Meet the Croatian-Canadian behind the floating water park revolution

Zlatni Rat (Photo: Wibit Sports)

From the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic to beaches around the globe, Wibit Sports has transformed the way people play on water.

Today, with over 100 Wibit locations operating from Umag to Cavtat, it’s fair to say no company has created more summer smiles in Croatia than Wibit.

Behind this global success story is Robert Cirjak, a Vancouver-born entrepreneur with roots in Zadar and Đakovo.

Fuelled by the Croatian values of purpose, resilience, and Hrvatski inat (defiance), Cirjak turned a spark of inspiration into a worldwide phenomenon.

In this interview, Cirjak shares how his heritage shaped his vision, the journey from a single “aquapark” to a global industry, and why Croatia will always be at the heart of Wibit’s story.

Can you tell us how your Croatian heritage influenced your journey as an entrepreneur?

Growing up Croatian in Vancouver wasn’t easy. Back then, saying you were from Croatia would often lead to blank stares — people couldn’t find it on a map, and we certainly weren’t mentioned in any schoolbooks. We were invisible to the world. But behind that invisibility was an unshakable identity.

We had our community, a church, a soccer club, and an unbreakable will. In fact, our Croatian soccer team won the Canadian National Championship in 1985. That spirit, unseen but unstoppable, shaped me.

Three core values stuck with me from those early days:

1. Purpose. Croatians lived for the dream of reclaiming their homeland. That taught me that purpose is the most powerful motivator. At Wibit, our purpose is clear: “To change the way people play on water.”

2. Resilience. Watching Croatians fight for their country instilled in me an indomitable mindset: we will overcome anything thrown at us.

3. The Croatian Maverick Spirit — or as we say, Hrvatski Inat (Croation Defiance). The immigrants of the 1960s, including my parents, had nothing but willpower to guide them. That fierce independence is part of my DNA — a defiant, self-made energy that refuses to quit.

How did the idea for Wibit Sports come about, and what inspired you to pioneer floating water parks?

In my high school yearbook, I wrote: “One day, I want to own a beach house on the Adriatic coast.”

The dream was planted early.

In 1996, while flying back to Germany from Canada, I came across a magazine photo of a floating water trampoline. It hit me instantly — what if we could bring this concept to Croatia’s coast?

At the time, importing from the U.S. was tough — everything was imperial and poorly suited to the European market. So instead of trying to force an American solution onto European beaches, I partnered with Romann Rademacher in Germany and we decided to build our own products from the ground up.

(Photo: Wibit Sports)

In 1997, we created what the world would come to know as the floating water park industry. And it all started with a single “aquapark.”

Wibit has become a staple along the Croatian coast. What makes Croatia such a special place for your water parks?

Croatia is the perfect canvas for Wibit, and there are three reasons why:

1. Great local partners. We found the ideal team in Area Maris d.o.o. — Misael Udovičić and Milivoj Dabić — who understood both the coastline and the culture.

2. Perfect geography. The sea drops to about 3 meters in depth very close to shore. That allows us to install Wibit Parks right where they’re most visible and accessible.

3. Forward-thinking tourism. In those early days, the Croatian government welcomed investments that brought innovation and joy to beachgoers. Permits were affordable, and the process was refreshingly simple.

(Photo: Wibit Sports)

It was the right idea, at the right time, in the right country.

4. You’ve mentioned that over 100 Wibit locations exist along the Adriatic. What does it mean to you personally to see that kind of impact in your family’s homeland?

Sometimes, dreams really do come true.

From the early days in Vancouver imagining the Adriatic, to now seeing Wibit dotting the coastline from Umag to Cavtat… it’s surreal. But more than that, it’s personal. Every park is a reminder of my roots — and a testament to what’s possible when you mix purpose with persistence.

(Photo: Wibit Sports)

Wibit parks are all over the coast. Are there any specific Croatian locations or moments that stand out to you over the years?

Absolutely — here are my top three:

1. Zaton Holiday Resort (near Zadar): This was the birthplace of Wibit in Croatia. Luka Modrić even played on that Wibit Park — that alone makes it legendary.

2. Zlatni Rat: Croatia’s most iconic beach, recognized around the world. A proud moment seeing Wibit become part of that experience.

3. Poreč: We spelled the word CROATIA on water using our WibitTAG modules — the first of its kind anywhere in the world. A few years later, we set a Guinness World Record in Indonesia for the largest inflatable aquapark, but the CROATIA installation was the true first.

Here’s a little romance story: A woman once cut her toe while exiting the Park. The Wibit operator helped her, bandaged it up, and she thanked him with a coffee. Six months later, they got married in Zagreb. The power of play!

(Photo: Wibit Sports)

Wibit has brought joy to millions globally – and likely more smiles to Croatia’s coastline than any other company. What’s the secret behind that kind of universal appeal?

We design for everyone.

Whether you’re 4 or 84, blind or autistic — Wibit is for you. We’ve had grandfathers and granddaughters playing together side by side.

Another key? We flipped the narrative around falling. Traditional playgrounds are about avoiding falls. With Wibit, falling into water is part of the fun — it’s safe, spontaneous, and joyful. And in doing so, we’ve helped kids take risks, grow physically, and build confidence.

That’s why Wibit works. It’s not just play — it’s purposeful, inclusive play.

What has been the biggest challenge in growing Wibit – particularly in the Croatian market?

The competition for beach concessions.

Croatia has embraced tourism, and understandably, everyone wants to be part of it. But that’s created challenges — inflated concession prices, and a bureaucracy that has become increasingly complex.

Still, we persevere. Hrvatski Inat — remember?

Poreč (Photo: Wibit Sports)

As someone with Bundesliga experience, how did your sports career shape your approach to building Wibit? Also, who did you play for?

I scored a goal for MSV Duisburg in the first round of the German Cup (DFB-Pokal) in 1994 — one of those unforgettable moments.

But beyond the goal, sports taught me about movement, coordination, teamwork, and passion. I also have a degree in Kinesiology, which helped me understand the developmental value of physical play.

At Wibit, I see sports principles in action every day: balance, motor function, social interaction, cognitive growth. These are the things kids need — especially in a world consumed by screens.

(Photo: Wibit Sports)

Looking ahead, what’s next for Wibit in Croatia, and how do you hope your story continues to inspire other Croatian entrepreneurs around the world?

We’re currently working on Wibit Water World — a floating theme park designed to entertain over 3,000 people at once. It will be a game-changer for aquatic recreation. And yes, we’re hoping to launch the first global location in Croatia.

My mom always used to say, “Why can’t it be you?”

To that I now say: “Why can’t it be someone Croatian?” In 2018, the best footballer in the world was Croatian. That’s not a coincidence.

There’s something powerful in our Croatian DNA. I tapped into it. So can you.

If you’re Croatian — anywhere in the world — don’t forget where you come from. Our strength is unique. Our spirit is bold. And our potential? Unlimited.