In 2019, we heard from wavemaker Walter Bennett about his Virginia-based Swellspot technology. At the time, there were plans for a Richmond wave pool. Then all went quiet at the onset of COVID until this year, when a partnership between Swellspot and Surf X was announced. In between, we received a grainy YouTube clip (bottom of page) and crude computer renderings of updates to the technology.
From day one, Walter always touted his wave-making designs as affordable. Perhaps on the heels of Atlantic Park Surf opening in Virginia, and the internet storm surrounding Ben Gravy and the media-dubbed “Backyard Wave Pool,” we heard from Walter again this week. The catchy email header simply read: “Introducing Swellspot Back Yard Surf System.”
The system looks much different from the earlier YouTube clip, where a series of plungers moved in sequence to displace water and create the wave. In this newest CFD animation, it’s a single plunger that pushes down to produce the swell and breaking wave. Think of it like this, if the Surf Lakes plunger is a donut, this system is using a mouse-sized bite of that donut to pump out a backyard wave.
What’s on offer? Lagoon Specs
Swellspot says its backyard surf lagoons start at $800,000 USD and feature customizable left- or right-hand point break waves, delivered every 45 seconds to one minute (60 to 100 waves per hour.) Wave heights can reach up to four feet, and there is a two-foot option for beginners.
“Our back yard surf lagoons are also great for farms, ranches, water parks, resorts, hotels, colleges and developers that want to put a back yard surf in their neighborhood developments,” said Walter. “We can also build you a (2) break A-frame back yard surf lagoon, with an inside beginners section as well. The cost of the 2 break back yard surf lagoon is $1.7 Million USD.”
Customers must secure a land disturbance or pool permit through their local municipality before construction begins, and full project funds must be placed in a third-party escrow account at the start. Swellspot says it will assist buyers through the permitting process.
