Wave pools vs. the ocean: which is better for your next surf trip?
"Should we visit a wave pool or book a surf trip to the sea?"
- What fits better...
- The rise of wave pools and the search for the perfect wave
- Pro Wavepools: Comfort, control and guaranteed surfing
- Pro ocean surfing: wild, free and exactly what your nervous system needs
- The key question: What kind of surfing experience are you looking for?
- FAQ
- Ready to swap chlorine waves for salty air?
What fits better...
A valid discussion. And with the rise of modern wave pool technology across Europe, from Wavegarden Cove in the Swiss Alps to Wave Bristol in southwest England, surfers have more choice than ever.
But is more choice really better? And do artificial waves deliver the same experience as the ocean?
If you're wondering which type of wave suits you, we have the answers.
Here's our comparison between wave pools and ocean surfing.
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The sun sets over El Palmar and bathes the sea, beach and coastal landscape in southern Spain in warm light
The rise of wave pools and the search for the perfect wave
Don't worry, we're not here to badmouth wave pools. Some of them are impressive examples of modern surfing technology. Continental Europe and the UK are currently experiencing a real boom in new wave pool projects:
Munich: Home of the famous Eisbach river wave and now also of O2 SURFTOWN Munich. The former stands for river surfing in its rawest form, the latter for high-end wave pool surfing with the flair of a golf and country club
Alaïa Bay (Switzerland): Europe's first wavegarden cove, where you can surf inland with Swiss precision and mountain panoramas
Surf Snowdonia (UK): one of the first commercial wave pools to open its doors.
The Wave Bristol (England): a popular destination for surfers of all ages, with open sessions and structured course offerings
Surf Lakes (Australia) and Surf Ranch (USA): prominent examples of how far technology can now go
At the time of writing, there are more surf parks being planned or built in Europe and beyond, offering beginners, children and advanced surfers the chance to surf without having to leave their city.
Definitely an exciting development for the sport of surfing.
We understand the appeal: wave pools are controlled, efficient and you know exactly what kind of wave you're going to get.
But as much as they score in terms of convenience, they can't quite match what the ocean offers: true adventure, direct access to nature and a deep experience that no chlorine pool in the world can deliver.
Let's take a closer look.
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A surfer makes a clean turn on a wave in the wave pool and carves over the artificial, smooth water surface in a controlled manner
Pro Wavepools: Comfort, control and guaranteed surfing
The appeal is immediately understandable:
Predictable waves: hardly any waiting time, no guesswork. Wavepools deliver the same wave shape, size and frequency over and over again. Ideal for refining your technique or finally hitting the perfect cutback or air
No flat days: Unlike ocean spots, which rely on swell and tides, wave pools run according to plan. Perfect for anyone with a tight time budget or a clear training focus
Urban surfing: You can surf in places that are far away from the nearest beach, for example in the middle of Switzerland or on the outskirts of a big city in Germany or England
Repetition = progress: You want 30 identical left-hand waves in a row to perfect your bottom turn? Book the right session and push your limits
Wave pools offer rapid progress for beginners and performance-oriented surfers.
It's like a skate park for surfing, structured, plannable and available exactly when you need it. You arrive, get changed and surf consistent waves for an hour. Some surf parks even have a surf store or restaurant right on the premises, ideal for relaxing after the session.
BUT...
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A surfer in a wetsuit rides a wave and points a shaka towards the camera with a broad smile
Pro ocean surfing: wild, free and exactly what your nervous system needs
Ocean surfing is uncomfortable, unpredictable and sometimes frustrating. And at the same time one of the most grounding, nurturing and humbling things you can do.
That's why we are (and will always be) people of the sea.
No two sessions are the same: The ocean doesn't repeat itself. You learn not only technique, but also adaptability. You read the waves, react in real time and develop a feel for the water
You are in nature, not surrounded by concrete: Instead of queuing under floodlights, you paddle out in the open air, with sand under your feet and salt on your skin. Birds above you. Sunset on the horizon. The smell of the sea and the thunder of the surf (instead of the noise of machines)
It's an adventure, not an appointment: You check the forecast, pack the car and drive (or walk, as with A-Frame) to the beach. Maybe the waves are mediocre, maybe they're fantastic. It's a journey, not just a booking
Healing energy: The Atlantic has its own rhythm, sometimes gentle, sometimes powerful, reminding you how small (and alive) you really are
Community vibes: Local surf spots have their own rhythm and culture. From morning greetings in the line-up and post-session coffee to beach cleanups and spontaneous jam sessions. Many say: ocean surfing is more than just a sport, it's an inspired lifestyle
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A male surfer rides a wave and has a big smile on his face
The key question: What kind of surfing experience are you looking for?
In the end, it all boils down to this: do you want as many waves and quick repetitions as possible in a short space of time? Or do you crave the feeling of really being out there exposed to the elements... experiencing something real, something wild?
Choose the Wavepool if you're looking for:
A predictable, performance-oriented environment
The opportunity to, practice your technique over and over again
Surfing in cities or inland
A quick session without the hassle of traveling
Access to infrastructure such as surf stores, cafés or equipment rental
Choose the ocean if you're looking for:
A holistic nature experience for body and senses
A break from routine and the screen
The feeling of sensing the wildness of the world and finding your place in it
The deeper effects of surfing, not just muscle memory
Real waves, real power and real adventure
FAQ
Yes. That's exactly what makes it so fulfilling. You not only develop technique, but also awareness, patience and humility.
Not at all. If you can paddle, stand up and laugh at yourself, you're good to go. Our surf and yoga lessons will also help you build strength and flow.
In any case. Many of our guests are having their first experience in the wave pool and come to us to experience the real thing.
Sometimes, yes. But that's what makes learning so exciting and we'll help you find the right conditions and spots for your level.
Perfect. Wave pools and the ocean can complement each other wonderfully. But when it comes to your next surf trip, we say... off to the beach.
Ready to swap chlorine waves for salty air?
Whether it's your first time on the board or your fiftieth session this year, surfing is always about more than just the number of waves.
If you're looking for fresh air, warm water, gorgeous sunsets and that incomparable post-surf nap that only comes after a real ocean session... then you know where to find us!
What others have to say
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Sebastian Münkel
2 weeks ago
Absolutely fantastic time we had here, great beaches, lovely staff, fantastic food, -- no really, the food is among the best I have ever had, day after day -- very lovely guests and super convenient distances to the surfing.
- Surfing: the whole schedule is centered around the surf times, and for good reason. The staff make sure that the groups always get the best waves of the day, even if that means taking a short drive somewhere else. The equipment is great for learners (I cannot judge the hard tops etc) with clean, relatively new, and fitting wet-suits. In addition to the lessons we can always go for more sessions privately, with access to the equipment.
- Lessons: The teachers are fantastic, their joy is contagious, they made learning super fun. In addition to great individual feedback there are additional offerings in terms of lectures, e.g. on wave theory. The video analysis also really helps to internalize some additional feedback. But again, the teachers are great!
- Food: Great food, always accommodating dietary restrictions, and with great variety. Every meal is different to the last, the meals are flexible if you're almost an hour late it's still usually fine, and they make sure you have enough of all the food you could want. Unlimited coffee, tea and fruit is also a great addition. Beer and wine cost extra, but at basically no markup. But once again: best food, fantastic, 6/5.
- Lodgings: Apartments where you will either be with the group you traveled with, or other guests. Clean, quiet, daily cleaning, everything you really need if you want to retreat during the day, or even cook a meal. WiFi is fast enough to fulfill most use cases.
- Common areas: allow all levels of socializing, provide fantastic views, promote meeting your fellow surfers.
- Yoga: I am not a fan of yoga, so I didn't do any, but the ones who did said is was great.
- Additional services: Photos from your surfing adventures and mishaps are available, massages, additional outings outside of the surf lessons (for example surf-skating) are on offer as well, providing a beautiful well rounded programme for the entire day.
- Vibes: 10/10, chill, social, down-to-earth, helpful.
Overall, better holiday than for example a ski trip in November (and I love skiing too). Come here! -
Tobias_ keller.t
6 months ago
This has already been our second stay at A-Frame and again it was a super relaxed week and overall a holiday that can‘t be much better. We, a family with a toddler, can ony recommend this place to other families who are looking for a relaxed holiday with yoga, surf and amazing food. The people at A-Frame from surf coach to kitchen staff are just super friendly and you feel very much taken care at all times. Thanks so much to the whole team for another great holiday experience. We‘ll be back for sure.
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Victor Lombardi
6 months ago
Pretty much a perfect vacation. I learned to surf, did a lot of yoga, soaked up the beautiful weather, ate delicious food, and met some wonderful people. I don't speak German or Spanish and the staff switched to English to make everything easy for me. El Palmar is a very chill area and from there it's easy to make day trips to Conil, Vejer, and Cádiz.
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Yoav Nassau
a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stayed at A-Frame. Super friendly and helpful staff. We were always received with a smile and welcoming attitude. Shoutout to the kitchen people who were kind, and did an incredible job of serving tasty, healthy, and varied food that we all loved. We came with three small children and they all had a great time - surf lessons, board games, ping-pong table among other fun activities.
The house was spacious, well-kept, and clean. Would definitely stay there again if visiting El Palmar in the future. -
Inga
a month ago
One of the best sufcamps I´ve visited so far. Excellent sufcoaches with a great accomodation and catering nearby the beach.
