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IT'S COMING...
Ron Jon Surf Surfpark plan unveiled to the public
So it's finally coming. The three dimensional model of the park looks fabulous, the idea seems virtually perfect, and the plans and engineering are nearing completion for groundbreaking next month and opening to the public next fall.
Ed Moriarty, president of Ron Jon Surf Shop, said, "The face of surfing as we know it is about to change forever. We feel Surfparks best personifies the Ron Jon brand, and we are excited to be in partnership with [them]." Mr. Moriarty also pointed out that Ron Jon is not only a licensor for the park, but an investor.
The press conference scene included a number of Ron Jon executives in business casual, a few Surfpark execs in shorts and t-shirts (corporate culture and logo defining itself early), and an array of press, investors, and future customers. Questions floated like, "Is it gonna be salt water?" and, "Are there going to be memberships?" (Both "yes".)
In main lobby of the Festival Bay Mall, Jamie Meiselman, Founder and CEO of Surfparks, shared a bit of his history. It all began six years ago on a napkin. "Imagine pitching this idea for six straight years," he said. With co-founders Doug Kirk and Nick Behunin nearby, he shared early frustrations with a receptive and excited audience, "Who was going to believe we could make this work? Surfers." The focus became finding wealthy surfers who believed in the business model.
In lay terms, Mr. Meiselman explained the unique characteristics of the operation, including the Versareef, Wedge, and Groundswell patent-pending, proprietary technologies. The "Pro Pool" will be a football field of six waves per minute, with each wave (four-to-eight feet) retaining its original height, speed, and power from start to finish, sculpted by the computer-interfaced adjustable reef below. A training pool, a boogie pool, and a surf school combine to satisfy the growing population of those wanting to experience the thrill of surfing. The pro shop hopes to capture a piece of the five billion dollar surf-attire industry, and along with the surf-travel themed restaurant, Surfparks presents a nice concert venue to boot.
Mr. Meiselman added, "The Florida surfing community has been incredibly supportive of this project since we announced our Orlando plans several years ago. We currently have more than 4,000 people on our reserve membership list, and we are thrilled to launch the world's first Surfpark to such a passionate and appreciative audience."
The mission of Surfparks involves one core goal -- the thrill of surfing. Over the next ten years, the number of those who've had the opportunity to ride perfect waves will be greater, and still growing. The future of surfing may change forever, but the soul of it will always remain the same.
About the Ron Jon Surfpark
The Ron Jon Surfpark has been designed specifically for surfing, body boarding and surfing lifestyle enthusiasts. The park will include three surf pools to accommodate all levels of surfers and bodyboarders -- from beginners to professionals. The pools' unique, patented technology allows for wave configurations suitable for all riders, with wave offerings covering everything from perfectly peeling three-footers for the groms, up to overhead barrels for the pros. The Surfpark will also be supported by a professionally staffed surf school offering group and private lessons to all age groups and skill levels. The 100,000 square foot park will also feature a fully-stocked Ron Jon pro shop with the newest in surfing wear and equipment, and a Ron Jon restaurant, offering pool-side dining for spellbound spectators and drained waveriders. Ample space and seating, including poolside corporate hospitality suites and party rooms, have been designed throughout the facility for up-close and unobstructed viewing of all the action throughout the Surfpark -- perfect for watching a world class televised surf event or hosting a full-blown private event with up to 1,000 guests.
The heart of the Surfpark will be the Pro Surf Pool with its patented Wedge shape, Groundswell wave system and
Versareef floor. The size of a football field, the Pro Surf Pool will have more than 1.5 million gallons of salinated water, and generate up to six waves per minute with wave heights from five to eight feet, and ride lengths from 60 to 100 yards. The computer – adjustable Versareef ™ pool floor allows nearly infinite variety of left and right-breaking wave shapes and includes pre-programmed bottom contours that mimic some of the best natural surf breaks in the world. The Pro Surf Pool is designed for use by experienced surfers and bodyboarders looking for consistent waves and pristine overhead surf conditions.
MORE INFO:
Ron Jons
Surf Parks
BT Orlando
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Kevin Miller
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