PerfectSwell vs Surf Loch

PerfectSwell and Surf Loch both produce genuinely surfable waves, but they solve different problems. PerfectSwell is a pneumatic system rated to 120 waves per hour with a maximum face around 5.9ft / 1.8m; Surf Loch is a pneumatic system rated to 70 waves per hour with a maximum face around 7.9ft / 2.4m. PerfectSwell wins on wave volume. Surf Loch wins on wave size.

Last reviewed 24 August 2026

SpecPerfectSwellSurf Loch
Wave methodPneumaticPneumatic
Waves per hour12070
Max face height5.9ft / 1.8m7.9ft / 2.4m
Founded20052015
HeadquartersSolana Beach, California, USAPalm Springs, California, USA
Pools open now52
Pools tracked52

PerfectSwell

Rows of pneumatic (air-pressure) chambers along the pool wall displace water on command. Firing patterns are fully programmable, vacuum draws water down, then pressure releases it as a swell. Because chambers can be fired in any combination, PerfectSwell can generate peaky A-frames, hollow tubes, and steep launch pads inside a single session.

  • +Up to 90–120 waves per hour
  • +Precise steep-ramp end sections built for airs
  • +Full programmability, set changes in seconds
  • +Indoor-capable (Skudin Surf, American Dream Mall)
Surf it at
Full PerfectSwell breakdown

Surf Loch

Surf Loch is a pneumatic (air-driven) system where controllers energise caissons along the wall in software-defined patterns. Combined with the pool bathymetry, Surf Loch can render everything from Waikiki whitewash to overhead slabs. The team is led by former CT surfer Cheyne Magnussen, and the setting menu at Palm Springs Surf Club reflects that, every wave setting was tuned by someone who's ridden the real thing.

  • +Overhead slabs with a true tube section
  • +Deep, ex-pro-tuned wave menu
  • +70 waves per hour at PSSC
Surf it at
Full Surf Loch breakdown

PerfectSwell vs Surf Loch: common questions

+Which is better, PerfectSwell or Surf Loch?

Neither is better in the abstract. PerfectSwell produces more waves per hour, so it suits sessions where wave count matters. Surf Loch reaches a larger maximum face, so it suits advanced surfers chasing size. Choose by what you want out of the session: wave count, wave size, or a specific setting.

+How do PerfectSwell and Surf Loch make waves differently?

PerfectSwell: Rows of pneumatic (air-pressure) chambers along the pool wall displace water on command. Firing patterns are fully programmable, vacuum draws water down, then pressure releases it as a swell. Because chambers can be fired in any combination, PerfectSwell can generate peaky A-frames, hollow tubes, and steep launch pads inside a single session. Surf Loch: Surf Loch is a pneumatic (air-driven) system where controllers energise caissons along the wall in software-defined patterns. Combined with the pool bathymetry, Surf Loch can render everything from Waikiki whitewash to overhead slabs. The team is led by former CT surfer Cheyne Magnussen, and the setting menu at Palm Springs Surf Club reflects that, every wave setting was tuned by someone who's ridden the real thing.

+Where can I surf PerfectSwell and Surf Loch?

PerfectSwell is running at 5 open pool(s) we track, and Surf Loch at 2. Both platforms have additional projects in development, listed on each technology page.

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