Everything you need to know about The Wave
Bursting with questions about inland surfing and Wavegarden technology? Here's the answers to all your FAQs as well as updates and ways to get involved.
The surf experience
How big is the surf lake?
A standard lake at The Wave measures approximately 150 metres in length by 150 metres in width, however the length and width of a lake can be varied to accommodate the requirements of particular sites.
What is the layout of the surf lake?
The lake is divided into different surfing zones. These include the expert zone in the central part of the lagoon, which is designed for experienced surfers and the starter areas which are located at each edge of the lagoon, which are perfectly suited to beginner and novice surfers.
Do you need to be an experienced surfer?
We can accommodate non-surfers, beginners and improver surfers, through to expert surfers simultaneously on our perfect waves. A performance pathway exists for guests to progress through the zones of the surf lagoon commencing in the starter areas, and improving their skills until they are ready to take on the expert zone.
What are the different wave heights and ride lengths?
The waves range from 1 to 2 metres with an average length or ride ranging from 50m to 100m depending on skill of the surfer. The average duration of a ride is 11-17 seconds.
Is it easier to learn to surf at The Wave compared to the ocean?
Beginners experience a much speedier rate of learning at The Wave compared to the ocean. The predictability of the waves generated, the length of rides, and the removal of other distractions allows beginners to focus on technique, while enjoying closer supervision from our team of Wavemakers.
I’m experienced, will it be too easy?
Progression in surfing depends on practicing and how regularly you surf and the number of waves you get to ride. Unlike other sports, surfing requires the right weather conditions, in daylight hours, at a time and place you are free to surf. The Wave takes away all these inconveniences so surfers can surf as regularly as they choose, at a time to suit them. The Wave is a brilliant training ground to improve your surfing with on consistent waves with specialist training and coaching available.
The types of wave
What types of waves are generated?
The surf lake is capable of generating a variety of waves, from gentle, spilling beginner waves, right through to high-performance barrelling waves up to 2m tall. The size and speed of waves in the surf lagoon can be varied, making it suitable for all abilities from beginner to expert.
Are the waves always the same size and type?
Waves in the surf lagoon are generated by moving water over a shallow profile that causes a wave to form, and then fold on itself. Just like an ocean swell becomes a breaking wave when it moves over a reef or a sandbar. In the case of The Wave, water is moved by a mechanical device located along the central axis of the lagoon. The device displaces over 30 tonnes of water, and gets it moving at over 6 metres per second to create a perfectly formed surfing wave.
Is the wave powerful?
The beauty of The Wave’s technology is that energy is constantly passed into the wave through the movement of the wave generator as it completes a cycle. This ensures that waves have consistent power, shape, height and speed through the full ride.
Sustainability and the environment
How much water is used in the surf lagoon?
The net evaporation rate for the surf lake will differ from year to year, but on average the annual water requirement is equivalent to that used to maintain a high quality grassed sports ground of a similar size (and only about 6% of what is used to irrigate golf courses per annum).
Is The Wave technology noisy?
The wave generating equipment is essentially silent. The operation the surf lake creates the natural sound of peeling waves, which has minimal overall auditory impact.
How much energy is needed to generate waves?
The generator is the most energy efficient surfing wave generator available. The Wave requires about the same amount of energy per annum as would typically be used by a small, indoor aquatic centre.
Safety
Is surfing at The Wave safe?
Surfing under normal conditions is typically a very safe activity. The Wave is designed with safety as a fundamental priority. At The Wave most of the hazards of sea surfing are either avoided, managed or minimised to greatly improve surfer safety. The use of Wavemakers specifically trained in the surf lake environment and our monitoring systems further enhance surfer safety.
I’ve never surfed before - is it safe for me?
Absolutely! The Wave is a safe surfing environment perfect for people of all ages, fitness and skill levels, and is ideal for introducing the sport of surfing to those who do not have access to waves. It is also a fantastic environment for people with disabilities.
How do you keep surfers safe?
The wave generating device is located beneath a pier which physically separates the surfer from the device. The pier is shrouded in a barrier that guests cannot penetrate, but allows water to pass through, and has no effect on the size, quality or shape of the wave.
Weather
Can I surf in the rain?
Yes.
What if there is thunder and lightning?
In the event of lightning or other major weather occurrences, we will ask everyone in the lake to leave to ensure the safety of everyone. If you session is cut short, we will provide a refund based on how long you were in the water. However, a session which lasts 45 minutes or more is considered complete and no refund will be given.