Power in All the Right Places: How Surf Lakes Is Creating Ocean-Like Waves in a Pool

“You get that draw in the wave, you get that just, you know, hollow suck when you bottom turn—it slingshots you back up to the lip like a real wave. There’s power in all the right places.”

Join OMBE’s Clayton as he catches up with Surf Lakes’ lead engineer, Kit Sidwell, to break down the wave tech that flipped the surf world when videos dropped years ago. Kit explains how Surf Lakes creates ocean-like waves using 360° technology, generating multiple waves at once. As Kit says, “We’re not creating waves by being a storm out in the ocean, but from that point on, everything is the same.”

One innovation at Surf Lakes is how the waves break. “You have one swell line, and we provide different reefs for different breaks,” Kit shares. “That gives you A-frame breaks on either side, with waves ranging from hollow slabs to gradual beach break-style waves.” Surf Lakes also allows the water to settle between sets, ensuring clean, surfable waves—a departure from the never-ending sets of other pools.

What sets Surf Lakes apart is how it balances power and shape, making it feel like a real ocean wave. “You get that hollow suck when you bottom turn,” Kit says. This creates “plenty of push down the line,” giving surfers room to maneuver beyond the pocket without losing that ocean feel.


Surf Lakes 360° Circular Wave Design

Unlike other wave pools, Surf Lakes isn’t limited to just one or two wave types. It generates multiple waves simultaneously for different skill levels, all from a single swell line. “Other pools have waves going in one direction, and all the energy disappears,” Kit explains. Surf Lakes, on the other hand, creates 360° waves that cancel out excess energy, mimicking the natural flow of ocean breaks. This makes Surf Lakes the closest thing to a real ocean experience, offering everything from fast slabs to mellow beach breaks.


Want to be part of something legendary?

If you’ve got a mate with deep pockets, drop them the hint. Surf Lakes is reshaping the surf world, and with the right backers, we’ll all be frothing—OMBE, surfers, and every keyboard warrior—thanks to the hard work Surf Lakes has put in. We know everyone’s saying, “Just open already!” But what these guys have achieved is groundbreaking. It’s been a long road, but after seeing the footage, we’re confident this venture is Huey approved and the juice will be worth the squeeze.

Support God’s work here 👉 https://investsurflakes.com

Chapters

00:00 - OMBE Surf Lab & Arrival at Surf Lakes
Clayton from OMBE heads to Surf Lakes to meet Kit Sidwell for a deep dive into the wave technology shaping the future of surfing.

00:33 - The Vision Behind Surf Lakes
Kit explains Surf Lakes' founder Aaron’s vision, focusing on the unique 360° wave design.

01:04 - Mimicking Ocean Waves
Kit describes how Surf Lakes replicates natural ocean waves and provides an authentic experience.

02:02 - Wave Generation Explained
An overview of how waves are generated, simulating ocean-like conditions with artificial swells and reefs.

02:59 - Different Wave Types
Kit breaks down the wave profiles at Surf Lakes, ranging from fast slabs to gradual beach breaks.

03:56 - Watching Waves from the Channel
Experience the immersive environment, where surfers can observe and learn from the waves, similar to a natural reef break.

04:47 - Engineering the Reefs
Kit explains how the reefs are designed, allowing waves to break in controlled, predictable ways.

05:20 - 360° Circular Wave Design
An explanation of how the circular wave system works and why it allows for unique wave shapes.

06:50 - Ocean-Like Power and Shape
Learn how Surf Lakes creates waves with the same power and feel as natural ocean waves.

07:43 - Natural Dynamics Replicated
Kit discusses how Surf Lakes mimics the natural dynamics of ocean surf breaks, including deep channels and reefs.

08:42 - Settling Time Between Waves
Kit explains why it’s crucial for the water to settle between sets, ensuring clean, surfable waves.

09:08 - Wave Period and Consistency
Exploring the 6-second wave period at Surf Lakes and how it works perfectly in a controlled wave pool.

10:08 - Replicating Perfect Ocean Conditions
Kit talks about optimizing variables like tide, wind, and bottom contours for ideal wave conditions.

11:09 - Controlling the Surf Environment
Kit explains how Surf Lakes maintains consistent wave quality, ensuring great waves for everyone.

12:40 - Power in All the Right Places
Wrapping up the discussion on how Surf Lakes delivers the same “hollow suck” and speed as real ocean waves.


OMBE Surf

🏄‍♂️ World-class coaching to boost your style & technique - https://www.ombe.co/premium
🧪 Visit @ombesurflab for hands-on training - https://www.ombe.co/surflab
🌐 Experience surf retreats & trips worldwide - https://www.ombe.co/surf-trips