URBNSURF Melbourne, Australia’s first public surf park and one of the world’s most surfed artificial wave venues, has turned five. And what better way to celebrate a number than by using more numbers? On the heels of this great accomplishment the crew at URBNSURF Melbourne saw fit to fire off the stats cannon for WavePoolMag. What did we learn? Since opening in January 2020, the park has created more than 10 million waves. It has also welcomed over 300,000 visitors and taught upwards of 102,000 people to surf.
Operating Impact: By the Numbers
In five years of operation, URBNSURF Melbourne has:
- Operated for 1,559 days
- Generated 10 million waves
- Delivered 102,450 surf lessons
- Attracted 300,000+ visitors
- Created over 500 jobs
- Recorded 47% growth in female surfers
- Seen female participation rise from 18% to 35%
“During the past five years, URBNSURF has been incredibly proud to welcome thousands of surfers of all abilities through our gates,” said URBNSURF CEO Jennifer Vandekreeke. “We set out to be a place that is warm and welcoming, where the thrill of surfing is within reach of everyone who is up for the challenge. Along that journey we’ve created more than 500 jobs, with many of our staff learning to surf themselves at the park, and we’re super stoked to have helped generate major economic and tourism value for Victoria.”
About 25% of visitors come from outside Victoria. This steady draw has helped URBNSURF become a key tourism destination for Melbourne.
Beyond the Wave: A Broader Mission
While the lagoon remains the main attraction, the park’s role has expanded. It now supports a wider mission beyond wave creation.
“It’s about community, inclusivity and creating lasting memories,” added Vandekreeke. “URBNSURF is changing the face of surfing by making this quintessentially Australian sport welcoming to Australians from all walks of life including women, parasurfers and those who haven’t grown up along the coast.”
One of those impacted is Masi Mobin, an Afghan refugee who arrived in Australia at 14. He was one of only four survivors on his boat. Mobin learned to surf at URBNSURF and now works as a surf coach at the park.
Growing Female Participation
Female surfer participation has increased steadily. It grew from 18% to 35% over the past five years. The park’s Girls Go Surf’n’Sip series has contributed to this rise. Held monthly, the event is women-only and has attracted a digital community of more than 2,000 members.
“It was a huge honour to ride the 10 millionth wave at URBNSURF Melbourne today – as a woman who’s spent her life in the ocean, it’s inspiring to see how URBNSURF is championing a more inclusive and welcoming surf culture,” said Beachley. “It’s proof that real change is happening. By combining access, opportunity, community and support, URBNSURF is creating a space where more women feel confident to paddle out and truly belong.”
Marking the Occasion
WavePoolMag covered the wave pools soft celebration of 5 years in January, which you can read here. But this time the group pulled out all the stops.
The anniversary celebration brought together several big names from surfing. Both current and former WSL athletes attended, along with Australian Surfing Hall of Famer Luke Egan. Musician Tash Sultana and long-time community members were also present.
URBNSURF has attracted a range of high-profile visitors. Chris Hemsworth, The Foo Fighters, Novak Djokovic, Lewis Hamilton, and Blakey Johnston have all surfed the park’s lagoon.
In addition, the site hosts elite training camps and World Surf League competitions. Its role in both recreational and professional surf continues to grow.
