Wave Pool Surfing: How Artificial Waves Work

Artificial waves bound like ocean swells in a man-made basin, but instead of a beach, this is concrete. Surging off an underwater ledge, the wave crashes along a 35-foot-long surfable wall. This is wave pool surfing, a landlocked alternative to ocean waves. Surfers are entering this niche but growing niche to ride waves that pool in a concrete or composite container.

The Mechanics of Wave Generation

Wave pools are engineered for surfing. Designed to create consistent, surfable waves, they mimic the dynamics of ocean waves. The pool's structure features a flat surface and an underwater wave-generating mechanism. The interplay of physics and engineered surfaces generates steady waves, but unlike ocean swells, the waves pool until the next cycle starts and water is pumped back. Waves are propelled by water moving from lower elevations. A pump or wave-focusing technology forces water against an underwater ledge. The disturbance travels upward, then forward, creating a wave. When the wave reaches the end of the pool, it dissipates until pumped back. The process repeats, generating waves on-demand.

Surfing Infrastructure

Waves of the future are making surfing accessible. Wave pools are surfing's answer to artificial snow: a way to make surfing available year-round, regardless of geography or weather. But while surfing cannot fully replicate the vast ocean swells, it comes close. Wave pools are making surfing accessible for those who do not have ocean access and for beginners who want to learn without the hazards of open ocean surfing. In the case of the wave pool that surfer is riding in this video, the wave rolls from the bottom edge along a 35-foot-long wall. Product developers are innovating wave pool design. The rapid acceleration of technology makes wave pools more accessible. Innovation makes wave pools better — in terms of wave quality, consistent shape, and surfable walls.

Rolling Waves, Rolling Money — with Long-Term Questions

Wave pools are funding new revenue models. They are the center of a growing niche. New wave pools and surf schools are making surfing accessible without the risks and hazards of open ocean surfing. Those surf schools are making surfing part of the broader wellness movement. This niche is increasing revenue models for resorts and health clubs. This is part of a broader trend of health and fitness becoming more accessible to the general public. But long-term problems lurk. Critics wonder what this new generation of surfers will do when they tire of the static waves. Will they venture into the ocean? Experts argue that wave pools could depopulate surf schools. Will ocean surfing dwindle? Does it create more accidents for lifeguards who already have clear water issues with open ocean surfing? We don't know the answers to those questions.

Where to go for surfers

Surfers across the U.S. are making transportation choices. The Surfers Village wave pool in North Carolina features a 35-foot-long wall. The wave pool in Texas has a 60-foot-long wall. California and Australia are also seeing development of these wave pools.

Surfing Outside the Sea

Wave pools offer surfing enthusiasts the ability to ride the waves without having to travel to the remote beaches. This is a growing niche. There are opportunities to surf in a safe environment. But at the same time, we cannot fully replicate the experience of ocean surfing. Wave pools are not a substitute for the ocean. Yet, for those who seek the thrill of surfing without risking it all, wave pools are a good alternative.