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.

all images by Adrienne Wildeman

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.

Erik van Ettinger of Surf Loch presents RiF010, an urban surf pool in the heart of Rotterdam

RiF010 is located at Steigersgracht and extends over 125 m long and 25 m wide

ocean-like waves of up to 1.5 m are generated from the wave installation

an artificial reef ensures that the waves break naturally

a newly constructed beach house hosts a restaurant, surf bar, and shop

controlled from the beach house, the wave installation offers surfing experiences for beginners and advanced surfers

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adjustable wave settings accommodate various skill levels

RiF010 uses 100% sustainably generated energy to generate the waves

RiF010 holds 4,000 cubic meters of water from the Rotte River

a surf bar-restaurant makes the installation appealing even to non-surfers

the surf pool's opening featured the Rotterdam Surf Open

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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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom