Wave Machines – Technology, Engineering And Surfing's Future

By Dan Alper, KSB, Inc.

Surfing in itself has had its own culture and tradition for quite some time. It is synonymous with beautiful people in beautiful places living the dream of escaping from their everyday lives. While not everyone is living in Hawaii or California, which supply some of the best surf conditions, more and more people have been gaining interest in extreme sports such as surfing.

This wave of popularity has now led to surfing becoming a big business. Back in 2008, Surf Industry Manufacturers’ Association estimated the surfing industry was worth $7.2 billion in the United States. Along with clothing and fashion markets bringing in a similar revenue stream, the surfing industry continues to surge forward and the global surfing market is expected to reach $13.2 billion by 2017.

You may hear that nothing beats the real thing, but considering most people do not live on the coast, there seems to be a void in this market for people who are seeking the thrill of catching that perfect wave. This idea led to the development of the artificial wave technology and the creation of surf simulators. You can now see these machines in areas such as theme parks, cruise ships, shopping malls, and even dedicated surf parks and extreme leisure zones. Now the perfect wave and authentic surfing experience can be found for thrill seekers on the go and those seeking something new.

©This material is copyrighted by KSB, Inc.