Few names carry as much weight in the surf park industry as Surf Loch. Founded by surf industry pioneer Tom Lochtefeld, the company has been innovating in wave technology for nearly four decades. Most recently, they were involved in groundbreaking projects like the RiF010 in Rotterdam.
Today, the company leverages its impressive track record to create surf-anchored destinations featuring scalable, energy-efficient waves that suit a wide range of sites and budgets, without compromising performance.
In this conversation with Surf Park Central, Lochtefeld shares how Surf Loch continues to evolve alongside the surf park market, what developers are asking for today, and what’s next for one of the industry’s most influential companies.
Surf Park Central: Tell me about Surf Loch and how it differs from other technologies in the surf park industry?
Tom Lochtefeld: One word: flexibility.
Our designs adapt to projects of every scale — from historic canals in city centers (RiF010) to backyard pools, or retrofitted waterparks (PSSC).
Surf Loch technology controls the wave formation process to break within a smaller area, while at the same time maximizing wave height, wave shape, ride duration, and most importantly, frequency. A smaller space equals less cost to build, own, and operate; but still managing a high turnover for both the venue and the surfer while still providing a wave tech with infinite performance variations. Surf Park projects are complicated beasts at any size, and flexibility is key to survival.
Surf Park Central: What is in the works for Surf Loch?
Lochtefeld: We’re advancing on multiple fronts. Strategic partnerships are in progress, allowing us to scale faster and provide clients with comprehensive development and operational support. On the technology side, we are continually innovating to lower costs, minimize civil works, reduce energy requirements, and improve efficiency — all while delivering unmatched wave performance.
On the development side, we’ve secured multiple projects with top-tier developers in marquee locations, that will all be using a new pool model that is a result of our nearly 40 years of R&D. More to be announced at the Summit – stay tuned.
Surf Park Central: Surf Loch has seen the surf industry evolve over the last few years. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen from developers?
Lochtefeld: The surf park market has evolved and matured significantly within the last few years. What originally started out as passion-driven developments are now being increasingly focused on building parks that have sound financial returns that mitigate risk and focus on long-term viability. At the same time, many developers want quality surf without the significant capital costs of large-scale projects. This shift has been a key driver of increased interest in SurfLoch’s compact surf pool lineup, where the smaller physical footprints required translate into lower up-front capital raises and faster ROIs.
Surf Park Central: What has changed as far as demands from potential customers?
Lochtefeld: Developers are broadening their focus beyond just waves, asking more of their tech partners in areas like support, safety, and system reliability. Meeting these challenges has been a top priority for SurfLoch and we’ve developed comprehensive programs to ensure that our parks are able to maximize operational uptime and keep surf revenue flowing. We’re also seeing that some developers are interested in creating pool designs that are different from the cookie-cutter designs that are currently in the marketplace. While SurfLoch has excellent ‘off the shelf’ designs, we’re also one of the few companies that offer to create custom pool designs as well.
Surf Park Central: What are the biggest challenges the surf park industry faces as more parks open and there’s a wider range of wave technology?
Lochtefeld: As the industry matures, we see challenges that include navigating market saturation and increased competition, clarifying which technologies and operators are sustainable, and ensuring that early parks succeed. Each successful project reduces resistance from investors and municipalities, increases access to capital, and ultimately expands surfing’s accessibility worldwide.
Surf Park Central: What do you want early-stage developers to know about your company?
Lochtefeld: SurfLoch has been at the forefront of surf technology since the inception of the industry, continually exploring, testing, and refining new ideas. Our decades of experience have shaped innovations that influence not only our own projects but also inspire the broader surf-park industry.
For early-stage developers, this means working with a partner that understands the challenges, has learned from them, and remains committed to creating world-class, future-ready surf experiences.
Surf Park Central: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Lochtefeld: One of Surf Loch’s core principles is “Made by surfers, for surfers.” The ocean is the original inspiration. Our journey over the last four decades in the surf pool space is not unlike traveling the world to find that perfect wave…the search continues and so does our R&D. The next generation of pools for Surf Loch will set the benchmark in wave performance!
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