ARTIFICIAL WAVES: FROM SHEET TO TRAVELLING TO STANDING WAVES

SurfStreams standing wave, at waist high absolutely rippable. Looks like fun to me.

3)Standing Wave - This wave occurs when there is a constriction in the sides or bottom of a channel with moving water in it. Water is pushed toward a bump which sits along the bottom; water makes a sudden change in thickness due to a natural hydraulic jump effect. If you've ever seen the Waimea Bay rivermouth opened up, a standing wave appears for a good hour or so before dissipating. You can ride a surfboard, body board or wakeboard --even a kayak if you so desire. The wave size and shape is adjustable. Standing waves can operate continuously or break and reform.

SurfStream is the brand name of AWM's proprietary standing wave machine. As FlowRider is to sheet wave technology, SurfStream is to standing wave technology. A stabilized and aerofoil controlled hydraulic wake that produces a rippable a reforming dynamic wave which is ridden with a surfboard. For the first time a surfing wave has been replicated without the cost prohibitive pool and generator associated with the traveling wave (#2 above).

AWM has a SurfStream prototype (see photos) that is portable. This thing exists. In December of this year the Sandals resort chain will go online with a 20' wide SurfStream at their Turks & Caicos Island resort. At this size, SurfStream will create a 3' dynamic wave for ripping and tearing.

Although this is interesting news for most surfers, the real news is that for the first time, a real surfable wave has been created that doesn't come with a cost prohibitive spread sheet. This technology is affordable. It pencils out because you don't need a massive surf pool, such as Ocean Dome Japan. With SurfStream you surf a 6-foot dynamic barrel in a smaller area. Cost effectivness has met the core hurdle.

"The challenge in the past was that guys like you and me, real surfers, wanted a real wave, but the waterpark industry was catering to entry level people. They didn't want a 6-foot barreling wave," said Louie Hayward, Director of Business Development for AWM. "With SurfStream, you get the best of both worlds. You want 1-foot mush you got it. You want 6' barrels you got it. And it's affordable."

Another obstacle is getting the surf industry and the waterpark industry to partner up. "The waterpark industry needs and wants the surf industry's involvement," said Hayward. "With head high barrels and an economically sensible technology the time is right. The surf industry can get involved without looking like a kook."

Man-made waves in a pool are a reality. Good waves. It's just a matter of incremental steps. It's like a big, long interval swell. Be patient. The swell is out there, and it is not hype. AWM's SurfStream is making it a fiscal reality as well.