Planning a surf venue means balancing two major factors: capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX). For operators, both are essential to get right and decisions made during the planning phase can have a lasting impact on long-term performance and profitability.
From land use and build costs to water treatment and power draw, these considerations shape the overall investment and, ultimately, the return. That’s why it’s critical to dig deeper than just headline pricing and ask the right questions about what a system requires — not just to install, but to operate every day.
Let’s break down some of the key factors that contribute to smarter decision-making for your development.
The Considerations of Capital Expenditures
Land Use
Land is one of the first and most significant cost considerations when planning a surf attraction. Whether developing on a new site or integrating into an existing property, the amount of space required directly impacts acquisition costs, permitting, and overall project feasibility. Especially in urban or space-constrained environments, minimizing the physical footprint of an attraction creates more opportunities for food and beverage offerings, as well as retail.
Build Cost
Beyond land, construction costs often represent the largest portion of capital spend. The more space an attraction occupies, the more excavation, concrete, and supporting infrastructure are needed. Systems that require oversized layouts or complex builds can drive up both time and budget. Choosing solutions that simplify construction — through smaller footprints or streamlined engineering — can lead to faster timelines, fewer logistical challenges, and lower upfront investment.
Optimizing Your Operational Expenditures
Water
Water consumption is a major driver of operating costs over the life of a surf attraction. Initial fill requirements, ongoing treatment, and losses due to evaporation all add up — and these costs scale with the volume of water in use. Systems that can deliver high-performance experiences with lower water volumes help reduce long-term costs while also easing the burden on water treatment systems and environmental impact.
Energy
In many global markets, energy is one of the most expensive and unpredictable operating costs. Regional rate fluctuations and peak demand charges can dramatically impact monthly expenses. That’s why FlowSurf’s energy efficiency is built into its core. Its innovative design is optimized to deliver powerful, dynamic waves using up to 65% less energy than traditional systems.
Designed for Longevity
We are passionate about supporting the best surf venues in the world, and to do that we’ve really focused on engineering the product to maximize these critical factors for our clients. You don’t have to see behind the curtain to feel the impact, but if you did, you’d find a team who knows what it takes to build waves that last, just as we have been doing with FlowRider for the last 30 years.
FlowSurf was created with a clear goal in mind: deliver the best quality deep-flow wave experience in a design that’s more efficient in every way that matters. For developers and operators, long-term success also depends on the capital and operational expenditures. This is where FlowSurf strikes the perfect balance.
All of this adds up to a system that does more with less — reducing complexity while increasing long-term value for operators.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we break down what ‘More For Less’ really means for developers, venues, and guests alike.
