Imagine a simple device that could give individuals with limited mobility to experience the thrill of surfing on a stationary wave.
Could there be a way to provide a person with paraplegia in South Dakota, over 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) from the coastline, the opportunity to watch the water flowing at high speed under a surfboard?
The answer is yes, there is.
EpicSurf and Aqua Creek teamed up to develop the world's first standing wave lift system for surfing simulators and stationary wave pools.
The collaboration resulted in the creation of a safe, easy-to-use lift device that ensures users are placed in the correct position on the wave and can pivot back and forth comfortably.
"One of our key focus has been making sure that our product is accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level, age, or physical ability, including those in the adaptive surf market," notes Aquatic Development Group (ADG), Epic Surf's mother company.
"We've had surfers of all kinds - people with visual impairments, PTSD, cerebral palsy, autism, and more - enjoying the experience."
The first-ever standing wave access lift wants to break down physical barriers and ensure that surfing is universally accessible.
How It Works
Aqua Creek, the world's leading manufacturer of pool lifts and ability-enhancing equipment, provided critical input and technological experience in creating this mechanical arm that lets everyone engage fully and play with the wave.
The design was thought to allow users to enter the wave in a secure, supported position, significantly reducing the need to climb or fall.
The lift is also customizable to meet individual needs, ensuring a tailored experience that is simultaneously safe and enjoyable for anyone—young or old, novice or experienced.
But does it exactly work?
The mechanical system gently lowers riders into the water and positions them on the wave so that they can enjoy what surfing is about.
Surfers can interact with the wave pool in a sit, prone, or upright position. The arm moves multi-directionally, adapting to the rider's movement.
After they're finished, the lift will smoothly retrieve riders from the water, facilitating a seamless exit.
Making Surfing Universally Accessible
The fact that EpicSurf is the first and only standing wave certified as an Autism Resource by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) also helped make this device a reality.
"They understand, as we do, that water has the power to heal and change lives," underlines Aqua Creek.
"We watched EpicSurf lead the charge in the democratization of surfing.
"Not only does EpicSurf state that their wave is for everyone, but they've taken concrete steps to prove it. They've hosted surf therapy groups featuring individuals with a variety of abilities and body types."
ADG has designed and installed over 550 recreational wave systems and over 130 FlowRider systems around the world.
Hopefully, the first-of-its-kind lift mechanism customized for standing waves can be available in an increasing number of these inland surfing machines.
The innovative device for adaptive surfing won the People's Choice Award at the 2024 Surf Park Summit for groundbreaking accessibility collaboration.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com