Why PerfectSwell®?
PerfectSwell® is the proprietary surf platform developed by American Wave Machines and purpose-built to anchor premium destinations. The category defining platform combines high-performance wave quality with operational versatility, enabling venues to host professional-level surf events while maintaining consistent daily programming for public sessions, memberships, private bookings, and training.
Unlike attraction-based systems, PerfectSwell® was engineered for sustained commercial operation. Its programmable wave settings support a wide range of skill levels, maximizing utilization while preserving authenticity and repeat visitation.
The technology is scalable and adaptable to diverse site conditions and development models. From compact private club installations to large-scale mixed-use environments, PerfectSwell® can be customized to fit geographic, architectural, and regulatory constraints.
With Infinite Ocean™ pool design, projects can move beyond traditional rectangular basins. The system supports natural, organic layouts with integrated beach areas and open visual sight lines, allowing surf to function not only as an activity, but as a central placemaking feature.
PerfectSwell® is a protected, performance-driven platform designed to differentiate assets and support long-term operational success.
The Core Invention
PerfectSwell® is built on a protected portfolio of proprietary engineering, data, and software innovations. At the center of this portfolio is Sequencing, the foundational invention that defines how the wave is generated and how it breaks.
Unlike systems that push water away from a generating wall, PerfectSwell® uses its patented Sequencing platform to produce waves that travel and break parallel to the wall. This invention enables stronger, longer, and more dynamic surf while supporting flexible pool geometries and natural, open beach environments.
The result is a surf experience that combines performance with placemaking, delivering world class surf alongside 360-degree spectator visibility and true beachfront beauty.
Our patents have been challenged and validated, reinforcing the strength of the underlying invention. For partners, this protection preserves both performance standards and long-term asset differentiation in a rapidly evolving industry.
Proven Across Markets
PerfectSwell® is not a concept, it is a commercially validated platform supported by real-world operating data across multiple development models.
Through live commercial operation, we have validated and collected proprietary performance data across three primary business formats:
Standalone Destination Resort
Ticketed access and session-based programming designed to drive high visitation, tourism demand, and destination appeal.
Residential & Mixed-Use Amenity
Integrated surf environments that elevate property value, enhance absorption rates, and differentiate large-scale master-planned communities.
Private Club Membership
Recurring membership models that combine exclusivity, consistent utilization, and long-term operational stability.
Each model is supported by proprietary operational insights, programming strategies, and usage data developed through live installations. This experience enables us to guide partners toward the structure best aligned with their market, site conditions, and long-term asset objectives.
PerfectSwell® adapts to the business strategy, not the other way around.
Innovation Worth Protecting
Why IP Matters
As the surf park industry has evolved, new entrants have introduced products that closely resemble core elements of the PerfectSwell® system. PerfectSwell® remains the original inventor, developer, and patent holder of this technology.
Intellectual property is not a marketing claim, it is structural protection. For developers, operators, and investors, protected technology reduces risk, preserves long-term differentiation, and safeguards asset value in a growing category.
In emerging industries, clear ownership ensures that innovation is rewarded, standards are maintained, and partners are not exposed to imitation-driven instability.
PerfectSwell® continues to lead not only in performance, but in protecting the foundation on which the industry is being built.
Infringement Case
AWM is currently in an infringement litigation against Whitewater entities and Surftown GmbH in the EU United Patent Court.
To access the case visit https://upc.beetz.nl/ and under “search by party” type in American Wave Machines, Inc.
USPTO Patent Validation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between American Wave Machines and PerfectSwell®
American Wave Machines is a surf technology and engineering company that owns a broad portfolio of trademarks and technologies, including PerfectSwell®. PerfectSwell® is the patented, large scale surf offering famous worldwide for its wave quality and fun factor. TLDR: AWM is the company, PerfectSwell® is the suite of technologies and patents owned by AWM.
Many are claiming to be the “first”, what did AWM actually invent when they deployed PerfectSwell®?
Before PerfectSwell® all wave pools in waterparks had side walls. The core invention and patent group behind PerfectSwell® is the elimination of side walls and the redirection of swell to run along the back wall, rather than away from it. This led to the power sustaining throughout the wave, rather than diminishing. The pool design, which is also patented, created a much more inviting open space than those found in waterparks. There are now attempts to infringe on the patents and create imitation versions of PerfectSwell®.
I heard American Wave Machines is litigious, is this true?
When it comes to IP, AWM does enforce its rights as patent owners against infringement. To the extent that qualifies a company as litigious is a subjective opinion. If IP is not enforced and protected, innovation cannot flourish.
AWM is one of, if not the, leader in bringing wave pools all across the world. What’s the motivation behind this, other than the obvious business opportunities? (Question taken from Surfer Magazine)
The mission is to continue increasing opportunities to participate in, to work in, and to compete within the sport of surfing. Our sport’s high-level athletes don’t have enough opportunities to leverage their talent. Our experts and coaches need platforms to best utilize their skillsets and teach those wanting to learn. The next generation would benefit from the opportunity to access more training on PS. Myriads of other surf enthusiasts would like an opportunity to simply work in the industry they’re passionate about. TLDR: Grow the sport of surfing!
I’ve heard of failing wave pools, is it a lucrative business?
All PerfectSwell® venues are open and thriving. Other suppliers have had wave pools that opened and closed doors quickly due to poor economic performance, weak surf and frequent mechanical failure. The wave quality matters. To succeed, a surf venue must have a good, addicting wave, or people won’t go back, and it will fail. These well documented failures have made the investment seem risky to the uninitiated. Despite the failings of competitors, we are seeing a substantial increase in demand for our highest performance systems.
What is the process of developing a PerfectSwell® surf pool?
Proprietary information and data collected over seven years of operations and development is analyzed to create the optimal surf park for a given location. We work with our development partners to achieve business goals outlined in the initial work period. Our projects are all entirely unique, with unique goals, design constraints, and specific markets to address.
How big are the waves?
Waves can be engineered to any size and shape specification. American Wave Machines acts as the wave pool design consultant so that the customer gets the proper specification for the business plan.
How long is the ride?
The ride length is only limited by the pool size. Specialty waves like the Air Section might be shorter or longer depending on surfers’ wants. Broadly speaking, ride lengths may range from 5 seconds to 25+ seconds.
How many waves per minute?
PerfectSwell® technology can easily generate 10 large waves per minute (a wave every 6 seconds). However, the amount of waves per minute during operation will depend on amount of surfers in the water and their respective skill levels.
What types of waves are there?
PerfectSwell® can create a wide range of wave types. The size, shape, and patterns of waves are all adjustable. PerfectSwell® offers more wave types than any technology on the market.
What does the future hold, how will the progression of PerfectSwell® continue?
AWM has grown from a scale model in an Aquarium in 2007 to deploying some of the world’s largest surf pools. The company has cracked the code on fun addicting surf. From here, AWM is pursuing iterative upgrades to continue bettering the experience for surfers. With safety and sustainability in mind, AWM is pursuing larger more powerful surf, more efficient surf, better energy dampening, more options for users, and a more streamlined operation suite.
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