At San Diego 6, we are focusing on local companies who have come up with unique inventions and discoveries. All of these companies work with UCSD Connect. UCSD Connect is a San Diego based organization that focuses on accelerating innovation in our area.
Solana Beach resident Bruce McFarland has been surfing the waves of Southern California for 40 years. He has a background in hydraulic engineering and decided to tinker in his garage, hoping to build a wave machine. “I started with tin and tape and magnets and water pumps,” McFarland told San Diego 6.
Six months later, McFarland completed the design and started his own company called “American Wave Machines.” The machine generates one continuous wave with 50,000 gallons of recycled water. A surfer can enter into the pool on the wave and an instructor can help the surfer stand up. McFarland says most first-time surfers can stand up on their first wave within 15 minutes of trying the machine.
“You won’t believe the people that get on this and surf. All the way from kids to people in their 60’s,” McFarland said.
So far, American Wave Machines has had success. Already a wave machine is up and running at the Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos. Another is located in Taiwan and two are under construction in Illinois and in Sweden.
