20 Sunday, May 6, 2018 SPORTS

California “I think the ocean can’t be perfect wave, again and replaced. I think big waves again, made to order? It’s can’t be replaced. I think the Athe sort of thing that surfers all randomness of what happens over the world might dream of in the ocean and in mother as they bob about in the ocean, nature is a big part of why we waiting in vain for the next love .” foaming ticket to ride. Unlike conventional But while Mother Nature surfing competitions, where may be unreliable, a machine the timetable is often at the on display in this sun-baked mercy of the elements, at corner of rural California this the Surf Ranch, waves are weekend, more than 100 miles delivered more or less to order. (160 kilometers) from the For a competition like the Pacific Ocean, will serve up Olympic Games, ever mindful wave after wave for an elite- of television audiences, level surfing competition. that makes it an attractive The Surf Ranch is the proposition. brainchild of legendary 11-time world champion , a Olympic future? prototype of the giant wave The pool that might one day be used (WSL) has bought the to stage surfing competitions at California facility and the Olympics. the concept from Slater. With surfing set to make its Construction on a similar site bow at the 2020 Tokyo games, in Japan is set to begin later The centrepiece of the Surf Ranch is a giant 640-meter long pool, where a huge metal hydrofoil is pulled along a track at one the venue for the competition this year, and will be available edge of the water, churning out consistent barrels and tubes -- natural waves or man- to Tokyo 2020 if required, made -- is still to be formally according to WSL chief (Australia) opportunities, so the best surfer confirmed. executive Sophie Goldschmidt. and (USA) are will win, and not necessarily The Slater-inspired facility “So we are going to be just some of the surfers who one who makes a mistake or The Surf Ranch is the on show in this sleepy building one in Tokyo and we will be taking to the water. does not take enough risks.” California town aims to present hope that if it’s built and tested So far, the surfers have been Gilmore, too, believes the brainchild of legendary itself as a viable option for in time then the Olympics will impressed by the man-made venue makes for a true test competition. The centrepiece consider using it because the lake which delivers waves of talent. Competitors would 11-time world champion Kelly of the Surf Ranch is a giant waves at that time of year are averaging around six feet no longer be able to “blame it 640-meter long pool, where a not the best,” Goldschmidt high and traversing roughly on the ocean” if they failed to Slater, a prototype of the huge metal hydrofoil is pulled said. “Ultimately it is not our 700 yards, offering barrel and deliver, she said. along a track at one edge of the choice.” manoeuvre sections. The WSL are adamant, giant wave pool that might water, churning out consistent This weekend, Slater will “It’s easier,” admitted however, that artificial waves barrels and tubes. captain a United States team in ’s . “In the or “stadium surfing” will “I always thought that if a WSL exhibition tournament ocean it is more challenging never replace traditional beach one day be used to stage surfing is to grow it would which also includes Brazil, because you’re relying on competitions. have to be in a controlled Australia, Europe and a team nature, waiting. Here you get Slater meanwhile is surfing competitions at the environment,” Slater said. from the rest of the world. a perfect wave every three dreaming of crowning his “I like to think that this Brazil’s minutes. “Everyone gets the career with an appearance at Olympics could be part of the future. I and Australian veteran Mick same conditions, the same the Olympics. (AFP) don’t know if it THE future,” Fanning and women’s stars the 46-year-old added.

Gabriel Medina, of Brazil, catches air high above the man-made wave (Pic courtesy: latimes)