1,000 waves per hour: Surfing goes high-tech

By The Construction Specifier
Aerial view of a modern wave pool surrounded by luxury apartments and crowds of people enjoying the vibrant waterfront area.
The lagoon offers up to 1.8-m (6-ft) waves across more than 25 customizable wave types for all skill levels and generates up to 1,000 waves per hour. Photo courtesy AO

Wavegarden Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach introduced an expansive surf lagoon powered by an advanced 46-module Wavegarden Cove technology.

The lagoon offers up to 1.8-m (6-ft) waves across more than 25 customizable wave types for all skill levels and generates up to 1,000 waves per hour.

This surf-anchored destination in Virginia Beach is a product of thoughtful design and collaboration between AO, Wavegarden, and Coffman Engineers.

The lagoon itself spans 1 ha (2.67 acres) and uses a precision paddle system to simulate natural waves, controlled by software that tailors sessions for beginners to pros.

The design required intricate co-ordination with civil engineers to navigate Virginia Beach’s high-water table, and it incorporates a discreet drainage system to manage water flow beneath the lagoon.

AO worked closely with Wavegarden to adapt their proprietary lagoon technology into a compact, urban footprint while ensuring performance, safety, and esthetic integration.

AO also collaborated closely with Gensler, the master plan architect, and Hanbury, the mixed-use architect, to ensure the surf lagoon aligned seamlessly with the overall vision for the destination.