The Little Wave Pool That Could has been recognized by the Dutch media. The Marketing Award Rotterdam stated that they awarded RiF010 the prize due to the innovative and inclusive nature of the project. RiF010 is located at Steigersgracht in the center of Rotterdam, in what was once an unused canal.

RiF010 offers free surf lessons and sessions to kids in Rotterdam and was built while adhering to strict environmental standards. The jury cited the wave pool’s accessibility and inclusiveness, explaining that RiF010 demonstrates that innovative projects are achievable and accessible to everyone.

“We are super proud that RiF010, the first urban surf pool in the world, has won the 23rd Marketing Award Rotterdam,” said Edwin van Viegen, CEO of RiF010. “Thanks to our innovative and inclusive approach, the Steigersgracht has become a vibrant wave pool where everyone comes together. We are stoked that we have put surfing even more on the map in the Netherlands.”

The Marketing Awards Rotterdam are presented annually to individuals or organizations that make significant contributions to the image and promotion of the city of Rotterdam. They were awarded on Tuesday, January 7th, by officials during the New Year’s reception of Rotterdam Partners at the Kunsthal.

The Marketing Award Rotterdam also noted that RiF010 received worldwide attention in the media last year, with a total of 240 international publications, and that the wave pool provides an accessible platform for social connection in a dense urban environment.

Waves at RiF010 break exclusively to the right, a design choice influenced by bathymetric constraints. The facility does not accommodate a split peak or left-breaking waves. A notable aspect of the surfing experience at RiF010 is the surrounding environment, which resembles a fishbowl.

Three sides of the pool are lined with spectators who actively engage with the surfers, offering cheers or jeers based on their performances. The fourth side features a restaurant adjacent to an outdoor shopping mall, contributing to the unique atmosphere.