Wavegarden Cove vs Kelly Slater Wave Co.

Wavegarden Cove and Kelly Slater Wave Co. both produce genuinely surfable waves, but they solve different problems. Wavegarden Cove is a electro-mechanical system rated to 1000 waves per hour with a maximum face around 7.2ft / 2.2m; Kelly Slater Wave Co. is a hydrofoil system rated to 15 waves per hour with a maximum face around 11.2ft / 3.4m. Wavegarden Cove wins on wave volume. Kelly Slater Wave Co. wins on wave size.

Last reviewed 24 August 2026

SpecWavegarden CoveKelly Slater Wave Co.
Wave methodElectro-mechanicalHydrofoil
Waves per hour100015
Max face height7.2ft / 2.2m11.2ft / 3.4m
Founded20052006
HeadquartersAizarnazabal, Gipuzkoa, SpainLos Angeles, California, USA
Pools open now102
Pools tracked193

Wavegarden Cove

The Cove uses 46+ independent electro-mechanical modules along one wall. Each module pushes a submerged panel; sequencing the pushes creates a travelling swell that peels down the reef bay. Software controls the panel firing pattern, so a Cove can shift from a mellow Waikiki roller to an overhead barrel between waves.

  • +Up to 1,000 waves per hour
  • +20+ programmable wave types
  • +Reliable barrels at Reef setting
  • +Consistent power for lessons and pro training in the same session
Surf it at
Full Wavegarden Cove breakdown

Kelly Slater Wave Co.

A submerged hydrofoil sled is pulled down a track at roughly 18 mph. The moving foil displaces water, and a precisely contoured lake bottom shapes that displacement into a rifling, section-linking barrel that runs the full length of the pool. Because each pass is one giant wave, the pool produces ~15 waves an hour, the lowest volume of any tech, and the longest, most perfect ride.

  • +50-second barreling waves
  • +Multiple linkable sections in a single ride
  • +Highest wave face on the market (Surf Abu Dhabi: 3.4 m)
  • +Contest-grade consistency, hosted six WSL CT events
Surf it at
Full Kelly Slater Wave Co. breakdown

Wavegarden Cove vs Kelly Slater Wave Co.: common questions

+Which is better, Wavegarden Cove or Kelly Slater Wave Co.?

Neither is better in the abstract. Wavegarden Cove produces more waves per hour, so it suits sessions where wave count matters. Kelly Slater Wave Co. 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 Wavegarden Cove and Kelly Slater Wave Co. make waves differently?

Wavegarden Cove: The Cove uses 46+ independent electro-mechanical modules along one wall. Each module pushes a submerged panel; sequencing the pushes creates a travelling swell that peels down the reef bay. Software controls the panel firing pattern, so a Cove can shift from a mellow Waikiki roller to an overhead barrel between waves. Kelly Slater Wave Co.: A submerged hydrofoil sled is pulled down a track at roughly 18 mph. The moving foil displaces water, and a precisely contoured lake bottom shapes that displacement into a rifling, section-linking barrel that runs the full length of the pool. Because each pass is one giant wave, the pool produces ~15 waves an hour, the lowest volume of any tech, and the longest, most perfect ride.

+Where can I surf Wavegarden Cove and Kelly Slater Wave Co.?

Wavegarden Cove is running at 10 open pool(s) we track, and Kelly Slater Wave Co. at 2. Both platforms have additional projects in development, listed on each technology page.

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