Watch: Kelly Slater’s Wave Pool Now Has A Left

And so the plot thickens in Lemoore, California. You knew it would. Kelly Slater’s wave pool facility in the Central Valley has now added a left to complement its right-hand offering. They’ve gone all inclusive!

Released today in partnership with the WSL, Slater and his cohorts at the Surf Ranch opted to let the original Pipe Master, Gerry Lopez, illustrate the wave’s brilliance. 

Like a firing day at the Banzai reef or G-Land, “it’s as pure as it gets,” affirmed Gerry.

“As a tip of the hat from myself and our team, I really wanted Gerry to ride the first left and just say thanks for your commitment and what you’ve given to surfing over the years,” explained Kelly.

To add a little cosmic element, the crew headed up to Lemoore to document the session during the recent solar eclipse.

“@gerrylopezsurfboards it was fun to watch the eclipse with you and an honor to have you christen #TheLeft at @kswaveco #SurfRanch for us,” posted Slater on Instagram. “Thank you from our entire team. And a special thanks to all the people behind the scenes who have helped make this dream and idea a reality over these past few years. It can’t be legal to have this much fun.”

Kelly’s always had impeccable timing, and with the debut WSL event at the Surf Ranch, here’s another intentional rabbit from the hat.

The forecast for the upcoming Hurley Pro is bleak, to say the least. The South Pacific has seemingly gone to bed for the rest of the summer and for the first week-plus of the waiting period it would be a miracle if it gets over cock-high. But immediately following the Hurley Pro is the inaugural comp at the pool. The official “waiting period” runs from Sept 17-19. Spoiler alert: it’s a guarantee they’re going to score. Could the contrast between natural and man-made waves be any more apparent? The WSL must be giddy with excitement given how much they’re investing in the wave pool program.

Confirmed for the event so far is Filipe Toledo, Jordy Smith, Carissa Moore, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson, Joel Parko, John Florence and lone screw-footer Matt Wilkinson—who has to be absolutely “over the moon” to see the new left. The all-star invitee list is sure to grow as Kelly just captured the imagination of screwfoots everywhere. Rob Machado’s probably already camped out in the parking lot in his van.

Depending on L.A. traffic, it’s about a five-hour drive from San Clemente to Lemoore. If the forecast for Lowers doesn’t improve and the Hurley Pro ends with a thud, expect everyone to beat feet up Interstate 5 as soon as possible. The surf park revolution appears to be marching ever forward.

“That’s the future, bro,” grinned Gerry with his classic Cheshire cat smile after a long day at The Ranch.