Since its creation in 2005 by Basque engineer Josema Odriozola and German economist Karin Frisch, Wavegarden has profoundly transformed the surfing landscape by offering an alternative to the often capricious natural conditions. Using cutting-edge technologies, this Spanish company has designed artificial waves with perfect qualities and dimensions for surfers of all levels. Thanks to a patented system, Wavegarden can reproduce perfectly calibrated waves in controlled environments all over the world. Here's a look at some of the places where this concept has come to life, breathing new life into the surfing community.
The Wavegarden system: state-of-the-art technology
Wavegarden is capable of generating waves of heights ranging from 0.50 to 2.40 metres, with unrivalled precision. The technology is based on a series of mobile submerged platforms that create an underwater thrust to generate waves that form in a regular pattern. This automated system makes it possible to reproduce the perfect conditions for surfing in terms of frequency, size and shape, on bodies of water that are not necessarily exposed to natural ocean waves.
This advance has enabled Wavegarden to create "surfparks", complexes specially designed to accommodate this technology and offer a fun surfing experience. Waves can be customized according to surfers' needs, whether for learning, training or competition. One of the great advantages of a Wavegarden installation is that it creates a controlled environment in terms of water depth as well as wave size and frequency. Unlike natural conditions, there are no risks associated with unpredictable currents, hidden rocks, coral or marine animals.
International expansion of sites
The growing success of the Wavegarden concept has led to the establishment of several sites in strategic locations.
- Surfing Snowdonia, United Kingdom
Opened in 2015, Surf Snowdonia is the very first commercial surf site to use Wavegarden Lagoon technology. Located in the mountains of North Wales, it generates consistent waves suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Not only has the park made artificial waves accessible to the general public in Europe, it has also played a key role in the evolution of Wavegarden technology, adapting it to the specific needs of surfers. Attracting over 150,000 visitors in its first year of operation, Surf Snowdonia quickly became a must-see venue for European surfers. It also hosted a major event, the Red Bull Unleashed, the first major surf contest to be held on artificial waves in over 30 years.
- Wavegarden Cove, Spain
The world's first patented electromechanical wave generation facility, located in Santa Clara near Bilbao, opened in 2017, marking a major milestone in artificial surfing. The facility, designed as a test and demonstration center, is reserved for professionals and can generate customized waves at high frequencies. Several world-renowned surfers have had the opportunity to try it out and have unanimously praised the quality of the waves, confirming that they represent the closest experience to natural surfing.
- The Wave, in England
The Wave, located in Bristol, is the first Wavegarden Cove open to the public in Europe. The site boasts a 150-meter-long surfing pool, enabling visitors to enjoy an authentic surfing experience, whatever their skill level.
- Urbnsurf, Australia
Inaugurated in 2019, the park has been set up at Tullamarine in the suburbs of Melbourne, becoming both Australia's first artificial surf site and the first Wavegarden Cove open to the public in the southern hemisphere. The project also aims to promote surfing outside natural coastlines, particularly in areas where access to waves is limited.
- Wavegarden Korea, South Korea
In 2020, Wavegarden Korea opened in Janghang, South Korea. This site, the first in Asia to integrate Wavegarden technology, is the largest Wavegarden Cove ever designed, with 56 modules. The quality of the waves is exceptional, allowing rides of up to 30 seconds. Wavegarden Korea has transformed the surfing scene in South Korea, a country where the sport was previously underdeveloped. Thanks to this site, thousands of South Koreans have discovered the pleasures of surfing for the first time.
- Wavegarden Cove, Brazil
Brazil welcomes two emblematic resorts equipped with Wavegarden Cove technology. In Garopaba, in the state of Santa Catarina, Surfland Brasil will become the first co-owned surf resort equipped with this technology in 2023. Since 2021, Praia da Grama, 45 minutes from São Paulo, has also offered an exclusive real estate development with a Wavegarden Cove pool, providing residents with optimal surfing conditions in a luxurious setting.
- Wavegarden Zurich, Switzerland
Wavegarden Zurich, the first artificial surfing site in Switzerland, opened in 2022 in an alpine setting. The site stands out for its originality and accessibility, whatever your level.
- Wavegarden Cove in Edinburgh
The Lost Shore Surf Resort, located in Edinburgh on the edge of a former quarry, officially opened in 2024. The project, which incorporates Wavegarden Cove technology, offers an immersive surfing experience in what is now considered Europe's largest wave pool.
A reflection on sustainable development
While the creation of artificial waves may seem at odds with an environmentally-friendly approach, Wavegarden has taken care to minimize its ecological footprint through a number of initiatives. The concept is based on a wave-generating system that uses energy-optimized technology with algorithms to reduce the amount of water and electricity needed to create quality waves. The facilities are also designed to integrate harmoniously into their local environments, giving priority to ecological solutions for the management of natural resources. For example, sites such as The Wave in Bristol use solar panels and other green technologies to power the infrastructure.
Wavegarden also works to conserve local aquatic ecosystems. Sites are often designed with vegetated areas that promote biodiversity, and the water used to generate waves is filtered and recycled back into the system to avoid waste. This approach aims to balance technological innovation with environmental responsibility, creating sustainable surf spots without disrupting natural ecosystems. Another highlight: Wavegarden reduces the need for air travel associated with surftrips. Despite these efforts, however, critics point to the potential impact on water and energy resources, prompting continued vigilance over the ecological impact of these installations as they are rolled out worldwide.
