sustainable urban surf pool RiF010 brings ocean waves to the heart of rotterdam

Surf Loch unveils urban surf pool in Rotterdam

Erik van Ettinger, from the wave technology pioneer Surf Loch, presents RiF010, an urban surf pool located in the heart of Rotterdam, at Steigersgracht. The facility, spanning 125 meters in length and 25 meters in width, produces ocean-like waves up to 1.5 meters high, which roll towards the Wezenbrug Bridge before resting on the pebble beach. The project includes a concrete basin set within the old quay walls, a wave installation near the Markthal, and a newly constructed beach house that features a restaurant, surf bar, and shop. Notably, RiF010 is powered entirely by sustainably generated energy, supporting both the wave generation and the beach house’s needs.

RiF010 uses water from Rotte to generate ocean-like waves

The basin of the RiF010 by Surf Loch, which holds 4,000 cubic meters of water, is being filled with water from the Rotte River and cleaned through an energy-efficient drum filter system. This filter ensures that all the water in the basin is processed every seven hours. The surf pool manufacturer aims to offer a comprehensive surfing experience in the city through RiF010, complete with various amenities, making it accessible and appealing to non-surfers too. An artificial reef ensures that the generated waves break naturally. A softer wave is created at the end of the wave pool, making it ideal for beginners who want to discover the sport. Controlled from the beach house, the wave installation offers surfing experiences for both beginners and advanced surfers, with adjustable wave settings to accommodate various skill levels. The facility also provides rentals for canoes and stand-up paddleboards, allowing visitors to explore Rotterdam’s waterways. The official water installation opening on July 6th featured the Rotterdam Surf Open, an international surfing competition. Making the facility a recreational spot and a community hub, the RiF010 Foundation aims to introduce local schoolchildren to water sports.

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project info:

name: RIF010 Rotterdam | @rif010_rotterdam
designer: Edwin van Viegen, Surf Loch | @surfloch_official
location: Rotterdam, Netherlands 

photographer: Adrienne Wildeman | @a3nnn

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