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 Illustration by Frootful.co.uk
Lick managed to track down the world's leading surf pools expert, Professor Kerry Black, fresh off the plane from India. Just missing our print deadline, he tells how the Orlando pool may not now be going ahead - gives us the lowdown on some other exciting projects in the - er - pipeline! including an endless wave!
What's the progress with the Orlando pool? When is it due to open?
The USA financial position is very weak. Surfparks have unfortunately been caught up in that maelstrom. The project at Orlando is currently on hold and may not go forward. We are working on other similar projects including one in New Zealand at www.thewavebox.co.nz [Check this out - plans for an endless wave wrapping continuously around a circular pool - Lick] Another is in Dubai. In the current financial crisis, surfers may be waiting longer than they hoped for the pools to be built.
Will this be the first of its kind in the world?
Yes, we have developed some key technology, including a quality reef in the pool, an adjustable "science" reef that, in synchrony with the wave generators can produce a wide variety of waves. We have developed ways to minimise chop in the pool and rip currents. The technology is now at a very advanced level.
 Are there other locations in the pipeline? Any UK enquiries?!
We have numerous groups working on pool development over all of Europe. I am meeting a pool investor from Germany in Mumbai India in a couple of weeks time. We have developers putting the business together in Greece, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and France.
What aspect of this project excites you the most?
Surfing quality waves at the touch of a button. Getting difficult surfing manouevres right. Having the ability to run global surfing competitions in stadium format.
What sort of reaction have you had from the global surf community?
Extremely good. Most surfers are tired of the crowds and the frustation of waiting for waves. No one will stop using the sea, including me, but the pool is a really good addition.
 Are you still hoping that surfing pools may be used in the Olympics in the future?
Yes, we have people working with us to try to make that a reality. It is ideal for the Olympics once the stadium is developed.
What about an update on the Bournemouth reef? Is it still on track for completion at the end of this month? It must be great to see it finally happening after so long!
Bournemouth has been an eight year project for me and a local David Weight. It is being constructed now and the progress is very good. The reef is in two layers and we are expecting to totally finish the bottom layer by the end of October. We will then withdraw and complete the top layer next summer. The reef is already being surfed with strong support for many of the locals. It is Europe's first reef and so I am very pleased that it is finally in the water.
 Artist's impression of the wave pool at Surfparks in Orlando
Is there still any hope for the Newquay reef?
There is always hope. My view is that this is one of the world's best sites, with clean swell wrapping the headland into Tolcarne. It is such a good site and the district is surfing oriented... so it should be just a matter of time. Hopefully, less than 20 years from now.
We are building another reef at Opunake in New Zealand over this summer and one in Kovalam, Kerala, Southern India over the summer. This means that the technology is now in the water, working and available for people to see. The number of reefs is rising, basically because they "are a good idea". They protect the coast, improve the marine ecology, take rocks and construction off the beach and provide surfing. This explains why the reefs are so popular.
Watch prototype pool waves breaking here
And here!
Wavebox NZ continuous wave animation
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