Do you really need Mick Fanning on board to make your wave pool project successful? You need Mick for the zest and allure that attracts aspiring punters to take the plunge at your facility. And you would be hard-pressed to find a more professional, well-spoken athlete representative who just so happens to also be an investor. In this episode of the WavePoolMag Podcast, we speak with Luke Altschwager, Managing Director of Palm Valley Surf Park, who has partnered up with Mick to build the Gold Coast’s first wave pool.

Our discussion covers the project’s current status, including funding milestones, some revised master planning, and wave technology selection (spoiler alert: It’s Endless Surf). Luke also shares unique insights learned from visits to other global surf parks and how mixed-use developments might be the solution for several up-and-coming projects.