Artwave Technology · Finland
Man-made surf.
In open water.
Artwave is a patented, mobile wave technology that creates surfable waves in lakes, rivers and urban harbours — without building a pool.
Patented
Patented technology
~10%
of the cost of a conventional wave pool*
0
No pool construction
2011
Since 2011
*Indicative estimate compared with built wave-pool facilities.
01How it works
Three steps. No excavation.
Artwave brings the wave to the water, rather than building water around a wave.
- 01
Install in existing water
A mobile structure is installed in an existing body of water — a lake, a river or an urban harbour basin.
- 02
Generate a rideable wave
The system generates a rideable A-frame wave, breaking in both directions for surfers of different levels.
- 03
Remove, leave no mark
When the season or event ends, the structure can be removed, leaving the site as it was.
02Why open water
A different model for surf infrastructure.
Conventional wave pools are major construction projects. Artwave is designed to work with the water a site already has.
Upfront investment
- Conventional wave pool
- Very high
- Artwave
- Low
Construction
- Conventional wave pool
- Purpose-built pool
- Artwave
- None
Location
- Conventional wave pool
- Fixed
- Artwave
- Mobile — lakes, rivers, harbours
Environmental footprint
- Conventional wave pool
- Permanent
- Artwave
- Removable, energy-efficient
Time to launch
- Conventional wave pool
- Years
- Artwave
- Short
| Criterion | Conventional wave pool | Artwave |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront investment | Very high | Low |
| Construction | Purpose-built pool | None |
| Location | Fixed | Mobile — lakes, rivers, harbours |
| Environmental footprint | Permanent | Removable, energy-efficient |
| Time to launch | Years | Short |
03Environment
Leave no trace.
Portable
Transported and installed as a unit. No foundations, no permanent structures on the shoreline.
Energy-efficient
Uses the surrounding water body rather than filling, filtering and heating a basin.
Removable
Taken out at the end of a season or event, leaving the site as it was found.
Ongoing research
Measurements taken during test runs showed changes in dissolved oxygen levels in the surrounding water.
Whether wave generation could offer water-quality benefits is still under study. We are treating these as early observations, not conclusions, and will share findings as the research matures.
04Use cases
Where Artwave fits.
Urban harbours & waterfront regeneration
Bring year-round activity and a new public draw to harbour basins and city waterfronts.
Lake & resort destinations
Add a signature attraction to lakeside resorts and destinations without altering the shoreline.
Events & festivals
A temporary wave as the centrepiece of a festival, competition or brand event.
Surf park operators & licensing
License the technology to operate Artwave sites in new markets.
05Track record
Over a decade in the water.
2011
Research begins
Development starts within university research projects.
2014
Artwave Surf Ltd founded
The company is established in Finland.
2014
First urban test
Kalasatama, Helsinki.
First urban test, Kalasatama, Helsinki (2014) 2016
Surf Park Summit
Presented in the Emerging Tech programme.
Today
Artwave Surf Site, Karkkila
Operating in Finland and open to visitors.
06Partnership
Partner with us.
For licensing, installation projects, events and investment. Tell us about your site or idea.
Looking to surf?
Book a session at artwavesurf.com