Beyond the Ocean returns with Episode 16 with Bruce Quay, the COO of Aquatic Development Group (ADG), the team behind EpicSurf. Quay discusses the path that led him to become COO of a water park design and wave manufacturing company, as well as ADG’s extensive background in the industry, getting people outside and into water sports; and explains how EpicSurf and stationary surf waves will create a more inclusive surf experience at surf parks and other adventure parks.

In this episode, Quay also discusses Play Surf Ride, ADG’s concept for water-based adventure parks that incorporate everything from recreational water play and waves, to surf pools, to dry-park adventures, that provide a complete family experience. He also discusses their history with the FlowRider system and how some of ADG’s initiatives will create more surfing opportunities sooner than later.

About Bruce Quay

No stranger to the business-side of all things aquatic, Bruce has had a 30+ year career leading and growing businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, and commercial sector.  Starting his career off with General Electric, his path has led him to undertake several leading positions within the aquatics industry, transforming multiple companies into North American leaders in the swimming pool components and recreational products industries. 

Currently ADG’s Chief Operating Officer, Bruce’s first foray with ADG was back in the early 2000’s where he served as Executive VP, working with Tom Lochtefeld and team to introduce FlowRider® to the North American market. After a hiatus to develop and run his own company which he eventually sold, he returned to ADG as COO where one of his chief roles is to spur the development of their aquatic products division.

An initiative that Bruce has eagerly spearheaded, and has resulted in one of the most ambitious new product launches in ADG’s 30-year history, is the introduction of  EpicSurf®.  Launched in the summer of 2021, it is the first and only stationary deep-water surf wave to be 100% manufactured in the USA and backed by a company that has delivered more aquatic projects and equipment than any other in the industry. 

Bruce’s commitment to high quality and performance, along with his long history in successful new product development, made him the ideal candidate to help ADG develop EpicSurf.  He continues to drive the development behind many of ADG’s product lines including new innovations to their wave systems and mountain side product division.    

Bruce graduated from Hope College in Michigan with a BA in economics and business administration.

ADG is one of the world’s most respected water park and aquatic venue design, construction, and manufacturing firms in the industry, offering a comprehensive range of products and services that set the industry standard for innovation and creativity.

50+ years ago their WaveTekⓇ systems made their mark on the industry with the first hydraulic and pneumatic recreational and surfable wave pools to appear in North America. And since then they have continued to innovate developing a series of industry firsts in waves that have set the standard for designing and building most of today’s large surf pools.

In the 1980’s ADG revolutionized the water park industry when they introduced their vertically-integrated InDepthTM Approach — a complete solution to plan, design, equip, and construct an entire project from start to finish. With their in-house vertical integration of services and 50+ years of real-world experience, both working in the field and manufacturing the equipment, no other company in the industry can match their capability to successfully deliver a project from concept through to completion.

EpicSurf, engineered, and manufactured at ADG’s headquarters in Upstate New York, is a true deep-water stationary surf wave that is designed to appeal to both the expert and novice surfer alike.

Differentiating it from other stationary waves on the market, the EpicSurf produces a real wave of water with a depth that can be adjusted from between 3’ – 5’ (.9 - 1.5 m) for an authentic surfing experience versus on a ride that produces only a thin sheet of water that is pushed over a formed surface. Surfers can catch an endless wave of fun with virtually unlimited options in board choice — from full-on skegged ocean boards, to foamis, short boards, even boogie boards and skimboards. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Beyond the Ocean is an interview series focused on the impact of technology on the future of surfing. We speak with authors, actors, industry experts, and pro surfers about their views and experiences in, and beyond the ocean.