Up until last week, there were no universal safety standards for surf basin makers. This hobbled more than a few surf park development projects, as each newly proposed venue had to scramble to assure local jurisdictions that their wave basin would be safe for public use. City councils tend to fret about these things—no one wants another (Class) Action Park in their community.
Last week, ASTM International, the same group that formed in 1898 to minimize deaths associated with the expanding railroad industry, officially announced the approval and publication of F3556-25. The official, wonderfully long-winded title is: “F3556-25 The Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Wave Generation Equipment within Surf Venues.”
What does this mean? In a nutshell, it’s now easier for projects to get approved, as everyone involved in the process has a common, shared reference point. We spoke with Tom Lochtefeld and Marshall Myrman to find out if it just got a whole lot easier for new surf tanks to get the green light.
What does it mean that the publication has been approved?
Tom: Once approved, it means the standard document has successfully completed a rigorous consensus process, concluding with formal approval and official release by ASTM International. ASTM is comprised of industry leaders. When we first started our subcommittee, we contacted all surf pool companies and provided information on our cooperative efforts. We worked with representatives from Wavegarden, Endless Surf, and the Kelly Slater Wave Company.
Marshall: I’ll add that it means when a new company develops wave tech or a company, they now have specific guidelines they can follow. It provides consistency and keeps an eye on patron safety as the end result.
What exactly does this publication establish within the surf park industry?
Tom: The published standard provides recognized technical requirements, specifications, procedures, or guidelines for materials, products, systems, or methods, aiming to ensure quality, safety, and uniformity across industries.
Marshall: It also establishes manufacturing guidelines and addresses the operator’s responsibilities.
Do surf parks have to follow the new guidelines, or is it just a guideline for municipalities to look at when considering and permitting new wave pools?
Tom: The standard is only a guideline, but as a practical matter, many state jurisdictions will adopt the standard’s language in whole or in part. When that happens, it becomes law in those jurisdictions, and surf pools must comply.
Marshall: While it is technically a guideline, it’s already being integrated into contracts now, just like third-party approvals and similar documents.
What does this mean for a developer opening a new surf park?
Tom: It’s recommended that any surf park developer ensure their designer, engineer, or builder is familiar with the ASTM Surf Basin standard. They should also check with local building and health departments to determine what code requirements will apply.
What does it mean for current operators?
Tom: It’s recommended that any surf park operator ensure they’re familiar with, and comply with, the ASTM Surf Basin standard. It will likely be used as a referenced standard of care and operation if any issue arises, such as a claim or lawsuit.
Marshall: Operators should understand what F770 represents in terms of their obligations within the scope of their park, as it relates to the standard. The new standard points specifically to a body of work covering manufacturing, engineering, design, and operations at a minimum.
Tom: In summary, publishing the ASTM standard marks the surf park’s official entry into global technical practice and provides a trusted benchmark for safety, performance, and quality.
Marshall: I might add that without Tom and Ranney pushing diligently to the finish line, we wouldn’t have gotten there as quickly as we did. Well done, Tom and Ranney.
