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Beyond the Ocean

A podcast on surf parks, wave generating technologies, and the future of surfing outside the ocean.

Beyond the Ocean is an interview series focused on the impact of technology on the future of surfing. We speak with authors, actors, industry experts, and pro surfers about their views and experiences in, and beyond the ocean. 

Recent Episodes

Discover insights, stories, and conversations in our latest podcast episodes. Tune in to explore what’s trending and thought-provoking!

The show is powered by Surf Park Central and the Surf Park Summit.

“Technology has forced surfing to evolve, and we’re here to talk about it”

— Chris Kluesener, Host, Beyond the Ocean

“To build a surf park, it’s a sexy idea, but in reality you need someone with guts to pull it off.”

— Shane Beschen, Pro Surfer, Surf Park Entrepreneur

“All the naysayers who are bagging on surf parks, are people who haven’t ridden one yet.”

— Randy Rarick, Former Executive Director for the VANS Triple Crown of Surfing

Meet Your Host

Chris Kluesener

Chris is a Managing Partner at Surf Park Central, where he oversees strategy, sales, and growth. He is an entrepreneur, digital product leader, technology enthusiast, and lifelong surfer and kitesurfer from Long Island, New York.

Get in touch at chris@surfparkcentral.com 🤙

Listen to Our Podcast Episodes

Browse our episodes below or stream them on your favorite platform. Click an app icon to start listening now!

Episode 19 – Seán Young

Wavgarden is a leader in the surf park space, with multiple facilities currently open and operating, with dozens more in the works. Seán Young, Wavegarden’s Head of Development Projects, joins episode 19 of Beyond the Ocean. Young discusses his role in helping parks go from concept to reality and the steps new surf parks must take to create a successful surfing experience. He also looks at what’s to come for Wavegarden and the surf park industry as a whole. ABOUT SEÁN YOUNG: Seán Young was a founder member of Locum Destination Consulting, the Head of

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Episode 18 – Ryder Thomas

In an honest conversation about finances, costs, and other factors in making surf parks a reality, we hear from Ryder Thomas with Pro Swell in episode 18 of Beyond the Ocean. Thomas shares what makes surf parks jump from the sketch pad to a viable business and what blocks so many parks from ever opening in the first place. In this episode, Thomas discusses the industry’s growth and how it has become a huge investment center today, as well as where the industry is heading with park ownership as expansion continues. ABOUT RYDER THOMAS: Ryder

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Episode 17 – Kristina Chang

In the 17th episode of Beyond the Ocean, we hear from Kristina Chang, president of Westlake Wave Co. Kristina and her team work to be the leaders when it comes to creating waves for any surfer, with an emphasis on newcomers. Westlake Wave Co. aims to make waves that work for beginners and other newer surfers to create a more inviting entrance into surfing. In this episode, Chang discusses her start in surfing and how it inspired her to lead the team at Westlake Wave Co. Not only is the wave technology company focused on

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