As the only wave creator based in a lake environment, Surf Lakes utilises a number of key elements to create a premium product that produces ocean-like waves of all shapes and sizes.
The Central Wave Device (CWD) or ‘plunger’ displaces water to create concentric swell lines. Surf Lakes uses a hydraulic/pneumatic system to lift and drop the CWD. Compressed air is pushed through a ‘U-Tube’ to lift the CWD, before releasing the air pressure and dropping it into the lake.
This process takes about six seconds and is repeated multiple times to create a ‘set’ of waves. After each set, the compressed air recharges for the next set.
Activating the Central Wave Device (CWD) to oscillate up and down creates pulses of swell that radiate out in concentric circles around the lake. These swell lines hit the various reefs around the lake in a simultaneous fashion, allowing 5 levels of surfers to ride each swell. This maximizes variety and throughput with over 200 surfers able to ride 10 waves per hour.
The production of 2000 rides per hour is unrivalled in the industry.
Using state-of-the-art Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modelling, the floor of each Surf Lake (bathymetry) is contoured to shape swell lines into surfable waves.
The lake is divided up into four quadrants, separated by ‘return channels’. These channels are built in so surfers can paddle back out safely (and to help water settle). Each quadrant’s bathymetry is tailored to create different waves that suit various levels of difficulty.
By creating displacement, Surf Lakes generate Gravity Waves with an orbital particle motion (much like the waves found in nature). This offers a point of difference in comparison to other wave generation techniques. The result is (what many surfers who have experienced Surf Lakes describe as) an ‘ocean-like experience’ with quality waves that hold a consistent shape along the reef and pack plenty of power.
Lake water is treated to meet the requirements of local regulatory authorities. Mixing from the wave action ensures the reticulation system is economical. Treatment consists of:
– Filtration
– Chlorine generation
– Chemical dosing
– Reticulation
Each Surf Lake will be designed to operate on 100% electricity, opening a range of options for sustainably sourced energy.
