Family Entertainment: SurfStream® Debuts at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa Featuring Instruction by Ron Jon Surf School Blooloop

29th April 2009

First standing wave machine in Western Hemisphere provides authentic surf

American Wave Machines, Inc., (AWM) an innovator in artificial wave technology, today announced that the first standing wave machine in the Western Hemisphere will debut at the grand opening of the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa’s Pirate’s Island Waterpark on May 14-18, 2009. Elijah Mack and Ron Jon Surf School of Cocoa Beach, Fla., will provide surfing demonstrations and instruction on SurfStream®.

The anchor attraction of the Pirate’s Island Waterpark at the Beaches resort, SurfStream is the first and only commercially available surf machine that creates a true standing wave. SurfStream delivers authentic surf by creating a deep cushion of water where riders can use real surfboards with fins to carve on an endless wave. As a result, the skills acquired riding SurfStream waves translate perfectly to ocean surfing.

As a part of the grand opening, Ron Jon Surf School will demonstrate surfing techniques and provide surfing instruction on the SurfStream. In business since 1993, Ron Jon Surf School is the largest surfing school in Florida and specializes in private and group lessons for all levels of surfers. Owner/instructor Craig Carroll is a former competitive surfer who is the 1993 East Coast Longboard Champion and was a member of the 1996 world champion U.S. National Surfing Team. He is also the former coach of the Shagg’s surf team from 1984 to 1994, which included the now nine-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater.

In addition, acclaimed big wave rider, river surfer and AWM team member Elijah Mack will be on hand. Former president of the World River Surfing Association, Eli has surfed rivers all over the world, including Rapid 11 on the Zambezi River in Zambia, the Eisbach River in Munich Germany and Skocumchuk in Canada.

“SurfStream delivers a fully adjustable, gravity-driven wave, making it safe enough for novices and fun for everyone, ” said Carroll, owner/instructor of Ron Jon Surf School. “We’re looking forward to introducing surfing to the active family clientele at Beaches Resort.” Elijah Mack added, “Since SurfStream is so versatile and can create any kind of wave, including left breaks, right breaks, even full-blown barrels, SurfStream is perfect for learning to surf. Skills acquired are transferable to ocean and river surfing.”

Ron Jon surf instructor Lauren McLean will also be providing instruction and demonstration at the resort opening. McLean is a pro-surfer who is a two-time winner of the East Coast Shortboard Championships and a member of the Eastern Surfing Association’s (ESA) allstar team. She is one of only two women to compete in the International World of Surfing’s (ISA) World Surfing Games of 2002.

“It is a great experience working with Beaches Resorts and the Ron Jon Surf School to create authentic bodyboarding and surfing for visitors and guests, ” said Bruce McFarland, president of AWM. “Beaches guests were really excited that SurfStream is now at the resort and let us know that riding SurfStream felt just like riding a wave in the ocean.”

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa officially opened the doors on January 20, 2009, to its brand new $125 million expansion, the Italian Village. On May 14-18, 2009, the resort will hold the official grand opening of the newly renovated Pirate’s Island Waterpark, expanded to ten times its original size. It includes seven all-new slides, a 650 ft. lazy river with a magical grotto, cascading waterfall and overhead boardwalk. The premier attraction is the SurfStream simulator by AWM, one of only four in the world and the first in the Western Hemisphere. The waterpark also features a pool and aqua play area complete with water cannons, a beached Pirate ship, cranks and sprays, all reflecting the waterpark’s swashbuckling pirate theme. More information is available at www.beaches.com.

About American Wave Machines, Inc.

American Wave Machines, Inc. (AWM) develops artificial wave technology for applications in the amusement industry. Its patented SurfStream®, the world’s first standing wave machine, is a technology breakthrough that delivers authentic surf and wave riding capabilities. The company also offers PerfectSwell™ wave generators for wave pools and custom surf pool design and equipment for large surf pools. AWM surf technology is available for waterparks, surfparks, hotel resorts, and sponsored wave-riding exhibitions. For more information, visit www.surfstream.com.

About Beaches Resorts

When it comes to family vacations, no other resort company in the world offers more than Beaches Resorts. With four spectacular locations on the most beautiful beaches in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, Beaches Resorts is the ultimate family getaway and the most comprehensive vacation available in the Caribbean including gourmet meals; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California’s legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations; and even gratuities. Fun for the whole family means outrageous waterparks; XBOX® 360 Game Garages; Crayola Art Camps; and exclusive Kids Camps with a full schedule of age-appropriate activities as well as childcare provided by expertly trained Certified Nannies. As a proud sponsor of Sesame Street, Beaches Resorts offers another exclusive for families, the Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, where kids can spend their vacation with their favorite friends from the Sesame Street gang with daily activities and weekly stage shows. Brand new teen and tween programming will keep coming-of-age guests on their toes, whether dancing the night away at aqua-themed nightclub, Liquid; learning how to become a DJ at the Scratch DJ Academy; lounging and mingling with new friends at Trench Town; or enjoying a tailored spa treatment at Beaches Resorts’ exclusive Red Lane® Spa. With additional amenities including Butler Service; Red Lane® Spas, featuring services and treatments inspired by the region; WeddingMoons® and FamilyMoons® packages to make your wedding day just perfect; Beaches Resorts truly offers something for every member of the family.