Vision behind the Neptune Beach Surf Club
William Duncanson, a seasoned architect and lifelong surfer, envisions the Neptune Beach Surf Club as more than just a surf pool—it’s a cultural hub designed to celebrate the spirit of surfing while revitalising a lesser-used waterfront area. Inspired by his own experiences chasing waves along the Australian coast and abroad, Duncanson aims to bring the thrill of consistent, high-quality surf to an urban setting, making the sport more accessible to a broader community.
In his conversation with Jean Chen, Duncanson described the project as a fusion of his two passions: architecture and surfing. He sees the Neptune Beach Surf Club as a place where people of all ages and skill levels can connect with the ocean lifestyle, even when natural surf conditions are less than ideal. The idea is to create a year-round destination that supports both recreational and competitive surfing, while also offering educational programs and environmental stewardship initiatives.
“We’re not just building a wave pool—we’re creating a space where the surfing community can thrive, learn, and grow together,” Duncanson said. “It’s about sharing the stoke and making surfing more inclusive.”
He also emphasised the importance of integrating the project into the local landscape, respecting the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the area. The vision includes sustainable design principles and a commitment to working with local stakeholders to ensure the project reflects the values and needs of the community.
For Duncanson, the Neptune Beach Surf Club represents a bold step toward redefining how urban spaces can support active, ocean-oriented lifestyles. It’s a vision rooted in passion, shaped by experience, and driven by a desire to give back to the surfing community that has shaped his life.
Design and features of the proposed surf pool
The proposed surf pool at Neptune Beach Surf Club is designed to deliver a world-class wave-riding experience, tailored to suit everyone from beginners to elite surfers. At the heart of the facility will be a state-of-the-art wave-generating system capable of producing consistent, customisable waves up to two metres high. The technology allows for a variety of wave shapes and speeds, enabling users to train, learn, or simply enjoy a session regardless of their skill level or the natural ocean conditions.
The pool itself will be approximately 200 metres in length, with a central wave generator that creates both left- and right-hand breaks. Surrounding the pool, tiered zones will cater to different user groups: a beginner-friendly area with smaller, rolling waves; an intermediate section with more dynamic breaks; and an advanced zone designed to mimic reef and point break conditions. This zoning ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, while also allowing for coaching and competitions to take place simultaneously.
Beyond the surf pool, the club will feature a range of amenities designed to support a vibrant surf culture. These include:
- A surf academy offering lessons, coaching clinics, and surf safety programs
- Board hire and repair services, with a focus on sustainable materials
- Retail spaces featuring local surf brands and eco-conscious gear
- A café and social lounge overlooking the pool, designed as a gathering place for surfers and spectators alike
- Multipurpose rooms for community events, workshops, and environmental education
Architecturally, the design draws inspiration from coastal Australian aesthetics, incorporating natural timber, recycled materials, and open-air structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and native landscaping are all part of the sustainability strategy, reflecting Duncanson’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Accessibility has also been prioritised in the design. The facility will include accessible change rooms, ramps, and viewing areas to ensure that people of all abilities can participate in and enjoy the surf experience. The layout encourages movement and interaction, with shaded walkways, communal seating, and landscaped gardens creating a relaxed, beachside atmosphere.
With its innovative features and thoughtful design, the Neptune Beach Surf Club aims to become a landmark destination for surfers across Australia, offering a consistent, high-quality wave experience while fostering community, education, and environmental awareness.
Community engagement and feedback opportunities
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the Neptune Beach Surf Club project, with William Duncanson and his team actively seeking input from local residents, surfers, and stakeholders to shape the final design and operations of the facility. Recognising that the success of the surf club depends on its alignment with community values and needs, the project team has launched a multi-faceted engagement strategy to ensure everyone has a voice in the process.
One of the key opportunities for public participation is a community meeting scheduled for May 17, where attendees will be able to view detailed plans, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the project team. The meeting will include a presentation by Duncanson, followed by an open forum where residents can share their thoughts on everything from environmental concerns to programming ideas and accessibility features.
For those unable to attend in person, an online survey has been made available, offering a convenient way for individuals to contribute their perspectives. The survey includes questions about potential uses of the facility, preferred amenities, and suggestions for community partnerships. Responses will be used to refine the project’s scope and ensure it reflects the diverse interests of the local population.
In addition to formal feedback channels, the team has been engaging with local surf clubs, schools, and environmental groups to build collaborative relationships. These conversations have already led to ideas for youth surf programs, coastal conservation workshops, and inclusive events that celebrate the area’s rich maritime heritage.
“We want this to be a place that locals feel proud of and connected to,” said Duncanson. “By listening to the community and incorporating their ideas, we can create a surf club that truly belongs to everyone.”
Pop-up information booths are also planned at local markets and waterfront events in the coming months, providing additional opportunities for residents to learn about the project and share their input in a casual, face-to-face setting. These outreach efforts are designed to reach a broad cross-section of the community, including those who may not be regular surfers but are interested in the social, recreational, or environmental aspects of the development.
Through this inclusive approach, the Neptune Beach Surf Club aims to become not just a surf destination, but a community-driven initiative that reflects the spirit and aspirations of the people who call the area home.
Vision behind the Neptune Beach Surf Club
William Duncanson, a local architect with saltwater in his veins, reckons it’s time Alameda had a proper wave to ride. His bold plan? The Neptune Beach Surf Club — a surf pool project that’s all about bringing the stoke inland, right near the Encinal Boat Ramp.
“I grew up chasing waves up and down the coast,” Duncanson says, “but I always dreamed of a place where you could surf perfect peelers without checking the tide or wind.” That dream’s now shaping into a full-blown blueprint, with a wave pool designed to mimic the rhythm of the ocean, minus the sharks and paddle battles.
“It’s not just about surfing,” Duncanson adds. “It’s about building a community around the ocean lifestyle — even if we’re a few clicks from the real thing.”
The Neptune Beach Surf Club isn’t just a pool with a few ripples. We’re talking a high-performance wave generator, surf coaching zones, and even a spot for groms to get their first stand-up. The design nods to the old Neptune Beach amusement park, giving it a nostalgic twist with a modern edge — think retro vibes with eco-conscious tech.
- Wave settings for all levels — from mellow cruisers to punchy barrels
- Eco-friendly water filtration and solar-powered systems
- Community hangout zones with food trucks, board racks, and shady spots for post-surf yarns
For Duncanson, it’s about more than just catching waves — it’s about creating a space where surfers, fishos, and beach lovers can come together, swap stories, and maybe even teach the next generation how to duck dive without getting a noseful of water.
Community engagement and feedback opportunities
Now, before the first wave even breaks, Duncanson wants the locals to have their say. He’s throwing open the doors — and the floor — to the community, inviting everyone from salty old sea dogs to inland frothers to weigh in on the Neptune Beach Surf Club plans.
There’s a public meeting happening on May 17, and it’s not just for the boardshort brigade. Whether you’re a weekend waxer, a die-hard longboarder, or just someone who loves a good fish and chip feed by the water, your voice counts. Duncanson reckons the best surf spots are built on community, not just concrete and chlorine.
“We want to hear what the locals think — what they’d love to see, what worries them, and how we can make this a win for everyone,” he says. “It’s not just my dream — it’s gotta be ours.”
If you can’t make the meeting (maybe you’re chasing a swell or stuck gutting snapper), there’s an online survey you can fill out quicker than you can wax a board. It’s all about shaping the project with input from the people who’ll actually use it — or at least enjoy watching the action with a cold one in hand.
- Public meeting: May 17 — bring your ideas, questions, and maybe a camp chair
- Online survey: open now for anyone who wants to chuck in their two cents
- Feedback will help shape everything from wave settings to car park layouts
So whether you’re keen to carve, cruise, or just chill by the pool with a tackle box and a meat pie, now’s the time to speak up. This surf club’s not just for the pros — it’s for the whole crew.
