Belgian wave pool technology AllWaves, the inverse Surf Lakes-style wave machine, burst onto the scene in 2024 with a demo facility adjacent to the country’s main surf beach in Knokke-Heist. The product launch in May of that year included visits from top European pros, Blair Conklin, and WavePoolMag. In September of the same year, the company introduced a new wave setting specifically targeting novice surfers and those experiencing their first surf sessions.
This week, the company announced management changes.
Founder Steven Nauwelaerts announced that he will step down from the CEO position and take on the role of Chief Technology Officer, where he will continue to tweak the engineering behind the company’s wave generation system. We did a podcast with Steven in which he explains how his background in harvesting wave power for green energy use applies to wave pools.
Lieven Decat has been appointed to the new role of CEO and will guide AllWaves through its next phase.
“I’m proud to pass the CEO role on to an experienced leader and to fully focus on technology in the role of Chief Technology Officer,” said Nauwelaerts. “Together, we share a clear vision for the future of AllWaves: combining advanced engineering with a strong global development strategy.”
Lieven’s background is in technology-driven businesses. He will focus on scaling the global deployment of AllWaves’ surf park technology.
What Is AllWaves Doing Today?
“When I founded AllWaves, the ambition was clear: to engineer a new generation of wave technology capable of delivering truly authentic surf experiences,” added Nauwelaerts. “Over the past years, this vision has led to the development of what I believe is one of the most advanced and efficient wave systems in the world, capable of producing powerful, high-quality surf waves with remarkable control and performance.”
Currently, the German town of Leipzig is working to bring an AllWaves surf tank to its community. Insiders are pointing to several projects in development throughout Asia.
“With the support of additional strategic investors, including those from Asia, the company is accelerating its ambition to bring this technology to world-class surf destinations across multiple continents,” the company said.
What Is the Belgian Wave Pool Technology AllWaves?
The machine relies on an underwater textile structure activated by external hydraulics. Known as the “wavemaker,” this mechanism pushes water toward reef structures installed on both sides of the pool. As a result, point break-style waves run the length of the pool in two directions.
Additionally, a second reef sits at the front of the main pool and creates a split peak. Each generated swell allows four surfers to ride at once—two along the lengthwise point breaks and two across the width on the A-frame.
At the core of the system is a submerged, flexible textile membrane that resembles a water-filled cushion. It includes no grids, nets, or ropes. Instead, each membrane section moves independently to either pull or push water, producing the surface swell. The hydraulic machinery, located in a separate room outside the pool, powers the membrane system.
Operators can fine-tune the waves by adjusting parameters such as the face, pocket, lip, and foam section through proprietary software. Furthermore, the system generates a wave every seven seconds. Over the course of an hour, this results in approximately 500 waves. Because each wave supports four surfers, the system can deliver up to 2,000 rides per hour.
