What is OKAHINA WAVE?
From the natural formation of atolls was born the first eco-friendly wave – OKAHINA WAVE. This innovative concept redefines what an artificial wave can be. OKAHINA WAVE is a breakthrough in surf technology, built as a floating atoll within natural environments such as seas, lakes, rivers, or any water body found in cities. It produces a wave every 15 seconds, ranging from 80 centimeters to 2 meters high, offering a hollow and barreling ride that lasts about 30 to 45 seconds. In special settings, it even creates an endless wave. The creation is entirely free of concrete pools and water filtration systems, instead harnessing nature’s fluidity. It is a nature-inspired technology that consumes economic energy while maintaining zero adverse impact on the environment.
Main Benefits
The project brings together several game-changing benefits. Listed below are some key figures and facts that illustrate its potential:
- Wave generation every 15 seconds with heights from 80cm to 2 meters
- A 30 to 45 second surfing experience, with a possibility of an endless artificial wave
- Adaptability to any natural or artificial water body without a concrete basin or filtration system
- Positive impact on aquatic biodiversity and a natural barrier to jellyfish and sharks
- A new economic model empowering territories to harness surf tourism benefits
- Partnership with experts such as the multidisciplinary team of CDC Biodiversité and Ecocéan
Sustainable Surfing Innovation
OKAHINA WAVE is heralded as the first eco-friendly artificial wave built around sustainable technology. Inspired by the formation of atolls, this development incorporates the natural characteristics of water to generate world-class surfing conditions that are far more environmentally compatible than conventional wave pool technologies. The process is almost magical – a floating atoll that promotes the enhancement of aquatic flora and fauna, while limiting water heating and providing a natural habitat for marine life. The idea is simple yet powerful: create a natural barrier and an artificial reef that nurtures biodiversity.
Economic Development through Surf Tourism
The economic benefits of the OKAHINA WAVE project are nothing short of impressive. The project has the potential to transform cities and regions by allowing private investors, touristic actors, and real-estate companies to develop surf destinations anywhere in the world – regardless of proximity to the ocean. This technological revolution taps into the multi-billion euro surf tourism market, providing opportunities in regions that once had no natural surf spots. Consider that surf tourism revenues can reach between $18 and $22 million a year per spot. In a world where the number of surfers in France has more than doubled in the past decade – from 300,000 to 700,000 – and with surfing becoming an Olympic sport, the timing for such innovation could not be better…
Environmental Impact and Protection
Not only does OKAHINA WAVE set new standards in artificial wave technology, but it does so with a strong commitment to environmental respect. The wave system is designed to be removable, ensuring that ecosystems are not permanently altered. Moreover, this initiative helps to rehabilitate degraded aquatic environments by preserving biodiversity and ensuring that natural processes continue unhampered. With support and technical know-how from experts like those at CDC Biodiversité and Ecocéan, the project is geared toward deploying solutions that sustainably manage and foster biodiversity. It is an example of how technology can be merged with environmental consciousness in a seamless and innovative manner.
Eco-Friendly Surf Destinations for All
OKAHINA WAVE is a revolution in the sport, tourism, and leisure industries. It disrupts the conventional concrete wave pool models – which often carry disastrous ecological footprints and fragile business frameworks – by presenting a modular and eco-designed alternative. This floating atoll is adaptable and can be set up in any water environment, whether natural or artificial. By doing so, it broadens the possibility of creating surf destinations not only in coastal areas but also inland. With minimal disruption to nature, the project helps local economies by promoting water sports and surf tourism in areas previously overlooked. The natural flow of water and the resemblance to the atoll’s formation are celebrated aspects that redefine what an artificial wave means.
Project Impact: Linked SDGs
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, OKAHINA WAVE is paving the way for a future where sustainable and innovative water sports coexist harmoniously with environmental conservation. The project, currently being tested in France with plans for its launch in the Futuroscope Technopole area in Poitiers in 2023, demonstrates a bold step toward reconciling economic development with ecological responsibility. This new generation of artificial wave technology not only creates opportunities for surfers across the globe but also serves as an emblem of how understanding nature’s principles can lead to something truly extraordinary. With a positive impact on both the economy and the environment, OKAHINA WAVE invites every stakeholder – from public authorities to private investors – to take part in a revolution that champions sustainability and celebrates nature’s enduring beauty…
