Is This the Most Realistic Wave Pool Yet? (Video)
The thing about real-world replications – from CGI on the silver screen, to virtual reality headsets, to I can’t believe it’s not butter! – is that, they take something that already exists, and tweak it to somewhat similar, yet at the same time, noticeably foreign.
Same with synthetic surf parks; they’re not like natural waves. Oftentimes, in the effort to replicate the ocean, they end up much better, yet artificially so, than the real deal.
But AllWaves, a new project out of Belgium, is different than other wave pool projects on the market. The waves produced in their 360-degree, environmentally-friendly surf lagoon look very similar to real ocean waves. In fact, in some of the tight shots from their sneak peek video above, one would be forgiven if they thought it was footage from a dreary, chest-high wave breaking at another ordinary cold water surf spot.
Per a press release, the company announced:
“AllWaves, a pioneering company in wavepool technology, has unveiled its innovative technology by means of a demonstration by international surfers. Its revolutionary patented system allows surfing on an artificial lake and thus opens up the possibility of bringing surfing experiences closer to enthusiasts. Its unique natural appearance allows for infinite wave variations and is now ready for sale to surf park developers worldwide.”
And so what about the tech? It’s not like Slater’s pools with the foil, not like PerfectSwell (Waco Surf, Boa Vista Surf Village, etc.) with the pneumatic water displacement; if anything, it looks most like Surf Lakes, sans the giant, Mad Max-style plunger.
Details on the tech are scarce, but here’s what they say:
“The system mimics the movement of ocean waves and can be adjusted to create big or small, hollow or crumbling waves, depending on the skill level of the surfer. The underwater pillow technology is designed to be safe, energy-efficient, and financially interesting for project developers.”
Underwater pillow. Interesting. Stay tuned for more.
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