Gold Coast company manufactures the perfect wave in Yeppoon.
Gold Coast company manufactures the perfect wave in Yeppoon.
We Gold Coasters are a clever bunch, if we do say so ourselves. Some of us moreso than others it would seem. We’re talking (writing), of course, about the good folks at local company Surf Lakes Holding Ltd.
They’re inventors and they’ve invented something absolutely next-level (how’s the suspense) for all of us water-loving types to froth on.
Surprise, it’s a really quite intricate contraption pumping out perfect waves, in a lake in the middle of Queensland’s Yeppoon no less.
Yes indeed. The technology, named 5 Waves, has been constructed at a private demonstration facility by a team of Gold Coast local legends whose job it is to make surfers worldwide even more stoked than they were before. Difficult, but seems they’ve nailed it.
As you could probably tell, the technology will boast five levels of waves simultaneously and they’ll all peel off around a manmade lake. The perfect waves have begun to roll out and pros like Joel Parkinson and Mark Occhilupo have given the goods their tick of approval.
The 5 Waves concept allows for learners, experienced surfers and, of course, the pros to surf perfect waves, all at the same time. It’s a pure feat of genius is what it is.
In the very simplest of terms, based on what we’ve seen, the machine moves up and as it comes down it pushes water out into the lake and, through some sort of engineering magic, creates perfectly shaped waves, but also different types at the same time.
Engineers hey. Clever.
At full capacity, 5 Waves can create 2,400 waves per hour (!) which equates to up to 200 surfers and is pretty much the greatest thing any surfer has ever heard. Maybe not, but close.
Not only short boards though, the intermediate wave will be perfect for long boards, SUPs and surf skis, meaning everyone will get the chance to give 5 Waves a go.
The project will boast the most waves in a wavepool with 10 separate waves (four left and four right reef breaks plus two beginner waves for those playing at home) and, at 80 megalitres, it’s set to be the largest surfing lagoon in the world.
It’s an exciting time not only for Queenslanders but people across the world who will no doubt be keen to experience the perfect peaks for themselves.
Surf Lakes Holdings also plan to license the technology so expect to see more of these local creations popping up all over the place.
It’s pretty much pure magic as far as we’re concerned and our little beginner surfing selves can’t wait to get out there and give it a go.
Good work guys, doing the Gold Coast proud.
Words by Kirra Smith