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Wavegarden creates wave pool lab and high-performance surfing center

Wavegarden Lab: the place where wave pool innovations and high-performance surfing meet | Photo: Wavegarden

Wavegarden announced the creation of the company's first experimentation center.

The Wavegarden Lab is the first private wave pool solely dedicated to continuous research and development (R&D) and high-performance surfing.

The Basque Country firm led by Josema Odriozola and Karin Frisch upgraded the original demo center at their headquarters near Zarautz, Spain, and one hour from Hossegor and Mundaka.

The facility's water surface area of 90 meters by 45 meters can generate waves up to 2.2 meters high and rides of up to 14 seconds.

Barrel time is now set at 7 seconds.

To transform the structure into a research and development center, the company redesigned the wave generator system with improved take-off and end sections.

The left and right sides of the lagoon can also operate independently without increasing energy consumption.

Solitary waves can now be programmed every 15-30 seconds instead of sets with 7-8 second intervals.

The new bathymetry allows a close-out section for foam, lip, or small barrel finishes. The different launch pads are tailored for tricks like alley-oops and double aerials.

There are glass panels behind the take-off area for better viewing, and walls have been removed to create a more natural environment.

The continuous cycle of waves running 24/7 allows for testing mechanical components, water treatment, filtration, coatings, and bathymetry changes.

The goal is to ensure a $15-30-million investment in a Wavegarden wave pool is executed with near-zero flaws.

Kelly Slater: the Surf Ranch developer visited and surfed the Wavegarden Lab | Photo: Wavegarden

Tested By... Kelly Slater

Curiously, Kelly Slater, who developed his own wave pool technology, was invited to surf at the Wavegarden Lab.

"I was really impressed. There are a lot of options and variability in the designs," stated the founder of Kelly Slater Wave Co.

"What we need most in wave pool design is ideas and people constantly working on them."

Slater, alongside pro surfers such as Shane Dorian, Bobby Martinez, Leo Fioravanti, Kauli Vaast, Mateus Herdy, and Coco Ho provided real-time feedback and collaborated with Wavegarden technicians to refine wave settings and features.

For instance, Mateus Herdy worked to design a custom double air wave, and Leo Fioravanti regularly trains to refine aerial maneuvers like the stale fish and backflip.

And with replay screens at the take-off area, surfers have immediate feedback on their performances and can continue to push limits in a controlled, private environment.

Lastly, the Wavegarden Lab showcases updated shoreline areas for aesthetics and improved surf experience.

The Spanish wave pool company is looking forward to using its original test site to fine-tune and perfect its inland surfing concept and incorporate upgrades in its existing and upcoming surf park network.

As of November 2024, Wavegarden operates eight wave pools globally, with ten under construction and over 50 in development.


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com



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