I Went Surfing in an Office Park
When I felt the wave lift my board and push it forward, I knew exactly what to do. I stood up, turned left, and put my weight forward to shred the surf. If this were San Diego, where I’d just been surfing, I’d see the sun rise over the beach. Instead I saw two gated hot tubs, a row of private cabanas ($370 for the day), and a photo booth selling pics for $15 a piece.
This is Urbnsurf, an artificial wave lagoon roughly 10 minutes from Melbourne Airport. It looks out onto an office park and has a similarly corporate energy: wristbands, liability waivers, mandatory safety briefings, and, if you just want to go and watch, a $5 spectator’s fee.
When I’d first heard about Urbnsurf, it sounded corny, like a wave pool at SeaWorld. I’m used to surfing and all of its jellyfish stings, barnacle cuts, and unseen riptides. But by March, I’d in 60 years. So my brother and I decided to go for it.
