Red Bull Pool Clash at RiF010 Rotterdam

HAPPENING 3 August 2025 – A competitive urban surf event is coming to the heart of Rotterdam. Surfing champions and ambitious locals will face off in the city's wave pool.

_{Image: Rif010 Rotterdam. Photo credit: Jan Bijl} 

Urban surf competition Red Bull Pool Clash comes to Rotterdam

A new competitive surfing event is set to take place on Thursday, 3 August 2025, at RiF010, Rotterdam’s centrally located wave pool. Titled Red Bull Pool Clash, the event will bring together both professional and amateur surfers in a format designed to test creativity, flow, and risk-taking over traditional wave selection or advanced manoeuvres.

Dutch surfing champion Stef van Noordennen, who claimed the national title in 2024, is among the confirmed participants. Van Noordennen praised the arena-like setting of RiF010, stating: “In the wave pool, you can create a true arena setting. This competition isn’t about complicated surfing manoeuvres but about technically sound surfing with a WOW factor.”

He will be joined by Conor Maguire, a surfer known internationally for tackling some of the world’s most powerful waves.

Identical waves, different styles

The Red Bull Pool Clash is structured to remove the natural unpredictability of ocean surfing. Every wave in the pool is mechanically generated to be identical in shape, height, and power. This allows for a level playing field where performance is judged on technique, style, and originality rather than wave selection.

The event will begin with a jam session, where all entrants surf in groups to demonstrate their skills. Judges will then select surfers to proceed to the 1-on-1 battles, in which two individuals face off on alternating waves. The jury, comprising Eveline Hooft, Hans van den Broek, and Yannick de Jager, will decide winners in each heat using a red or blue marker system.

Open to ambitious surfers

Although elite names are participating, the event remains open to the wider surfing community. Surfers of all genders and skill levels may still register to compete, provided they are willing to take on the challenge of riding against top talent in the Dutch surfing scene.

The competition will be hosted by Julia van Rooij, who previously competed in the World Surfing Championships in Japan, alongside Erik van Ringelberg, owner of the Dutch Surf Academy.

About the venue: RiF010

RiF010 is a city-centre wave pool designed for consistent and controlled surfing. It allows both surfers and spectators to enjoy the action in an urban setting, away from the coast. The venue has been gaining attention for its innovative approach to making surfing accessible year-round in Rotterdam.

How to get there

The event will take place at RiF010, located at Steigersgracht in central Rotterdam. The area is easily accessible by foot from Blaak Station and Markthal. RiF010 is situated in a historic part of the city near the Laurenskerk and within walking distance of shops and cafés.