This is the second blog post that fleshes out Surf ATL’s vision of connecting, growing, and fostering the joy of riding waves here in Atlanta. You can read the post about our overarching vision here and our first post within that vision about the budding community here.
In this post, though, we will discuss what we are all here for — waves. They are the center that the Surf ATL universe will revolve around. They are the focus.
Why Waves?
Riding waves is a unique experience, especially in recreation or sport.
Can you imagine if a ramp in a skate park was moving at you? Or if the grass on a football field or soccer field was trying to forcefully change your path?
Sure, these examples have other intangibles in play like weather conditions or human defense but the playing field is not constantly changing beneath you as a wave does.
Surfing combines art and athleticism atop a shifting canvas.
If you’ve ridden a wave you know a unique feeling, and one you want to repeat over and over again.
But, Waves in Atlanta?
There is pure joy in riding waves. Yes, even in Atlanta (and maybe especially so).
How does Atlanta become wave-focused? Via the community we build and the technology we gain. This will create a wave-focused surf culture in Atlanta.
Community Access
The bigger and stronger the surf community we build, the more resources, knowledge, and individual gifts we will be able to share with others.
Some examples:
- Are you going out for a surf next weekend and have a few extra seats in the car or boat? Get some others to join you!
- Just mastered a new trick or rode a new board? Others would love to hear about it!
- Have a great idea for an event? Let’s make it happen!
- Saw an awesome video or image or someone else? Tell that person and be their hype person!
Surf ATL will be the microphone and the facilitator for examples like this and more but individuals are what will ramp up the noise and the momentum.
Then when you combine this with our next piece, the sky is the limit for Atlanta.
Technology Advancement
Whether it’s behind boats, in lakes, rivers, or wave pools, wave-riding technology is hitting a crescendo and as a community, we will strive to bring these technologies to Atlanta so they are at our fingertips (and, more importantly, beneath our feet).
There are really two types of wave technology — standing waves and moving waves.
Standing Wave Technology
A wake surfing wave is more or less a standing wave. You are moving and the boat is moving but you don’t have to paddle into the wave or risk hitting the shore. It is consistently standing in front of you.
A river surfing wave is also a form of a standing wave.
There are other standing waves driven by new technology, too, like Citywave and Unit Surf Pool.
Moving Wave Technology
A moving wave is the closest resemblance to surfing in the ocean in that a moving wave is produced in a body of water that a surfer can paddle into, stand up and ride until the wave ends.
This is also where technology has really hit its stride via technologies like Surf Lakes, Swell MFG, American Wave Machines, Wavegarden, and Kelly Slater Wave Co.
Atlanta Waves Forecast
All of these technologies are awesome. Why can’t we have all of the different forms — waves driven by boats, rivers, and pool technology — here in Atlanta?
Well, we can. And with the access, power, and voice of our community, we will.
This is part of Surf ATL’s vision — a wave-focused surf culture in Atlanta.
So engage, share and connect!
Or if you want to reach out to us with questions, ideas, or just general good vibes, contact us here!
