Surf Loch Technology

Surf Loch has a long history of making waves. They’ve spent more than 28 years exploring, researching and testing various methods for creating authentic waves in a man-made environment.

Surf Loch’s patented wave pool technology uses an array of pneumatic air chambers to produce waves. The chambers (sometimes referred to as caissons) sit at the back of the back of the pool. Using changes in air pressure, the chambers produce a swell that propagates toward the shallows at the front of the pool where the swells crest and break.

The air pressure in the concrete chambers is adjusted via large fans/blowers. The generation of each swell starts when the chambers water is pulled into the chambers creating the trough in front of the wave. The chambers then “fire" the water out into the pool to create the bulge of water and energy that becomes the crest of the wave. The energy travels toward the shallow end of the pool where it encounters bottom contours (bathymetry) that cause the wave to break. The shape of the waves depends on the chambers and the bathymetry of the pool bottom.

Surf Loch claims their technology is the most commercially viable option because of the variety and quantity of waves they can produce. Their technology requires no moving parts in the water so equipment maintenance and service are minimal. Their pool designs make the most efficient use of land space and they claim to have provide “ultimate wave generating efficiency and operational control".

Wave Size and Shape

The possible wave sizes and shapes will vary with based on the specifics of each Surf Loch wave pool.

In a standard Surf Loch wave pool, as the swell propagates toward the shallow end of the pool, it will encounter the first shallow point where the swell crests and breaks. The size of the wave will depend on the installation. Surf Loch can create waves from 1 ft to as big as your budget will allow, but according to Surf Loch, “the most economical and energy efficient wave height is in the 4-6 foot range". We’re assuming thats a measure of the height of the face of the wave.

The shape of the primary break depends on the pool configuration. As seen in the artist renderings below, Surf Loch can create point that breaks go left or right and A-frames. 

Surf Loch’s control over the air pressurization determines the size and shape of the wave. They can create barrel, air and open face carving sections as well as mellow waves for beginners. There is an infinite amount of combinations possible.

By analyzing the unique characteristics of the world’s top surfing destinations, Surf Loch identified the key elements that make each wave so special and fun. This data was used by the Surf Loch scientists and coastal engineers to create a formula or recipe for each wave. Those formulas have been programmed into Surf Loch’s sophisticated wave control system and saved into their growing library of waves. According to Surf Loch, the push of a button can result in a high performance Lower’s A-frame, reeling Malibu right, Desert Point barrel, punchy beach break air-section, or anything in between.

According to Surf Loch, the waves generated by their technology will also feel very authentic. Surfing them will feel very much like surfing real ocean waves. According to Surf Loch, their technology recreates surfing real ocean waves, including orbital water motion, taking-off in open water with plenty of time to judge and adjust to the oncoming swell, and riding toward a beach (rather than a pier).

Surf Loch patents, artist renderings and marketing materials often mention a second, smaller wave that reforms and breaks inside of the primary wave. Some renderings show an inside A-frame while others show an inside left or right that runs the width of the pool. The inside reform, which will certainly be smaller than the primary wave, will probably be used for beginner waves.

The length of ride in all areas of the pool will depend on pool sizes, which range from 1/2 acre to 5 acres. Surf Loch appears to be targeting “ride length/duration [of] approximately 7-12 seconds." but they can create leg-burners as well, if its required by the developer.

Wave Pools Powered by Surf Loch Technology

Highlights and Lowlights

Videos About Surf Loch Technology