S
o what if the nearest ocean is 750 kilometres from Alberta – you can still
surf sea-like swells close to home: at the West Edmonton Mall World
Waterpark. To become a board-carrying member of the mall's Surf Club,
you just have to take a 90-minute lesson. Instructors Jono Kusyanto and Kris
Yap-Chung teach basic surf skills, etiquette and safety, with the goal of helping
students of all ages and swimming abilities catch their first waves by the end
of the lesson. Rule No. 1: never let a wave catch you by surprise. "ese waves
come every 40 seconds, so you can surf more in an hour here than you would
out in the ocean," says Kusyanto. Lessons and Surf Club are held four times a
week, after the water park closes to the public. wem.ca/Play –Tracy Hyatt
CHASING
THE WAVE
cooper & o'hara S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 9
Alberta
Around
West Edmonton Mall Surf Club
instructor Jono Kusyanto rides a
wave at the World Waterpark.
