YourWave

YourWave is an outdoor standing wave on Ross McCarthy's farm at Hāwea Flat, near Lake Hāwea and Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island. McCarthy, a product designer, invented the system, which shapes the wave with patented air-filled chambers, and this site opened in 2023 as the first large commercial YourWave facility. The company also sells the system to other operators.

Water flows over inflatable, chambered forms whose pressure can be changed from a control panel, so the operator can switch between lefts, rights and mellow front-on beginner waves in close to real time. The surroundings are inflatable too, with no solid structure to hit. The water stream is deep enough for full-size fins, and most beginners and intermediates ride the park's softboards. Sessions come in three kinds: Young Beginners for ages 5 to 10 with an adult in the water, Epic waves for anyone 12 and over, and larger Pumping waves for experienced surfers who have already proven themselves in an Epic session.

Visitors to Wanaka and Hāwea and South Island locals who want time on a wave without driving to the coast. Families can bring children from age 5, and a private hire suits a group of friends who want to set the wave themselves.

A public session is 99 New Zealand dollars for an hour on the wave with a small group, with a standard rental board included; premium boards cost extra. The operator's pages describe public groups as 5 to 10 surfers in one place and 4 to 8 in another. Wetsuits, booties, gloves and hoods can be rented on site. A private session for you and up to 12 others is 799 dollars an hour. Read from yourwave.surf on 27 September 2026.

Book online ahead, especially in peak Wanaka tourist season. Bring your own board if you like, or use the included rental board. Children under 10 need an adult with them in the water. Warm showers are on site.