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Kelly Slater's New Man Made Wave Project (surfermag.com)
3 points by bjacks 3831 days ago
1 comments

That is incredible -- you could make surfing a "thing" anywhere away from the coast. I'm curious how they did it, and how it differs from traditional wave pools... maybe a better understanding / implementation of the physics that make a good curl?
I know, it's amazing, would love to know what the tech is behind it, it seems super secretive. Here's a link to his company who built it: http://kswaveco.com/ - no details unfortunately.
I wonder if he had Jack Johnson's pockets behind it...? (they're neighbors and long-time boys).

It's obvious enough that the normal wave pool flapper / "pump-and-dump" approach doesn't give you a tube. I always kind of intuitively thought it was wind-related, but reflecting on it that doesn't really make sense. Maybe pushing the water out with some sort of cork-screwing instead of a straight-line push? Who knows... anyway, I feel like they may stumbled onto a goldmine. Awesome indoor winter surfing, anyone?