A current trend in the surf industry that has been gaining momentum over the past couple of years has been the creation of wave pools.

Why? Because surfing is one of those sports that is solely reliant on the ocean, wind and swell. But what about people who want to surf but don’t have access to coastlines, or whose work schedules don’t line up with the latest surf forecast? Wave pools satisfy those needs. This is why competition is high for creating the newest and best wave pools all around the world. Below are arguable some of the “best” in the world.

1.) Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch

Maybe because of all of the recent hype, or simple because Kelly Slater has literally changed this history of surfing, but this eleven time world Champion’s wave pool takes the number one slot. Not only is this wave pool located 200 miles away from any ocean, it is now a stop on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. Having an artificial wave hold it’s own against the power and perfection of some of the world’s best surf breaks, is telling. This wave is said to me one of the most perfect barrels in the world.

2.) Wavegarden Cove, Montgat Spain

When you see images of wave pools, they are often not only sheet glass, but also have the most beautiful, vibrantly colored water. Because these are man made environments, the water, wave floor (bottom of the pool) and wind conditions can be controlled. This makes for highly photogenic images. One in particular that stands out is Wavegarden’s wave pool in Spain. Known for its aquamarine, vivid color, it has brought professionals from around the world to its waters. This particular park offers A-framing left and rights, for a surfers delight.

3.) Surf Lakes Queensland Australia

This park has had a lot of hype surrounding its creation, not only because surf legends Mark Occhilupo and Barton Lynch are ambassadors, but because it is said to be the newest and most amazing technology for wave-making in the world. Not to mention this giant wave park is the first man made surf lagoon. The creators promise a thousand high performance, lengthy, and perfect head high tubes every hour. This park is estimated to have costed almost 30 million dollars to make, and is expected to gross up to $200, 000 a day! Let's face it, for perfect waves most of us would easily spend a hundred bucks to partake in it! With it’s location in Yeppoon, Central Queensland, this has been one of the most anticipated surf parks in the world!

4.)NLand Surf Park, USA

This surf park is located in the U.S., Texas to be exact, and is great for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. They even hold surf lessons and camps here! Texas is not necessarily known for consistent surf, so this has been a great option for surfers finding themselves landlocked. Because waves literally can be calculated every two minutes, surfers can time everything just right. In the ocean surfers have to deal with lulls, wind, flat days, or stormy weather. Here, an ocean enthusiast can plan ahead, and know exactly what they are going to get.

5.)Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World Florida, USA

When you think of Disneyland you don’t think of surfing. You think of some of the most famous attractions in the world, but for water enthusiasts? Typhoon Lagoon is actually a real water park and wave pool that actually produce head high waves, artificially induced every minute and a half. Typhoon Lagoon’s Surf Pool is right in line with the Disney brand, which is well funded and grandiose. In fact, it is one of the largest inland wave pools in the world.