Embracing the Wave Pool Revolution: The Wavepool Surf Tour (WPST)
The advent of wave pools has ushered in a new era of surfing, creating exciting business and competitive avenues. One of the most notable developments is the Wavepool Surf Tour (WPST).
Some enthusiasts argue that surfing on artificial waves represents an entirely new discipline.
Set in controlled environments with fresh water, this form of surfing is independent of ocean swells and tides.
Regardless of your perspective on surfing in a wave park, the essence remains the same: the surfboard and the dynamic walls of water.
The Wavepool Surf Tour introduces a unique competitive format that combines the submission of digital video clips with live performances at events.
This tour features two special events, eight digital competitions, regional finals, and culminates in a world championship.
Interestingly, the concept of digital competitions in water sports isn’t entirely new.
Back in late 2014, a group of bodyboarders initiated a competition that ran alongside the world tour.
This initiative, known as the Free Surf World Tour (FSWT), invited participants to submit their best footage, which was then judged by fans.
Hawaiian bodyboarding legend Jeff Hubbard claimed victory in the inaugural season.
The Wavepool Surf Tour will include various divisions:
- Open Men & Women (elite, high-performance surfers);
- Masters Men & Women (competitors aged 40+);
- Legends Men & Women (competitors aged 50+);
- Juniors Men & Women (athletes under 18);
- Groms Boys & Girls (young talents under 14);
- Longboard Men & Women (traditional surfing with a graceful style);
- Bodyboard Men & Women (versatile and innovative wave-riding);
- Adaptive Surfing (inclusive opportunities for all surfers);
Blending Digital Submissions with Live Events
For the online competitions, surfers can submit their top two waves—either two lefts and two rights or one of each—utilizing the surf park’s AI video technology.
The first two specialty events are set to launch in 2026, featuring the Alaïa Surf Challenge (August/October) and Ride The Future (November/December).
Following these, the main digital contests will commence in 2027 at various locations:
- Asia/Pacific (February/March);
- Surftown MUC in Munich (March/April);
- Atlantic Park Surf in Virginia Beach (April/May);
- Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh (May/June);
- Surfers Cove in Óbidos, Portugal (June/July);
- Americas (July/August);
- China (August/September);
- Middle East (September/October);
The top 176 local and regional surfers will qualify for the annual World Final in November/December 2027.
The WPST structure ensures that local champions from their home events earn a spot in the finals.
Specialty awards will recognize achievements such as best air, best turn, best barrel, and the coveted golden fin.
Competitors can leverage various wave technologies to showcase and submit their best rides.
You don’t have to be a professional to participate in the inaugural WPST. Anyone can join and see how their performance stacks up against fellow wave pool surfers and friends.
The judging criteria will emphasize three key aspects: commitment, creativity, and control.
Founded by South African surfer Mark Fessler, the WPST boasts a prize pool of $20,000.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com