors to build solid business plans.”
Wavegarden’s commitment doesn’t end with construction. The company’s expert team provides ongoing support, remotely monitoring wave pools across the globe from their headquarters in the Basque Country. This system allows for real-time troubleshooting and ensures the pools continue to operate at optimal performance—similar to how a car requires regular maintenance to avoid breakdowns.
Odriozola’s success story is about more than just waves; it’s about a visionary approach to the entire surf park ecosystem. His foresight into water filtration, energy efficiency, and operational support has set Wavegarden apart as a leading innovator in the industry. “It hasn’t been easy, and sometimes I thought I was crazy. But looking at where we started and where we are now, I couldn’t have imagined it,” he reflected. “There’s possibly no better way to live than dedicating your life to making people happy.”
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