In the 17th episode of Beyond the Ocean, we hear from Kristina Chang, president of Westlake Wave Co. Kristina and her team work to be the leaders when it comes to creating waves for any surfer, with an emphasis on newcomers. Westlake Wave Co. aims to make waves that work for beginners and other newer surfers to create a more inviting entrance into surfing.

In this episode, Chang discusses her start in surfing and how it inspired her to lead the team at Westlake Wave Co. Not only is the wave technology company focused on teaching the next generation of surfers, but they’re also aiming to create a space-efficient and cost-effective model in the artificial wave world.

ABOUT KRISTINA CHANG:

Kristina serves as the President of Westlake Realty, Westlake Urban, Westlake Wave Co., and Westlake International. She manages operations and helps set the strategic direction for all four companies. She brings to Westlake a depth of experience in all aspects of the real estate business including portfolio management, acquisitions, and property management.

Westlake Wave Co. is the first artificial wave pool specifically designed for beginner and intermediate surfers. 

The company was borne out of an incubation effort at Westlake International, a venture firm with a 30-year track record of investing in early stage companies in various sectors including real estate, consumer branded products, professional sports, media and entertainment and life sciences. Westlake International looks to build companies in spaces they already have synergies in. Westlake International’s sister company, Westlake Realty, is a full-service owner-operator-developer in the Greater Bay Area.

Westlake Wave Co. has paired real estate development expertise, engineering know-how, and a passion for surfing to create the perfect artificial wave experience. Westlake Wave Co. has taken an innovative profit-first approach to wave pool development providing real estate developers with an attractive amenity for mixed use projects that will pay itself back in a matter of a few years.

Here’s more about Westlake Wave Co.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Beyond the Ocean is an interview series focused on the impact of technology on the future of surfing. We speak with authors, actors, industry experts, and pro surfers about their views and experiences in, and beyond the ocean.