The process by which waves are created and break is actually quite simple. Large areas of the ocean have massive energy created by spinning winds around a center low/storm.

The result? A fetch (distance+direction of wind or swell across open water). This manifests itself on your favorite break along with the influence of several factors such as bathymetry, wind, tide and a number of ‘unknowns’. Surfers know this. Slater’s a surfer.

Kelly Slater dreams…and they usually come true…but not without accurate action.

So that meant a team of world-class scientists/nerds/investors.

The spot? Lemoore, Cali.

This vid, created by Science Magazine breaks down just how the hell they did it.