Surf Loch unveiled a new wave technology design that uses the same pneumatic caisson powering as previous models, but with a drastically different footprint. It’s called Wavebender. Last year, a surf park insider shared the design with WavePoolMag under the agreement that we would wait for the official launch to share. Our source confirmed that the setup bends the breaking wave toward the surfer, as happens at some of the world’s best reefbreaks.
This was one of the most challenging news items to sit on. But today, with the release of a new render and presser, we’re excited to help announce the launch of this creative new wave pool design.
The world has a few different ways of generating artificial waves. Some pools, like Endless Surf, PerfectSwell and Wavegarden, use pneumatic caissons or levers to contribute to the shape and power of the wave as it marches down the pool. So-called “deep end” systems like Surf Loch, Surf Lakes and SwellMFG push out a swell from a specific point in the pool, where it travels away from the generation source uninterrupted until it meets the pool’s bathymetry and breaks.
The new design by Surf Loch dramatically alters the placement of their wave-generating caissons by forming a semi-circle. In addition, the bathymetry of the pool now creates a new footprint that (delightfully, at least to us) loosely resembles the Napolean hat worn by Bugs Bunny or Cap’n Crunch’s chapeau.
What We Know
Waves are generated every 13 seconds and can support ride durations exceeding 18 seconds. This cadence enables high surfer throughput and operational efficiency, according to Surf Loch.
“It is the culmination of 40 years of innovation,” said Thomas Lochtefeld, Founder of Surf Loch. “The easy road was a straight line—but that’s not the best wave in nature. The vision was creating a tropical reef pass, a wave that is constantly bending in at you. Curves are constantly changing, and the nonlinear math for solving the Navier-Stokes equations is not trivial. But Surf Loch succeeded, and Wavebender was born.”
Wave Design and Capabilities
The company stated that the new surf loch wave technology produces single-peak or A-frame waves that can accommodate surfers across skill levels. The design incorporates adjustable wave bending angles (1° and 3°) and maintains a wave height of up to six feet while operating below 2 megawatts.
Lochtefeld reiterated that each surf park development has different design needs as well as “bottom line” demands.
“It’s about creating destinations where surfers find the waves they love, where developers find an investment with high ROI, and where the sport continues to grow,” Lochtefeld said. “We believe every location is unique and the guests/members ultimately dictate the selection of waves and sessions – this is where we support your business model.”
Integration and Software Features
Wavebender comes with WaveWare, the proprietary control software that allows operators to adjust wave settings and manage equipment performance. This system can be seen in use at The Palm Springs Surf Club and RiF010 in Rotterdam. The company added that pool design models can vary to support different traffic flows and real estate needs, including beach configurations and spectator areas.
When Will We See One?
Surf Loch said that Wavebender installations are currently in development in the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Public release of further digital renderings is expected in 2026.
