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SwellSpot: the mechanical plunger-driven wave pool technology

SwellSpot:

SwellSpot is an alternative player in wave pool manufacturing.

Led by CEO Walter Bennett, the company introduced an artificial surf system that delivers a traveling and paddle-in wave experience.

SwellSpot's design caters to everyone - from beginners to professional surfers - with a focus on authentic, natural rides and engaging entertainment for onlookers.

The company's plunger wave generation technology is at the heart of its system.

Unlike traditional and more widely used pneumatic, hydraulic, or plow systems, SwellSpot uses a mechanical plunger-driven design.

The patented plunger modules pull back and then push forward into the water.

It resembles a blend of Australia's Surf Lakes and Japan's La Reyes Shonan synthetic wave technologies with the pool design of Wavegarden.

The movement, powered by a hydraulic actuator system and bell cranks, releases stored energy to create waves with minimal energy consumption. 

Each module is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) interface, allowing adjustments in travel distance, angle, velocity, and timing for nearly infinite wave shapes.

SwellSpot: the mechanical plunger-driven wave pool generates 2,400 rides per hour in the advanced and intermediate sections | Illustration: SwellSpot

Thousands of Rides Per Hour

In terms of performance, the system produces waves up to eight feet high. Every 8.5 seconds, a new swell is generated, resulting in 360 swells per hour.

These swells are transformed by the patented artificial reef breaks into 2,400 rides per hour in the advanced and intermediate sections and 3,000 rides per hour in the beginner section.

Surfers can ride waves that travel up to 80 yards and enjoy varied combinations - from barreling high-performance waves to mellow peeling ones - across a 1.1 to 2.2-acre triangular-shaped surf lagoon.

The wave pool itself is designed to maximize ride quality and safety.

With multiple reef breaks modeled after world-class spots like Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California, the lagoon offers various take-off points.

SwellSpot features distinct areas for professionals, advanced riders, intermediates, and beginners, along with dedicated whitewash zones for learning.

An open-concept layout allows spectators to watch the dynamic piano-key-like movement of the plunger modules while nearby wading and water areas add to the overall beach-like experience.

SwellSpot: the piano-key-like movement of the plunger modules creates up to eight-foot waves | Illustration: SwellSpot

Energy Saving Obsession

Energy efficiency aims to be a key element of SwellSpot's design.

The plunger generator operates continuously at a power draw of 450 kW per hour. In other words, it translates to roughly 3.75 kW per wave and just 0.93 kW per rider.

The system's use of stored energy means that high peak power demand is avoided, reducing the strain on local electrical grids.

In addition, the company is exploring solar power integration and portable off-grid power solutions to further enhance sustainability.

SwellSpot's design philosophy also extends to maintenance and cost control.

The plunger system requires low maintenance and uses readily available equipment with limited moving parts underwater.

The consequence is lower repair costs and less downtime compared to competing wave generators.

The company's focus on using stored, reusable energy cuts operating expenses to support a more sustainable approach to surfing.

A In-Theater Experience

The surf facility can be tailored to different specifications.

For instance, one design features 18 plungers and 12 break sections with a 200-foot-wide wave generator wall that fans out to 320 feet over the first 90 feet, covering a total area of approximately 2.2 acres and holding about 2.1 million gallons of water.

Such flexibility allows operators to adjust ride cycles and wave combinations, ensuring that every surfing session delivers a unique "in-theater" experience.

SwellSpot holds 11 issued patents, including two for its plunger wave generation technology, two for artificial reef designs, one for rip current mitigation, and two for surf lagoon construction methods.

SwellSpot is gearing up to build its first surf park. There could be a promising new player in the wave pool industry.


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com



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