We entered the gates at NLand. signed in, got our wrist bands and headed to orientation. We sat in a small room and watched a quick ‘how to’ video on what to expect. The orientation video briefly goes over safety, etiquette in the wave pool, and the main points of the wave. For instance, where you paddle out and paddle in from depends on which side of the pier you are on. The wave is broken into three distinct waves. First, the "Reef" which is the closest to the pier, this would be the area for experts. Second, the “Inside” which is just off the main peak, this would be for the intermediate surfers. Lastly, the “Bay” which is for the beginners and is located at either end of the pool.
The pool has two sides that are exactly the same when it's glassy. However, when it's windy there is a good side and a windy side. The best side is opposite of the wind. When you look at the pool the wind decides which side you want to be on. Just like how any pier or jetty structure blocks the wind in the ocean. That natural element is what I saw immediately. One side was clearly glassier then the other.
The water is actually an emerald green, however the grass area and dirt road that goes around the pool creates dust. When the dust is blown into the pool it creates silt. Then when the plow starts it stirs up the water and turns it brown. The staff checks the ph. every two sessions or so, it seemed clean enough. The water and air temperature was nearly 80 degrees.
The wave itself is fast and difficult to catch. I found myself hitting my hand against the fence when I paddled. If I didn’t get that close, the wave would pull me to the center of the pool and I would almost miss the wave altogether. I found myself scratching, kicking and fighting just to get in. I saw multiple waves go by un ridden by the other surfers. Even the best surfers had a learning curve. Once you figured out the best method for catching the wave the fun really begins. I can't express how fast the wave is.The water is actually an emerald green, however the grass area and dirt road that goes around the pool creates dust. When the dust is blown into the pool it creates silt. Then when the plow starts it stirs up the water and turns it brown. The staff checks the ph. every two sessions or so, it seemed clean enough. The water and air temperature was nearly 80 degrees.
The fresh water made me feel at least 15 lbs. heavier. I bumped up my volume 4 liters on my shortboard and it still felt sluggish. I used my 7'0 winter egg which felt better, it gave me more float and drive with the bigger fin set up.
When riding a longboard the wave can be caught almost 20 yards further out then on a shortboard. I still had to paddle hard but the bigger board allowed an easier entry. My noserides had to be done well out in front of the curl. On a normal Ocean wave the goal would be to get in the pocket. At Nland it's necessary to be out in front or it will bowl up and pitch you with the lip or blow you over the top.
The bay wave is a soft finish to the wave, this is why leashes are needed. When the reef wave ends the remaining wave is what the beginners surf, so If you lost your board it could definitely take someone out on the inside. The bay wave is short and perfect for learning to pop up.
All in all, it was a fun place to go. If you are in to new techy stuff, then this is for you. Something one of the workers told me kind of gave me an insight to the business plan. He said the high cost helps offset the overhead but also allows Nland to take buses of inner city kids surfing for the first time. Their goal is to have camps for children with disabilities and less fortunate kids that would never see a beach let alone surf, have the opportunity to catch a wave. Doug Coors loves surfing and wants to bring it to the less fortunate.
I'd like to give a huge thanks to my wife Erin Wood (you can follow all her adventures @erin_cupcake_wood on Instagram), Birds Surf Shed and Gordon and Smith Surfboards for the opportunity.
