Sir John Kirwan’s passion for surfing, a former All Blacks and mental health advocate, led him to get involved in a project to build the country’s first wave park in Auckland.

Writing in the Herald, Kirwan has
revealed that surfing in his “happy place” at Waihi Beach has long been one of the best things he can do to manage his mental health.

“My favorite spot is at the north end of the beach, and when I sit on my surfboard on a spectacular day the waves are clean and glassy, ​​looking out over the green headland and white sand … well , it smells like paradise. ” he said.

Now Kirwan plans to turn that passion for surfing into a project to bring the first surf park to New Zealand, saying that during the lockdown, a highlight was a weekly video call with a small group spread across New Zealand. Zealand, Australia and the United States.

“The founders of the company, Aventuur, approached me about a year ago to get involved in the project, which aims to bring perfect waves and incredible experiences for surfers, families and children to Auckland. .

“We’re in the early stages of planning, identifying the right location and land for the project, and laying the groundwork for something that will have a remarkably positive impact on the community – I’m proud to be a part of it.” .

“We share surf stories, host brainstorming sessions on park design and experiences to offer, and discuss how we can develop holistic community programs to engage and give back. It gives me joy and excites me for the future, ”he wrote.

Kirwan gives few details at this point, but it is understood that the wave park will cost tens of millions of dollars in private money and will be located at a rural site west or north of Auckland.

It is also known that the American company Aventuur has acquired a license to build a surf park in Auckland using cove technology produced by the Spanish company Wavegarden.

Wavegarden Cove can produce up to 1000 waves per hour, with modifiable wave settings to suit the needs and abilities of surfers.

Paige Hareb has hoisted the New Zealand flag at elite level over the past decade and described wave surf parks “as the perfect training ground” during a soft launch of the idea there. 12 months ago.

Hareb said a wave park could be the key for more professional Kiwi surfers to be successful in the sport.

“I think (Wavegarden cove) will be the best for the public and for training because there are so many waves in an hour. It’s like a tennis court for surfing; you can hit the same shot over and over again. and even.

“It will definitely make surfing progress much faster,” he said.

Another New Zealand professional surfer, Ricardo Christie, said having a wave park at home would be really good for all the new kids to come.

“From a high performance perspective, that makes a lot of sense – and it would just be fun for everyone,” he said.

Kirwan said that a wave park fits his philosophy of always trying to kill two birds with one stone, such as going for a walk with your partner or someone close to your heart.

“You get physical exercise on the one hand and an emotional connection on the other.

“My work to bring a surf park to Auckland is another example. It is a unique project that will remove the barriers to entry to surfing for so many people, providing mental and physical nourishment to the community.

“But it’s also exciting to be able to build it with New Zealanders, for New Zealand, and I can’t wait for it to open,” he said.