The circular lake of joy backed by Barton and Occy has been in the works for a while. Finally proof of concept testing has taken place over the weekend and it works. It’s not been tested at full size as things keep blowing a gasket, but that’s the point of a test rig. See what works, see what you need to go back to the drawing board on. The idea seems sound, even if it is all a bit Mad Max, interesting to see what happens when they get it up to full tilt.
–Surf Lakes Press Release–
Surf Lakes International is excited to release vision from the initial phase of prototype testing of their “5 Wave” technology, which produces five different levels of waves simultaneously around a man-made lake.
Earlier this week, as the sun set behind the mountains near Yeppoon on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, a gathering of staff and pro-surfers, including ambassadors Mark Occhilupo and Barton Lynch, witnessed the first perfect waves peeling across the reefs of the private demonstration facility.
The 5 Waves concept rates each wave according to its level of difficulty, similar to snow ski resort. Each wave difficulty level is colour coded and caters for beginners, through to advanced and pro level wave riding.
The 5 Waves concept allows for learners, experienced surfers and professionals, to surf perfect waves simultaneously.
For operators this means that whole families with ages from five to 75 can enjoy the facility together, rather than waiting for different sessions to run.
At full commercial capacity, 5 Waves can produce up to 2,400 waves per hour, allowing for up to 200 surfers and learners each hour. This productivity translates into the highest possible return for operators.
Also, the five different levels of waves allows for a wide variety of watercraft. The Intermediate wave is perfect for short boards, long boards, SUPs and surf skis. The Advanced and Expert waves suit short boards and knee boards.
5 Waves world firsts
Simultaneous wave types: 5 types of waves, each of which vary in difficulty, size, length and shape, at the same time
Most breaks in a wavepool: 10 separate waves (4 left and 4 right reef breaks) plus 2 beginner waves
Largest surfing lagoon in the world: Water volume 80 megalitres
Largest wave face height: Up to 2.4m face height. 2.2m achieved at mid-level prototype testing
Highest wave productivity: At full commercial capacity, 5 Waves will be able to produce over 2,400 waves per hour, allowing up to 240 surfers in the lake at the same time, all catching 10 waves per hour
Artists impression of consumer version.
Founded by Aaron Trevis, the Surf Lakes team has been working hard to complete the full sale demonstration facility for the past two years. PHD Engineer and Surf Lakes Director Chris Hawley, oversaw the design, build and commissioning of what is essentially Australia’s first man-made surfing wave pool. Funding for the project was raised from private investors by finance expert and fellow Director Reuben Buchanan.
“After years of dreaming, designing, testing and building, to see those first few waves roll across the reefs was quite a site!” said Trevis.
Surf Lakes plan to license their technology to operators such as theme parks, resorts and developers around the world. Surf Lakes will also design, manage construction and commissioning of each facility, as well as providing ongoing services.
Demand for our product is strong, with over 150 enquires from more than 25 countries around the world. Over the next six months, we will be holding demonstration days to potential licensees.
1999 World Surfing Champion and 5 Waves ambassador Mark Occhilupo, was ecstatic after riding his first wave on “Occys Peak” earlier this week, a wave that he helped design.
“I can’t believe it,” said “Occy” with an ear to ear grin. “This is amazing, I knew it would be good… but not this good! People all over the world are going to be blown away when they see 5 Waves!”
Fellow 1988 World Surfing Champ and Pipe Master, Barton Lynch was equally excited.
“I get so excited about waves, so to have a variety of perfect waves at the push of a button is just unbelievable,” said Lynch. “And the fact that it’s Australian designed, backed and built, just makes me very proud.”
