Wavepools Are Failing: The Volkswagen Jetta Of Surfing

Technical difficulties are the new onshore wind. With the surf universe punch drunk for wave pools lately, they seem about as reliable as a groundswell in Pensacola.

After less than 30 days of fun, the NLand Surf Park in Texas is closing indefinitely for repairs.

“The liner in our reef section has been compromised more so than expected by fin and nose cuts and we need to do more extensive repairs,” reads a statement on the company’s site. “Therefore, we will be closed through November and potentially beyond. We will be contacting guests with reservations through the end of the month to discuss their options.”

Initially open for business on Oct. 7, NLand Surf Park was first closed for repairs on Oct. 31. After draining the pool on Nov. 1 the company had crews “assessing the situation.” It’s unclear if they will be closed for a week, a month, or more. Regardless, Austin locals are staring down the barrel of a familiar flat spell. 

Complications with the NLand Surf Park comes on the heels of a litany of issues with the Surf Snowdonia facility in Wales, which has spent more time closed than open since the ribbon cutting ceremony. On Oct. 25 it was forced to end its season.

“The earlier than planned closure of the surf lagoon comes after a routine inspection revealed that some unforeseen work needs to be carried out,” said a spokeswoman for the organisation. “Surf Snowdonia has reluctantly agreed to drain the lagoon so that engineers are able proceed with this work.”

Surf Snowdonia expects to be open again in March 2017.

Meanwhile, the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch remains under lock and key, which ain’t offering any relief but to a chosen few. Heaven forbid we have to surf in salt water…