American Wave Machine Launches PerfectSwell™ Wave Generator

Business Wire,  May 31, 2007  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Maker of SurfStream[TM] Standing Wave Machine Expands Capabilities; New Wave Generator Delivered to Aquarium of the Pacific

SOLANA BEACH, Calif. -- American Wave Machine, Inc. (AWM), an innovator in artificial wave technology, announced today that it has developed a new wave generator for surf pool attractions at resorts and waterparks. Called PerfectSwell, the wave generator uses a pneumatic system to generate traveling waves in surf pools that mimic real ocean waves. AWM has delivered its first PerfectSwell wave generator to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif. for use in the year-long exhibition and program "Catch a Wave" that opened on May 25, 2007.

Developed by AWM in partnership with Carl Ekstrom LLC and Flometrics, PerfectSwell is the first pneumatic wave generating system that creates waves with circular particle motion that behave like wind generated swells in the ocean. Unlike most modern surf pools that create surge waves that behave like a tidal bore, PefectSwell reduces rip currents and energy buildup within the pool, while creating breaking waves with the same profile advance as ocean surf.

AWM has developed a relatively simple change to existing systems that allows the creation of these circular particle motion waves, with or without vacuum assistance. Wave heights and swell angle are continuously adjustable, making the system ideal for phased or sequenced wave applications.

"Surfing can become a staple at waterparks and resorts around the world," said Bruce McFarland, president of AWM. "AWM technology gives people the experience of real surfing while providing the waterparks with the flexibility to create a surf attraction that fits their specific needs."

AWM has delivered both the PerfectSwell and WindSwell[TM] wave generators to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., for a display that demonstrates the difference between tsunami waves and wind waves. The WindSwell wave generator by AWM is an entirely new approach to generating traveling waves. It is the first pneumatic system that does not require valves for generating waves and has no moving parts in the water. This reduces equipment costs and increases reliability.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the number of participants in the recreational sport of surfing will increase by 13.1 percent from 2000 to 2010. Not surprisingly, residents of coastal counties have the highest participation. The use of artificial wave technology at waterparks, a growing trend, makes it possible for residents in non-coastal areas to experience surfing. In January 2007, a report issued by Hotel & Leisure Advisors tracked over 240 new indoor waterpark resort development projects and indoor waterpark additions to existing hotels in the U.S.

About American Wave Machines, Inc.

American Wave Machines, Inc. (AWM) develops artificial wave technology that replicates the experience of real ocean surfing. Its patented SurfStream[TM], the world's first standing wave machine, is a technology breakthrough that delivers real surfing and wave riding capabilities. By creating a deep water cushion, SurfStream provides the most sought after surfing experience - "the long ride." The company also offers PerfectSwell and WindSwell wave generators. AWM surf technology is available for waterparks, surfparks, hotel resorts, and sponsored wave-riding exhibitions. For more information, visit www.surfstream.com.

About Carl Ekstrom, LLC

Carl Ekstrom, LLC offers a wide range of product design and development capabilities for a variety of industries specializing in surf related devices. Services cover everything from R&D and prototype development to product fabrication and optimization.

About Flometrics

Flometrics is an engineering firm specializing in solving problems in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. The company designs, builds, tests and improves products for customers in industries from consumer products to medical devices to spacecraft hardware. For more information, visit www.flometrics.com.

Note to Editors: Photo available upon request.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning