Unveiling the Surprising Side of Elite Surfer Brisa Hennessy
In the world of competitive surfing, Brisa Hennessy is a force to be reckoned with. With her impressive resume spanning seven years on the CT (Championship Tour), representing Costa Rica in the Olympics, and her global presence, it’s easy to assume she’s all business. But here’s where it gets interesting: we caught her grooving with the wave pool surfing experience, and it turns out she’s got a fun side that many might not expect.
Among the eclectic mix of surfers at the Stab Electric Acid Surfboard Test, we spotted Brisa, the diminutive yet mighty Channel Islands team rider. It was a surprise to see her among the alternative pros, but it quickly became clear that she’s not your typical buttoned-up professional. WavePoolMag had the pleasure of chatting with Brisa about her unique perspective on wave pools and their role in the surfing community.
Brisa shared her belief that wave pools can foster a deeper connection to the ocean and the environment. She subscribes to the idea that creating more surfers means creating more environmental advocates, and wave pools offer a unique opportunity to achieve this. “Making more surfers means making more environmental stewards,” she explained. “If wave pools push those numbers, then the artificial wave space might not be so bad after all.”
When asked about her wave pool experiences, Brisa revealed she’s surfed only a handful: Kelly’s, Abu Dhabi, Boa Vista, and now the Palm Springs Surf Club. Among these, Boa Vista stood out for its ocean-like feel, with super-rippable and maneuverable waves. She noted the difference in water density and buoyancy compared to other wave pools, attributing it to the pneumatic technology.
“The crossover is awesome,” she said about the relationship between wave pools and ocean surfing. “The technology is taking us to a future where more people can experience the thrill of riding a wave. But in my opinion, they’re definitely different.”
With her competitive background, it’s no surprise that Brisa sees wave pools as a performance enhancer. “The ocean is unpredictable,” she explained. “Being able to have an air section constantly in a wave pool is insane. It’s definitely going to progress the sport.”
One of her standout wave pool sessions was at Boa Vista, where she had the opportunity to surf with a cool crew, including Lakey Peterson, Mateus Herdy, and Ian Gouveia. “We were all pushing each other,” she recalled. “Mateus is incredible in the air, and being able to get tips from him in a wave pool setting was amazing.”
When asked about her dream wave pool to surf, Brisa expressed interest in trying a Wavegarden Cove, citing the longer waves and the opportunity to experience alternative wave shapes. “The Stab EAST event here in Palm Springs is really cool,” she added. “It’s all about the vibe and having a good time. A wave pool makes events like this possible.”
As for the impact of wave pools on surf culture and the transition from pool to ocean surfing, Brisa is all for it. “Widening the funnel to channel people into surfing is a great idea,” she said. “The more surfers, the better for our planet. That connection to the ocean is fundamental. It’s incredible for the sport and for ensuring there are waves for everyone.”
So, what do you think? Are wave pools the future of surfing, or do they take away from the traditional ocean experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!