WPST · Our Story

Pioneering The Future Of
Wavepool Surfing.

Mission & Innovation

The New Era
of Competitive
Surfing.

Surfing is growing globally, driven by Olympic visibility and a new generation of athletes and fans. Wave pools remove geographic barriers and unlock consistent, repeatable performance conditions — bringing surfing to inland and urban communities year-round.

WPST provides the competition structure for this new era: a digital-first qualification window, local leaderboards, and a clear pathway to Regional and World Finals — helping the sport and the wave pool industry grow together.

“Wavepool Surf Tour is transforming the landscape of competitive surfing through high-energy, scalable events in world-class wave pools.”
Founded
2021
0
Wave Pool Events
0
Competitive Divisions
0
Countries
What Makes WPST Different

Built for the
Wave Pool Era.

WPST unites surfers, enthusiasts, and pros — showcasing the full spectrum of wave pool talent worldwide.

01

Digital First

A global surf tour built specifically for wave pools. Competitors submit their best two waves, two lefts, two rights or one of each. Using AI video technology from the host venue.

02

Inclusive Access

Online access, community focus, and multiple divisions across age groups, genders, and disciplines — from Groms to Legends, Adaptive to Bodyboard.

03

Clear Pathway

A credible route from local qualification through regional heats to the World Final — crowning champions across every category.

04

Fair Conditions

Consistent, controlled wave pool conditions eliminate ocean unpredictability and ensure every competitor is judged on the same wave.

05

3-Month Window

A flexible event period gives athletes time to submit their best performances, with optional night surfing sessions for venues.

Scoring Methodology

The Triple C
Criteria.

Developed by experienced professional and international judges to support consistent, transparent scoring across all venues and conditions.

Paul César Distinguin · Alaïa Bay
Commitment

Surfing with COMMITMENT, executing maneuvers in the critical part of the wave, showing maximum risk and high-degree of difficulty

Paul César Distinguin · Alaïa Bay
Vicente Romero · Alaïa Bay
Creativity

Surfing with CREATIVITY, adding a combination of fundamental maneuvers with advanced and innovative maneuvers.

Vicente Romero · Alaïa Bay
Unknown · Alaïa Bay
Control

Surfing with CONTROL, linking maneuvers with speed, power, flow and style

Unknown · Alaïa Bay
Competitive Categories

A Division
for Everyone.

WPST champions are crowned across multiple divisions designed to celebrate surfing talent at every level — from young Groms making their first competitive waves to seasoned Legends proving age is no barrier.

Open Men & WomenElite, high-performance competitors
Masters Men & WomenAthletes aged 40+
Legends Men & WomenAthletes aged 50+
Juniors Men & WomenUnder 18 athletes
Groms Boys & GirlsUnder 14 young talent
Longboard Men & WomenGraceful, flow-focused traditional surfing
Bodyboard Men & WomenInnovative, versatile wave-riding styles
Adaptive SurfingInclusivity for all surfers
Tour Format

From Local
to World Final.

01
Online Events

Competitors submit their best two waves, two lefts, two rights or one of each, using the host's AI video technology — removing logistical barriers to entry.

02
Local & Regional

Events staged across Europe, United Kingdom, the Middle East, USA, Australia, Brazil and Asia — growing to 24 events by Year 3.

03
World Qualification

Top local and regional surfers qualify for the annual World Final — creating a credible competitive ladder at every level. Regional ratings leaders at the end of the regional online tour events also qualify for the annual world final.

04
Grand Final

An elite live event crowning champions across all categories — the pinnacle of the Wavepool Surf Tour season.

The People Behind WPST

Meet the
Team.

Mark Fessler
Mark Fessler
Founder - CEO

An entrepreneur with lifelong surf industry experience and a leading figure in the surf park sector. A passionate surfer and former ASP/ISA Competitor, Mark played a pivotal role in the 2021 Alaïa Open, which inspired the Wavepool Surf Tour.

Clyde Martin
Clyde Martin
Co-founder - COO

Over three decades in professional surfing as - Competitor (1987 - 94), ASP Europe Tour Manager, WCT Judge, and COO of World Professional Surfers (1995–2012). International Head Coach at the 2023 Asian and ISA World Surfing Games. Owner of Starfish Surf House - Jeffreys Bay.

Wade Sharp
Wade Sharp
Co - Founder, judging director

Wade has been surfing, judging, coaching, 40 years. Surfing (91-93) ASP World Tour (96) ISA World Game Judging (2002-2011) ASP-CT/QS International Judge. Coaching (1995-2025) International SURF Academy Olympic Games and ISA World Surfing events

Dario Mueller
Dario Mueller
Contest Director

A wavepool competition specialist and initiator of the Alaïa Bay Open since 2021. With over a decade directing contests for the Swiss Surfing Association and a Master's in Elite Sports from EHSM Magglingen, Dario brings world-class event expertise.

Emile Kott
Emile Kott
Lead Web Engineer

Over 25 years in web application development with a First-Class BSc in Mathematics and AI. Based in Porthtowan, Emile leads the technical architecture of the WPST platform — combining scalable systems expertise with a lifelong passion for surfing.

Scott Mitchell
Scott Mitchell
Marketing

24 years in marketing and brand development, and a published surf photographer who has been surfing since 1985. Scott oversees the early phases of the WPST brand, building a solid platform for the tour's global launch.

Caitlin Fessler
Caitlin Fessler
Content creation & Design

The designer behind our logo. She is a multidisciplinary designer who works in design and content creation, keeping the brand engaging and true to surf culture.

Natasha Josi
Operations Support Manager

Over 25 years of experience in the surf and retail industry, a strong background in customer service, administration and operations. With numerous surf events and projects over the years, she has developed a deep understanding of the needs of surfers and the wider surf community. At the WPST, Natasha oversees operational support and administration, helping ensure the smooth delivery of day-to-day activities and member services.

Craig Jarvis
Craig Jarvis
Head of Marketing and Communications

Publisher, Editor, Corporate Communications, Event Media. Over 30 years of experience in surf media. Brand communications for Billabong, Quiksilver, Hurley, Rip Curl. Editorial roles at Zigzag, Surf Europe, Surfer's Path, as well as editorial contributor to Stab, Tracks, Surfer's Journal, and others. Surf brand team and event management.

David Salter
David Salter
Legal Counsel

Non-practising solicitor: qualified in England & Wales, New South Wales and before the High Court of Australia. Experience working in top-tier law firms, and in-house at a global insurer. Loves surfing.

Partner With Us

Host WPST
at Your Venue.

WPST is more than a surf tour — it's a movement. By hosting an event you join a global network of wave pool venues helping to define the future of competitive surfing.

Host Benefits
300+ competitors over a 3-month event period
National and international wavepool exposure
Commercial activation via a dedicated event page
Minimal costs for online events — no operational disruption
Innovative formats with divisions for all ages and skill levels
Supporting the long-term growth of wavepool surfing