Australia is synonymous with surfing culture, but the perfect wave isn’t always easy to find. While beach hopping and unpredictable swells can be part of the overall fun, location and timing can create barriers to entry for those looking to break in. As the country’s most advanced simulation wave pool, URBNSURF is bringing the barrels to Melbourne’s northern suburbs, offering accessibility to surfing in a state-of-the-art recreation environment.
This 20,000 square metre wave lagoon is powered by Siemens automation and drive components, and is just one of the exciting destinations in this month’s Beyond 150 Competition. To honour 150 years of transforming the everyday on Australian soil, the company is offering the chance to win a series of dynamic technology tours across the country’s most enticing travel regions.
Winners of this month’s prize draw will be taken on an immersive journey through Melbourne and the Yarra Valley, gaining exclusive insight on Siemens digital infrastructure. The tour includes a panoramic helicopter ride to Levantine Hill Estate for a wine tasting and dining experience, as well as a visit to Melbourne Museum to see how their energy upgrade project is maintaining precious artefacts.
The trip to URBNSURF will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Siemens technology powers the wave pool, followed by surfing lessons and lunch. Gain access to the same swells enjoyed by world-renowned surfing champions.
The lagoon itself holds the amount of water equivalent to 15 Olympic swimming pools, and can generate up to 1,000 waves every hour. It is also the largest recycled concrete structure in Australia, repurposing construction material from Melbourne Airport for the walls and basin. Importantly, the entire park is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, and has prioritised environmental consciousness in its ongoing development.
The wave generator is powered by 46 modules, situated underneath a series of piers. These rectangular boxes are lined up edge to edge along the width of the pool, and are linked to a series of powerful, automated drives. The digital software platform allows operators to make precise adjustments to peeling angles, swell height and direction of the waves.
The impressive piece of infrastructure is another example of how Siemens’ ‘technology with purpose’ is helping shape Australian cities through world-class innovation.
The second monthly prize draw for the Beyond 150 Competition is open now, and professionals from all industries are invited to apply before the closure date on 31 May 2022. The package includes return flights to Melbourne and accommodation for two people. Register here.