Wavegarden has launched a new machine, the Wavegarden Cove, capable of producing 1,000 waves per hour.
A demonstration model has been built at its R&D centre in Spain measuring just 50m x 80m and has been creating waves non-stop since October 2016. Software controlled, the system is able to produce a wide variety of left and right-hand waves, and at maximum frequency can pump out two waves every eight seconds. It is designed to be profitable as a stand-alone facility, and can be up-scaled to produce waves of just about any height and length.
“The high wave frequency enables a high user capacity, which is essential for surfers wanting to catch lots of waves as well as for developers seeking to establish a sound business model,” explained Wavegarden’s founder and CEO, Josema Odriozola. “The versatility of our technology means we can alter wave height, shape and power in an instant to match the experience level of all surfers. Also, we can adjust the number of waves to cater precisely for the number of surfers in the water.”
The Wavegarden Cove is available in a range of different models distinguishable by maximum wave height and length, although the shape and size of facilities are fully customisable. While smaller versions are compact enough to fit in resorts, shopping complexes and private residences, larger facilities can incorporate additional play and swimming areas to significantly increase user capacity.
The length of ride depends on the dimensions of the facility, but on average the wave-riding experience lasts between 15 and 20 seconds. Longer rides are possible in larger facilities.
The machinery is modular, and avoids complicated hydraulic or pneumatic systems in favour of electro-mechanical design. Consequently, very little energy is lost in the transmission of forces, reducing running costs. It also comes with a full range of business and operational solutions.
Two Wavegarden facilities are already open to the public (Surf Snowdonia in Wales and NLand in Texas) and new projects are starting soon in Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, Edinburgh, Bristol, London, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, New York, Miami, Santiago, Marrakesh, and Tel Aviv.