In the privileged world, we want to make the most of our leisure time. If we can ensure that we don’t get eaten by a predator in the process or taken down by the Highway Patrol, all the better. There are no apex predators in a wave pool and no speed traps on private raceways.
This week, a wonderfully new and weird confluence of wave pools and race tracks emerged. These two seemingly disparate utopias of adrenaline development have been flirting with each other for quite some time.
The Thermal Beach Club purchased land adjacent to the Thermal Club, which is basically a surf park for motorheads. Recently, SF Gate reported that the new Toba Capital 9-acre wave pool project in El Segundo sits adjacent to a Porsche test-driving experience center.
This week, Wavegarden and those designers of racetracks, club tracks, and street circuits, Tilke Engineers & Architects, announced a partnership. The goal? Combining these two distinct and sometimes dangerous sports, not just adjacent to one another, but in the same exact location.
In a press release, Wavegarden said it will unveil a series of global projects in collaboration with Tilke’s operational network. And the move marks the first official coordinated effort to integrate motorsport and surfing across multiple luxury lifestyle destinations.
“We are pleased to have been selected as the surf pool technology provider for Tilke´s destination network,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Their vision is truly remarkable, and this partnership will enhance their offering for current members while attracting a broader audience.”
Crossover Between Track and Surf
Tilke’s existing footprint includes 18 private racing circuits across five continents, with five currently under construction and 27 in development. According to the press release from Wavegarden, some of the new facilities will feature Cove technology.
“The global reach of our network and our expertise in creating exclusive motorsport destinations, combined with Wavegarden’s groundbreaking surf technology, enable us to deliver an unparalleled experience for the world’s most discerning adventure seekers,” said Christian Epp, Managing Director at Tilke and Co-Founder of the Motorsports Club of Clubs.
The surf lagoons will be placed within lifestyle resorts that include white-sand beaches, villas, spas, restaurants, and outdoor recreation, forming all-in-one venues for affluent sports enthusiasts.
Tiered Access to a New Kind of Club
The concept is built around a tiered membership structure that provides access to motorsport and surfing at all venues in the network. The locations are designed for those seeking high-performance sports in curated, resort-style environments.
“We are creating a global community of people seeking the extraordinary,” said Epp. “This alliance allows us to deliver something truly unique in the luxury lifestyle space.”
As surf park development continues to draw from the golf, ski, and now, motorsport industries, it will be interesting to see which combination becomes the next recipe for success. It just may be race tracks.
