Draft:SurfLoch
The company specializes in the design and manufacture of pneumatic wave generation systems.
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SurfLoch LLC (Formerly Surf Loch LLC) is an American wave technology and engineering firm based in La Jolla, California. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of pneumatic wave generation systems for man-made surfing environments. Founded in 2015 by Tom Lochtefeld, the company is known for developing technology that replicates ocean-like waves in controlled basins. Its systems are used in commercial surf parks and urban recreational developments, such as the Palm Springs Surf Club and RiF010 in Rotterdam.[1]
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History
SurfLoch was founded by Tom Lochtefeld following the 2014 sale of the FlowRider business to WhiteWater West.[2] The company represents an evolution of Lochtefeld's previous work with Wave Loch, a firm founded in 1991 that popularized "sheet wave" technology through products like the FlowRider and FlowBarrel.[3] SurfLoch was founded to develop pneumatic wave generation technology capable of producing ocean-like breaking waves suitable for traditional paddle-in surfing, building on hydrodynamic research conducted with the hydraulics laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and distinct from Lochtefeld's earlier sheet wave systems such as the FlowRider, which require a specialized board rather than a standard surfboard.[2]
In 2014, Lochtefeld debuted the SurfLoch SurfPool concept at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) trade show. Following the sale of the FlowRider brand to WhiteWater West, SurfLoch became the primary entity for Lochtefeld’s pneumatic wave research and commercial projects.[2]
Technology
SurfLoch utilizes pneumatic (compressed air) technology to generate waves.[1] The system consists of multiple concrete chambers, or "caissons," positioned along the deep end of a pool.These chambers use high-capacity blowers and specialized valves to displace water, creating swells that break over a custom-contoured reef or pool floor.[4]
Digital Twin Integration
The company partnered with Siemens to utilize "digital twin" technology within the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.[5] This allows SurfLoch to model, simulate, and optimize wave dynamics in a virtual environment before construction. The integration of digital sensors and software allows operators to customize wave height, frequency, and shape (e.g., barrel or open face) via a digital control interface.[6]
Product Designs
- WaveBender: A commercial system designed for high-throughput, capable of producing waves with a 20-second duration ride at frequent intervals.[7]
- Twin 80 X Reef: A design optimized for compact footprints (under 5,000 sqm) that allows for simultaneous "A-frame" waves (breaking both left and right).
- GT100: A system prioritizing wave quality and ride frequency in smaller environments.[8]
Notable projects
Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC)
It uses advanced pneumatic wave technology by Tom Lochtefeld of Surfloch Wave Systems to generate customizable waves for surfers of all skill levels, accommodating up to 25 surfers at once. It also emphasizes sustainability, using just 1% of the water of a typical golf course and producing over 70% of its own energy.[9]
RiF010 Urban Surf
An urban regeneration project in Rotterdam, Netherlands, which involves installing a SurfLoch wave system into an existing city canal. It is noted for being one of the first centrally-located urban surf pools in the world.[10]
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