Wavegarden Cove vs Surf Loch

Wavegarden Cove and Surf Loch 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 Loch is a pneumatic system rated to 70 waves per hour with a maximum face around 7.9ft / 2.4m. Wavegarden Cove wins on wave volume. Surf Loch wins on wave size.

Last reviewed 24 August 2026

SpecWavegarden CoveSurf Loch
Wave methodElectro-mechanicalPneumatic
Waves per hour100070
Max face height7.2ft / 2.2m7.9ft / 2.4m
Founded20052015
HeadquartersAizarnazabal, Gipuzkoa, SpainPalm Springs, California, USA
Pools open now102
Pools tracked192

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

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

Wavegarden Cove vs Surf Loch: common questions

+Which is better, Wavegarden Cove or Surf Loch?

Neither is better in the abstract. Wavegarden Cove 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 Wavegarden Cove and Surf Loch 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 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 Wavegarden Cove and Surf Loch?

Wavegarden Cove is running at 10 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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