Local entrepreneurs hope to open wave pool in Amsterdam for city surfers

Two local entrepreneurs want to make it easier for Amsterdam surfers to hit the waves and also encourage a new generation to take up the sport. They submitted plans for a wave pool in the Johan van Hasseltkanaal in Buiksloterham. According to Jaap Kersten and Paul Brouwer, surfers could cycle to Amsterdam-Noord with a surfboard under their arm by 2029, Parool reports.

A wave pool is a swimming pool with artificial waves that can vary in size and strength, accommodating both beginners and advanced surfers. Rotterdam has a very popular wave pool, rif010. Kersten and Brouwer came up with the plan to open one in Amsterdam while waiting to pick up their sons at school.

“For good surfing, you have to travel at least to the South of France, which makes it out of reach for many people. With a wave pool in the middle of the city, we can give many more Amsterdammers the opportunity to discover this sport,” Kersten told Parool.

They scoured Google Maps for possible locations and found 7 options, including the Johan van Hasseltkanaal. When the city asked for ideas for the new area to be developed around the canal, they saw their chance. The plan is submitted for locals to comment on. “We have tested the plan, spoken to experts, and approached investors and project developers,” Kersten said. “Now we want to work it out further and find out how we can make it as attractive as possible for everyone in the neighborhood.”

According to Kersten, a main concern heard among locals is that the wave pool would take up space that could be green space. But they plan to make the wave pool a green recreational area. “The municipality is already planning to create islands in the canal. Partly for plants and animals, and partly for residents to swim around in. We think it would be great to create a kind of green water area, with the wave pool as part of it. From the quay and the islands, everyone can also see the surfers doing their thing.”

Kersten and Brouwer have dreams of creating an entire surfing district, working with the brand New Ansterdam Surf Association, Skate Cafe, and the training institute Surfana. “We envision a place where people can live, do sports, and do business. Think of surfboard makers, surf, skate, and snowboarding clothing stores, catering, and a training institute.”

In Rotterdam, a surf session costs 50 euros. Kersten and Brouwer want to bring that price down in Amsterdam with sponsors and initiatives like the city pass. “Our focus in that respect is mainly on children. We want to offer the opportunity to let every Amsterdammer surf in the city.”

Whether the plan for a wave pool stands a serious chance will become clear next year at the earliest, when the concept plan for the area will be presented. Kersten is enthusiastic. “We think that the wave pool in combination with the green water park provides the liveliness that belongs to an exciting and innovative neighborhood like Buiksloterham.”