What is AirWave?
AirWave is a revolutionary new system for creating waves to surf, paddle or swim, wakes for wakeboarding/wakeskating, and a half pipe. AirWave strives to be the safest and most versatile standing wave on the market.
What's involved in the AirWave system?
The AirWave system is made up of a number of key components:
- pool
- pump
- flume system
- wave forms
- inflatable surroundings
- control station
- customer area
- operating manual and procedures, including Health & Safety guidelines
How safe is AirWave?
AirWave was developed around safety. There is no solid structure creating and surrounding the wave as it is all fluid based. The concept of AirWave was derived from the principles associated with the safety of a bouncy castle (AirWave has great impact resistance). AirWave strives to be the safest standing-wave on the market.
How easy is it to learn?
It is very easy to learn and the majority of people start to surf during their first AirWave experience.
How long does a person stay on the wave?
This all depends on the skill or experience of the customer and at what level the wave is set. Testing using the prototype found the average time on a wave was 6.7 seconds - it may not sound much but that's a long time to be balancing on a board on a wave! Anecdotally that's a lot longer than chasing waves on the coast.
How many operators are required?
Depending on the applicable Health & Safety laws, it is anticipated that a minimum of one Operator would be required, but that Operator could control up to two AirWave units operating side by side.
What kind of boards can be used?
AirWave boards are very specialised and unique to AirWave. To make sure AirWave customers get the best possible ride and protection, AirWave operators must use AirWave boards. There are two types of boards, foam boards for beginners which are very easy to ride on and are soft on impact. Then there are the advanced boards which are for experienced/advanced customers who want a more surf like feeling. The advanced boards could be hired out as part of the product/service or sold individually.
How much water does AirWave use and require?
The AirWave Slasher unit requires around 180,000 litres of water. The water flow over the wave is approximately 150mm deep and the flow ranges between 2000 litres/second and 3000 litres/second.
Who Manufacturers the AirWave?
Currently it is the intention to continue to manufacture the AirWave system in New Zealand, using a combination of local and imported components. As demand grows we will look at other manufacturing options closer to the market but we will maintain our control over manufacturing and the "black box" technology.
What's different with AirWave compared to other artificial wave generating machines?
AirWave has no solid structure forming the wave and can be manipulated to form dozens of different wave types on the same footprint. The inflatable structure makes AirWave very safe (AirWave strives to be the safest standing wave on the market). AirWave also has a larger target market and one unit can cater to all abilities. AirWave also strives to be more surf like than current standing wave devices and its modular design allows other water sports possible such as wakeboarding, wake skating, water skiing and a half pipe.
If I'm opening a new theme park, why would I want to invest in an AirWave over other entertainment rides/activities?
The majority of the world's population do not live on or near a coastline - some never get to see the ocean in their lifetime; about ~40 percent of the world's population live within 100 kilometres of the coast. AirWave brings the waves to the people! Whether it be experienced surfers or those wanting to try something new on holiday, AirWave helps fulfil dreams!
Who can have a go on an AirWave?
Because of the technology developed and the advanced design, the waves generated can be tailored to the requirements of the customers. For instance, the wave can be flattened out for beginners and those who have always wanted to give surfing a go, or "ramped up" for advanced surfers.
How easy is it to change the wave and how long does it take?
A key point of difference of the AirWave system is that it is very easy to change wave types - the operator simply pushes a button on a touch screen and sets the pressure. The time it takes for the wave to change/adapt is between 20 seconds and 2 minutes. Customers can still surf the wave while the forms are inflating or deflating into their new position, however there is a 20 second period where the wave is unsurfable during the changeover.
What is the cost to run the AirWave?
The cost to operate an AirWave machine can vary in cost to run because it all depends on the size of the AirWave unit and power supply rates. Power is the primary cost and can differ from city to city, but the machine can also be run from a diesel generator. The pumps can range from 125Kw to 750Kw depending on the size of wave the customer requires.
What Operator Training is Provided?
Included in the initial unit purchase price, two operators will be taken through an AirWave two week course. This 2 week course does not qualify the operator to manually change the wave (this is an extra 4 weeks training). AirWave will send a qualified operator over to train new operators. A competency assessment will be undertaken at the completion of the course. Operators will also be required to undertake daily maintenance procedures to ensure AirWave is properly maintained.
How many people can ride/hour?
This will depend on what pricing model the operator adopts and how they want to run the business. As we see it there are three possible scenarios:
- Sale of a specific number of rides within a timeframe;
this approach would likely work for a multi-attraction theme park where customers would be provided with a wrist band or the like (ie a ticket) permitting a faxed number of rides for that day. Depending on the skill level of the customers, this could lead to up to 240 people/hour (this is each rider averaging 15 seconds/go which was produced during AirWave testing). - Sale by time slot;
this is more likely to be used at an AirWave specific facility where customers purchase a specified period of time accessing the waves. eg 10-12 customers per half hour maximum but the level would be set by the operator based on their pricing and other considerations such as skill levels and Health & Safety. - Private Sessions;
customers book out the facility for a specified period and hence they decide who/how many participate.
How much is an AirWave unit?
The amount of investment in an AirWave system depends on the location and size of the unit. AirWave units can be permanently in the ground or they can sit above the ground and be portable. The pool structure, whether it is above the ground or below the ground, can be built on location (using plans supplied by AirWave). AirWave would supply the ‘black box’ technology which includes the pump, flume system, wave forms, inflatable surroundings, control station and customer area.