Wave Pools Are a Game Changer – If You Use Them Right

Wave Pools Are a Game Changer – If You Use Them Right

Wave pools aren’t a replacement for ocean surfing – but they are one of the best tools to re-wire technique, dial in habits, and build confidence faster than anywhere else.

Here’s how to get the most out of your next (or first) session – and what to expect along the way.

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1. Don’t Worry About the Cold – Worry About the Gear

In shoulder season or winter, bring your own wetsuit.
Rentals are often wet, stretched, or torn – and a bad suit means numb feet and rushed takeoffs.

A decent 4/3mm with boots and gloves makes even 10°C water fine.
You want your focus on the wave, not your toes.

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2. Use the Rip – or Fall Behind

URBNSURF has a current that runs straight back to the takeoff zone.
Use it.

The secret to getting 18 waves in a 55-minute session? Finish your wave close to the rip and paddle straight into it.

Most surfers drift too far down, then walk across the shallows before paddling out.
Result: they miss the first half of the next set. You don’t.

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3. Get Close to the Wall

Yes, it feels weird.
Yes, it’s a bit scary.
But hugging the wall means better positioning and easier takeoffs.

Most intermediates paddle too far forward or wide – and miss their window.
Get close. Sit just behind the mark. Be ready before the surfer ahead of you takes off.
That’s how you stay in rhythm – and rack up reps.

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4. The First Turn Matters Most

Too many surfers stand up and race down the line.
Don’t.

Instead:
– Drop in
– Stay centered
– Do a small cutback or check turn back to the foam

Why? Because:
– That’s where the power is
– That’s where you reset your flow
– That’s where speed and projection come from

The goal isn’t to fly to the end – it’s to stay in the zone.

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5. Forget the Crowd – Surf for You

Yes, people are watching.
Yes, the lineup is organized and everyone sees you fall.
But that’s not why you’re there.

You’re there to:
– Try new things
– Repeat movements
– Get reps that are impossible in the ocean

If you let ego steer the session, you’ll stay stiff and safe.
But if you fall on a turn you’ve never tried before, that’s progress.

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How TRAX Turns Wave Pools Into Feedback Labs

Wave pools give you repetition. TRAX gives you meaning.

– Were you stalling before your first turn?
– Was your weight on the back foot?
– Did your pop-up drift sideways off the takeoff?
– Were you compressing at the speed section – or staying tall and stuck?

TRAX tracks every attempt, helping you turn wave pools from a fun session into a structured progression loop.

Dial in your movements. Get smarter with every ride.

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Related Reading:
→ Fix Your First Turn – Speed, control, and flow all start here
→ Paddle Better, Catch More Waves – Without Burning Out – Efficient paddling keeps you in rhythm, even in a pool
→ What You Think You’re Doing – and What You’re Actually Doing – Wave pools reveal the truth – TRAX helps you fix it