The future artificial wave pool parks by Kelly Slater have developed a unique surfing experience. So what's the technology behind the Kelly Slater Wave Company?
Adam Fincham is the Chief Technology Officer at the Kelly Slater Wave Company. Fincham has a Ph.D. in Fluid Dynamics and is a research professor at the University of Southern California.
Along with Kelly Slater's vision, they've developed the most anticipated surf pool park in the history of surfing.
The artificial wave by Kelly Slater will be produced with the helping hand of hydrofoil generators which create specific types of swells.
The Kelly Slater wave concept does not pump air or water to generate waves, as these processes are inefficient and unreliable. Hydrofoil systems have been proven to provide the most robust and efficient wave generation possible.
The artificial surf park model is capable of generating perfect waves of variable form and height with little maintenance and downtime.
The hydro technologies developed in the last years control currents, waves, and chop within the closed circular basin. It is possible to control the wave, seiche, chop, and currents.
Also, the bathymetry of the basin is designed to provide optimal wave shape and surfer safety while allowing the continuous generation of multiple high-quality waves.
The company has been awarded broad protection for its systems by the United States Patent Trademark Offices (USPTO) and has patents now pending in the US and other relevant countries.
With 47 million surfers expected to ride waves in 2020, the Kelly Slater Wave Company is preparing the construction of the first surf pool in Pimpama, on the Gold Coast of Australia.