We love what we do!
We love what we do!
Plow – wave generation by moving a submerged body
Description:
This method of wave generation is well known to almost every surf enthusiast, with its most famous creator being Kelly Slater. It’s hard to find real downsides to this engineering marvel, except for two obvious ones: size and cost. Let’s take a closer look at how it works:
Kelly Slater's Surf Ranch – a plow about 30 meters long, which cannot be reduced in size without compromising wave quality, moves along the long side of the pool. It displaces a large volume of water towards the shore, and as the mass of water interacts with the contoured bottom, a wave is formed. At the end of its run, the plow transforms to begin moving in the opposite direction.
Ave Wave – We worked on creating a wave similar to Kelly’s, and we believe we managed to capture all of its strengths. However, the size of our version is still impressive. For comparison: Kelly’s wave is 750 meters long, while ours is 230 meters. Size — aside from the extreme cost — remains one of the main drawbacks of this design. Imagine the acceleration and braking of a 30-meter plow, plus the space it occupies. By our estimates, around 100 linear meters of the pool become unusable for surfing.
Ave Wave – We worked on creating a wave similar to Kelly’s, and we believe we managed to capture all of its strengths. However, the size of our version is still impressive. For comparison: Kelly’s wave is 750 meters long, while ours is 230 meters. Size — aside from the extreme cost — remains one of the main drawbacks of this design. Imagine the acceleration and braking of a 30-meter plow, plus the space it occupies. By our estimates, around 100 linear meters of the pool become unusable for surfing.
Ave Wave – Naturally, any large-scale project starts with a scaled model. In our case, it was built at 1:20. Take a look at this stunning shape and its close resemblance to the computer model above!
Conclusion:
So, the time was not wasted, and we came to the following conclusions: Considering the pool dimensions and the wave launch cycle, the project turned out to be economically impractical — unless the rental price is set at Kelly’s level ($70k per day). That said, if someone wishes to bring it to life, we would be glad to take part.
Caissons – wave generation by releasing water from tanks
Description:
A side wave generator. This method of wave generation is also well known and has proven itself in terms of wave quality. The core principle is air. At first glance, it may seem simple: fill receivers with air and push out a nice wave. But in practice, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Here’s how it works:
American Wave Machines – Along the long wall of the pool (hence the name “side generator”), caissons are placed. Their number can be unlimited, so pool length is not restricted either. When activated, air valves release in sequence with a slight delay. This locally raises the water level near each caisson, creating a moving wave. Of course, the process is much more complex, but this simplified explanation is enough to get the idea.
Ave Wave – We carefully studied this method, as we considered it highly promising. We created a 3D bottom profile model and ran more than 300 computer simulations to achieve the wave shape shown in the photo. Based on our analysis, we came to the following conclusions:
Advantages of this method:
Wave height and shape — an undeniable advantage. Wave launch cycle — possible to generate sets of 3–4 waves every 2–3 minutes, or single waves every 25–30 seconds. Variable wave sizes — waves from 0.5 to 2.2 meters can be launched in any sequence. Overall, this method is very flexible in terms of wave parameters.
Disadvantages:
Energy consumption — by our standards, extremely high. If generating a wave every 30 seconds, the consumption is comparable to that of an average residential complex. Equipment — complex control systems and large amounts of machinery: receivers, gates, valves, sensors, pipelines, ejectors, and much more.
Advantages of this method:
Wave height and shape — an undeniable advantage. Wave launch cycle — possible to generate sets of 3–4 waves every 2–3 minutes, or single waves every 25–30 seconds. Variable wave sizes — waves from 0.5 to 2.2 meters can be launched in any sequence. Overall, this method is very flexible in terms of wave parameters.
Disadvantages:
Energy consumption — by our standards, extremely high. If generating a wave every 30 seconds, the consumption is comparable to that of an average residential complex. Equipment — complex control systems and large amounts of machinery: receivers, gates, valves, sensors, pipelines, ejectors, and much more.
Ave Wave – We carefully studied this method, as we considered it highly promising. We created a 3D bottom profile model and ran more than 300 computer simulations to achieve the wave shape shown in the photo. Based on our analysis, we came to the following conclusions:
Advantages of this method:
Wave height and shape — an undeniable advantage. Wave launch cycle — possible to generate sets of 3–4 waves every 2–3 minutes, or single waves every 25–30 seconds. Variable wave sizes — waves from 0.5 to 2.2 meters can be launched in any sequence. Overall, this method is very flexible in terms of wave parameters.
Disadvantages:
Energy consumption — by our standards, extremely high. If generating a wave every 30 seconds, the consumption is comparable to that of an average residential complex. Equipment — complex control systems and large amounts of machinery: receivers, gates, valves, sensors, pipelines, ejectors, and much more.
Advantages of this method:
Wave height and shape — an undeniable advantage. Wave launch cycle — possible to generate sets of 3–4 waves every 2–3 minutes, or single waves every 25–30 seconds. Variable wave sizes — waves from 0.5 to 2.2 meters can be launched in any sequence. Overall, this method is very flexible in terms of wave parameters.
Disadvantages:
Energy consumption — by our standards, extremely high. If generating a wave every 30 seconds, the consumption is comparable to that of an average residential complex. Equipment — complex control systems and large amounts of machinery: receivers, gates, valves, sensors, pipelines, ejectors, and much more.
Conclusion:
To sum up: this method of wave generation has both significant advantages and serious drawbacks that must be taken into account. We believe that with the right location and infrastructure, this project could definitely be brought to life in the future.
“Irons” – wave generation by plunging paddles sliding into the water
Description:
Forgive us for the name, but that’s what we decided to call it. This is a small project in a Japanese province, quite suitable for beginner-level surfing. Here’s how it works:
La Reyes Shonan – the idea is straightforward. “Irons” with a carefully calculated volume and angle of attack are lifted along rails by a winch. Then a release mechanism triggers, and they slide down into the water with free-fall acceleration. When they hit the water, the “irons” push a mass of water away, and then the contoured pool bottom takes over to shape a small, double-sided wave.
Ave Wave – We also explored this method, but to be honest, we didn’t go too deep into it. Already at the first stage, it was clear that the wave height would not exceed 1 meter, unless the “irons” were scaled up significantly. Here’s what we found:
Pros: The main, and perhaps the only one (you’ve probably guessed) — low implementation cost (when applied at a scale similar to the Japanese project).
Cons: A small wave. Yes, it’s double-sided, but what’s the point if it lacks real push and drive?
Pros: The main, and perhaps the only one (you’ve probably guessed) — low implementation cost (when applied at a scale similar to the Japanese project).
Cons: A small wave. Yes, it’s double-sided, but what’s the point if it lacks real push and drive?
Ave Wave – We also explored this method, but to be honest, we didn’t go too deep into it. Already at the first stage, it was clear that the wave height would not exceed 1 meter, unless the “irons” were scaled up significantly. Here’s what we found:
Pros: The main, and perhaps the only one (you’ve probably guessed) — low implementation cost (when applied at a scale similar to the Japanese project).
Cons: A small wave. Yes, it’s double-sided, but what’s the point if it lacks real push and drive?
Pros: The main, and perhaps the only one (you’ve probably guessed) — low implementation cost (when applied at a scale similar to the Japanese project).
Cons: A small wave. Yes, it’s double-sided, but what’s the point if it lacks real push and drive?
Conclusion:
In our view, such a project might be acceptable where there are no alternatives, but as soon as better options exist, it will quickly lose its relevance.
Mechanical generation – underwater “snake” system
Description:
This is one of the most advanced technologies for generating artificial surfing waves. At its core is a mechanical system that pushes water to form waves. Here’s how it works:
Wavegarden – along the central axis of the pool, a moving “block” is installed, made up of many sections. Each section oscillates left and right relative to the axis. When the sections move together with a slight delay, it creates an effect similar to a crawling snake. When the blocks shift mainly to the left, the water level rises on the left side and drops on the right; when the blocks shift to the right, the opposite happens.
Ave Wave – we did not carry out detailed engineering work on this system, as from the outset it was clear that it doesn’t fit our approach. Still, it’s worth noting the pros and cons:
Pros: virtually unlimited wave generation. The manufacturer claims up to 900 waves per hour! Another plus is the availability of several surfing zones with different water levels.
Cons: very large footprint; high cost — up to €30 million, excluding infrastructure.
Pros: virtually unlimited wave generation. The manufacturer claims up to 900 waves per hour! Another plus is the availability of several surfing zones with different water levels.
Cons: very large footprint; high cost — up to €30 million, excluding infrastructure.
Ave Wave – we did not carry out detailed engineering work on this system, as from the outset it was clear that it doesn’t fit our approach. Still, it’s worth noting the pros and cons:
Pros: virtually unlimited wave generation. The manufacturer claims up to 900 waves per hour! Another plus is the availability of several surfing zones with different water levels.
Cons: very large footprint; high cost — up to €30 million, excluding infrastructure.
Pros: virtually unlimited wave generation. The manufacturer claims up to 900 waves per hour! Another plus is the availability of several surfing zones with different water levels.
Cons: very large footprint; high cost — up to €30 million, excluding infrastructure.
Conclusion:
Considering the required investment, this project is out of reach for most regions, which contradicts our philosophy of making surfing accessible.
Frontal wave generator – Ave Wave
It would be strange to start telling you about our wave generator without first mentioning the others. So, let’s begin. The challenge before us was far from simple: how to combine all the advantages, eliminate all the drawbacks of the generators above, and create the perfect project? You’ve probably already guessed that this is physically impossible — but getting close to ideal is achievable. Here’s what we came up with:
Ave Wave – a frontal generator with an energy storage system, fundamentally different from anything else on the market. We’ll keep the technical details to ourselves — too many resources went into its creation — and stick to a general description. The pool can be configured with either a one-sided or double-sided wave, depending on budget and available construction area.
Key advantages:
Because of the compact dimensions, ride time is limited to 9 seconds. This is enough for quality surfing but, of course, not comparable to Kelly’s wave. As we mentioned earlier — you can’t take all the pros without giving something up.
Key advantages:
- Cost-efficient implementation
- Energy efficiency (2.2 kWh per wave)
- High wave frequency (up to 360 waves per hour)
- Two surfing zones with different wave levels Reliable structures with fast construction (2–3 months from start to launch)
- One- or two-sided waves up to 2.0 meters high
Because of the compact dimensions, ride time is limited to 9 seconds. This is enough for quality surfing but, of course, not comparable to Kelly’s wave. As we mentioned earlier — you can’t take all the pros without giving something up.
Ave Wave – A significant part of our work was done with a large-scale model. The generator itself is only half the success; the other half is the bottom profile. Hundreds, if not thousands, of test runs, combined with computer simulations, adjustments, and refinements — and here’s the result. It works. The photo shows a double-sided wave formed in the pool model. Check out the video in the Gallery section.
Ave Wave – A significant part of our work was done with a large-scale model. The generator itself is only half the success; the other half is the bottom profile. Hundreds, if not thousands, of test runs, combined with computer simulations, adjustments, and refinements — and here’s the result. It works. The photo shows a double-sided wave formed in the pool model. Check out the video in the Gallery section
In our view, this project is ideal in terms of both cost-efficiency and wave quality. You can find detailed specifications of our pools in the catalog.
Conclusion:
You’ve just reviewed the main types of wave generation. Of course, there are other projects, but they don’t significantly change the picture in terms of methods. Let’s recap: Types – mechanical; pneumatic. Formats – side; frontal. At the moment, no other wave generation methods are known to us.
Write or call us, we will answer any questions you may have
Saint-Petersburg
Phone: +7 981 771 3430
Email: team@avewave.ru
Phone: +7 981 771 3430
Email: team@avewave.ru