Intro

I recently had the chance to go back to Atlantic Park Surf and try out the Advanced session. My first time at the park, I chose the Intermediate session just to get an idea of what the wave would be like and work out some of the first time jitters. I mainly shortboard these days but spent a lot of time on a longboard when I was surfing in Va Beach growing up and will write this from that perspective.

Read Part 1 here

What’s different

The intermediate wave was what they refer to as their “Malibu” style wave. It’s enough push for a shortboard, but not too steep for a longboard. It’s more for carving turns with the occasional steeper section. I found that wave to be really fun and a good introduction to a wave pool.

The advanced wave is what they refer to as “Turns 1” and “Turns 2”. It’s probably a foot larger than the intermediate wave and considerably steeper. I’d compare it to the same steepness as what you’d typically see in New Jersey or the Outer Banks. It’s a quicker takeoff and faster wave. The Turns 2 wave is quite steep and pushes to around shoulder high. Both of these waves suit a shortboard well.

Considerations Before Booking

Folks in my group struggled with the wave a bit. I wouldn’t recommend this selection for someone’s first time to the park. It takes a little getting used to positioning for the wave and it’s quite different from surfing in the ocean. The takeoff is steep and quick, and you don’t really feel like you’ve caught the wave when it’s time to get to your feet. That definitely happens in steeper beach breaks on the east coast, but being that you’re in a pool, and you don’t really watch the wave come to you, it feels a bit different.

Concluding Thoughts

The first time I went, I really enjoyed myself. It had been months since I’d had good waves with any size/shape (April probably?) and I was absolutely stoked to get some time on my feet with a wave that had some open face. This time, some of the new factor had worn off. This was a better wave setting for me and I still had a great time, but it didn’t have quite the same impact on me. I definitely am not a “surfing has to be in the ocean” purist like I thought I might be before my first session, but a wave pool definitely lacks some of the magic the ocean has. It’s not that surprising, really. That said, a lot of what I had to say after my first session remains the case. It’s surfing on demand. It’s worth the money (for me). It’s a lot of fun and incredible practice. I’ve never caught 12+ good waves in under an hour and with crowds these days doubt I’ll ever have the chance. But there is something addictive about real surfing and all the frustrations that come with it that the wave pool will always lack.