Guest: Wayne Brooks, founder of Blua Blue Watersports
There’s something about Sotogrande that attracts people who want more from life: More space, more calm, more nature, more balance. And every now and then, you meet someone whose story captures that spirit perfectly.
Wayne Brooks, founder of Blua Blue Waters, is one of those people. His journey from South Africa to Sotogrande, and from rope‑access work to becoming one of Europe’s leading experts in electric water sports, says a lot about what makes this place special.
But this isn’t just a story about boards and batteries. It’s about lifestyle, freedom, and why Sotogrande attracts people searching for a better way of living.
From South Africa to Sotogrande: A Lifestyle Decision
Wayne grew up in South Africa, surrounded by ocean and open skies. After years running a rope‑access company in the UK, he realised he needed a change.
Then he discovered electric water sports. And suddenly, work became joy.
“People were laughing, smiling, queueing up for another go. That’s when I knew I’d found something different.”
When he visited Sotogrande, the connection was instant. He calls it “the South Africa of Europe”, the same beauty and outdoor lifestyle, but with the comfort of the Costa del Sol.
Building Blua Blue Waters at La Reserva
Before La Reserva Club even opened its lagoon, Wayne was invited to help design its water sports offering.
Eight years later, Blua Blue Waters runs one of the most advanced electric water sports operations in Europe, offering:
- Electric jetboards
- Electric e‑foils
- Electric underwater scooters
- Electric bodyboards
This isn’t mass‑market tourism. It’s premium, high‑tech, and uniquely Sotogrande.
Who Is It For? Everyone.
Wayne has seen:
- Blind riders
- Amputees
- Paralympic athletes
- An 87‑year‑old man who learned to foil in five minutes on day two
Jetboards are fast and physical. E‑foils are calm, smooth, almost meditative. For many, it becomes more than a sport, it becomes therapy.
Blua Blue Waters also works with yachts, brokers, villas, and soon the new Fairmont Hotel.
Premium Equipment, Premium Experience
Wayne is upfront:
- Boards cost €15,000–€25,000
- Salt water destroys electronics
- Maintenance is constant
Sessions start around €150.
“It’s like a Lamborghini. You might not own one, but you can rent the experience.”
What’s Next? Innovation Without Leaving Sotogrande
Wayne is expanding into Portugal with Six Senses, but his focus remains here. To solve seasonality, he’s introducing winter‑friendly electric sports:
- Off‑road electric boards
- Tracked dune vehicles
- Machines for beaches, mountains, and snow
Always with the same rule: Nothing generic. Nothing you can do anywhere else.
What This Says About Sotogrande
For Wayne, Sotogrande isn’t just where the business is, it’s where life makes sense. Many arrive successful and want more balance. Others arrive exhausted and want a fresh start.
Wayne’s story captures what draws people to Sotogrande real estate and the Costa del Sol lifestyle:
- Space
- Nature
- Calm
- Innovation
- Community
- A sense of belonging
If you’re exploring life in Sotogrande, whether for a move, an investment, or simply a better lifestyle, we’re here to give you a clear, honest, genuinely local perspective.
🎙️ This post draws from insights shared in one of our episodes, available on YouTube and Spotify. For more on Sotogrande’s insider tips, tune in and explore other episodes too.
To discuss areas, schools, and commuting options, or to see a short list of homes that fit your brief, reach out to Noll Sotogrande Real Estate, our incredible Sponsor co-owned with Stephanie Noll, without whom none of this would be possible.
Thank you, Charlie.
