Surf Lakes Yeppoon

Yeppoon Road, Yeppoon, Australia

The Yeppoon Wave Pool: Surf Lakes' Revolutionary Surfing Experience

The Yeppoon Wave Pool, powered by Surf Lakes' cutting-edge wave pool technology, is a groundbreaking innovation in artificial wave generation. Unlike traditional linear wave pools like Wavegarden, Surf Lakes uses a central plunger mechanism to create waves in a 360-degree circular pattern. This allows multiple surf breaks to operate simultaneously, catering to surfers of all skill levels.

How Does It Work?

At the heart of Surf Lakes is its plunger system, a dramatic and unmistakable sight in the center of the pool. When activated, the plunger generates concentric swells radiating outward, mimicking the natural energy of ocean waves. This innovative approach allows for:

Multiple Surf Breaks: Beginners can learn on soft beach breaks while advanced surfers enjoy steep barrels just a short paddle away.
Customizable Wave Types: Developers can adjust the pool’s design to produce anything from rolling point breaks to high-performance aerial waves.

Surf Lakes is still an R&D facility, meaning it isn’t open to the public yet, but its potential is already creating waves in the surfing world.

Wave Options and Size

The Yeppoon facility currently features a variety of breaks:

Beach Break: Ideal for longboarders and beginners.
Occy’s Peak: The signature wave, offering long rides, cover-ups, and walls for carving.
The Island: A powerful, draining slab for experienced surfers seeking heavy barrels.

While running at only 2.8 stroke power during testing (producing waves shoulder to head-high), the system is designed to operate at up to 6 stroke power, delivering waves over 8 feet high. At full capacity, Surf Lakes can produce 2,000 rideable waves per hour.

What’s It Like to Surf?

Surfing at the Yeppoon wave pool feels closer to the ocean than any other artificial wave pool. The swell rolls in naturally, and the lineup mimics ocean dynamics, creating an authentic surfing experience.

Wave Sets: At commercial capacity, surfers can expect 4-wave sets every minute and paddle into at least 12 waves per hour.
Wave Characteristics: Even at reduced power, the waves are fast, punchy, and fun, offering a great mix of opportunities for turns, cover-ups, and barrels.

The barrels are a highlight. At full power, The Island produces a formidable 2.4m (8-foot) wave, making it the biggest barrel opportunity among wave pools globally.

The Future of Surf Lakes

Surf Lakes’ unique 360-degree wave technology sets it apart from other systems, offering unmatched versatility and wave productivity. With plans to expand globally and open commercial venues, Surf Lakes is poised to redefine how surfers experience artificial waves.

For now, we wait in anticipation as this technology rides the wave toward a new era of surfing. 🌊

Wave Pool