Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dampening waves preferably comprising a wave pool having two portions, a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves that causes the waves to begin breaking, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves after they begin to break. The properties of the raised floor, including its porosity, its depth (relative to the chamber depth), and the characteristics of the waves to be dampened, including the wave height and shape, are taken into account in designing a dampening system that substantially dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can interfere with the next oncoming waves, and thereby, help to maintain quality surfing waves at high frequencies without increasing pool size.