Wavegarden Cove vs Surf Lakes

Wavegarden Cove and Surf Lakes 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; Surf Lakes is a central plunger system rated to 5 breaks × ~10/hr each waves per hour with a maximum face around 8.2ft / 2.5m. Wavegarden Cove wins on wave volume. Surf Lakes wins on wave size.

Last reviewed 24 August 2026

SpecWavegarden CoveSurf Lakes
Wave methodElectro-mechanicalCentral plunger
Waves per hour10005 breaks × ~10/hr each
Max face height7.2ft / 2.2m8.2ft / 2.5m
Founded20052016
HeadquartersAizarnazabal, Gipuzkoa, SpainYeppoon, Queensland, Australia
Pools open now100
Pools tracked190

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
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Full Wavegarden Cove breakdown

Surf Lakes

A giant piston in the centre of a circular lagoon rises and falls, sending concentric swells outward. Five separate reef bathymetries around the perimeter shape those swells into five different breaks running simultaneously, beginner rights, intermediate lefts, longboarders, barrels and a wedge, all off one plunge.

  • +Five simultaneous break zones
  • +Efficient energy use per wave delivered
  • +Prototype site at Yeppoon has been running since 2019
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    Full Surf Lakes breakdown

    Wavegarden Cove vs Surf Lakes: common questions

    +Which is better, Wavegarden Cove or Surf Lakes?

    Neither is better in the abstract. Wavegarden Cove produces more waves per hour, so it suits sessions where wave count matters. Surf Lakes 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 Surf Lakes 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. Surf Lakes: A giant piston in the centre of a circular lagoon rises and falls, sending concentric swells outward. Five separate reef bathymetries around the perimeter shape those swells into five different breaks running simultaneously, beginner rights, intermediate lefts, longboarders, barrels and a wedge, all off one plunge.

    +Where can I surf Wavegarden Cove and Surf Lakes?

    Wavegarden Cove is running at 10 open pool(s) we track, and Surf Lakes at 0. Both platforms have additional projects in development, listed on each technology page.

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