The EpicSurf deep water stationary surf wave by Aquatic Development Group (ADG) has received the Surf Park Award for “Democratizing Access to Waves for More People.” The award was presented at this year’s Surf Park Summit in San Diego, CA , where EpicSurf exhibited and participated as an acting sponsor.

Hosted annually by Surf Park Central, the Summit connects industry leaders from around the world and includes surf park developers, wave technology companies, investors, academics and athletes, focused on emerging topics related to surfing outside of the ocean.  

EpicSurf’s recognition is based on their efforts to expand access to waves and share surfing’s positive physical, mental, and emotional benefits with people that do not live near the ocean or those that prefer a more controlled surfing experience. Surfing is a common denominator, capable of bringing people together and generating positive impact. 

ADG’s, COO Bruce Quay used this narrative to define the objective for commercializing EpicSurf, stating that “From design to commercialization, our vision was to create an authentic surfing experience to be enjoyed by ALL abilities.”  

To achieve this goal, ADG assembled a collaborative network of expert disability advocates to evaluate EpicSurf for inclusivity, accessibility, and potential therapeutic benefits for individuals of varying abilities. 

“As an adaptive surfing instructor, I found that EpicSurf creates a consistent medium that lends itself to surfing therapy,” said Justin Speegle, Veteran, AMPSurf Board Member. “Not having to deal with tides, winds, and swells make managing a surfing therapy session easier. The proximity of coaches and spectators to the riders makes verbal communication while riding possible. This lends itself well to group therapy and team building as everyone is cheering on the rider. The surfer bond is one of the things that makes ocean therapy successful but even when a group goes surfing together, the ride experience is not easily shared. This setup completely changes that.”

Michele Ferrauilo, VA, Director of Adaptive Sports, added that the system also brings surf to people who might not have access to the ocean.

“EpicSurf is great for individuals that do not live near water,” said Michele. “Especially, for individuals who fear the ocean, giving them an opportunity to surf in a controlled setting with support.”

Since launch, EpicSurf has shaped waves for a myriad of surfers, including novice, intermediate, professional, child, veteran, champion, age 70+, adaptive, blind, and more. To continue their efforts in expanding access to more people and breaking down barriers, ADG provides EpicSurf buyers (private and public) with actionable practices and programming ideas learned during the commercialization process. Customized settings for all abilities, retractable training bar, and a compact footprint make the sport of surfing achievable for anyone, anywhere.

Input from elsewhere in the community:

“I see a lot of potential for this to be used not only as a recreational tool, but also as an adjunct to a variety of rehabilitation therapies.” – Randi Woodrow, Physical Therapist

“The EpicSurf wave is a real game-changer for the surf industry, the kids just couldn’t get enough.”
– Phil Jackson, Founder of the Surf Dreams Foundation