Wave Pools, The New Local Break

Once a novelty, wave pools are now a real option for surfers looking for consistency, accessibility, and variety. While nothing will ever replace the raw power and unpredictability of the ocean, these engineered surf parks are changing the way surfers train, compete, and play. Here’s a breakdown of some of the more talked-about wave pools by North County surfers—both established and upcoming—and the tech behind them.

1. Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch – Lemoore, CA

Technology: Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) Hydrofoil

The Surf Ranch is the crown jewel of wave pools—exclusive, high-performance, and out of reach for most. A hydrofoil runs along a 700-meter track, pushing water to create long, peeling waves up to 6.5 feet high. The pool’s floor is contoured like an ocean reef, shaping waves suitable for powerful maneuvers. It’s an elite, invite-only experience for pros and deep-pocketed enthusiasts.

2. Waco Surf – Waco, TX

Technology: PerfectSwell® (American Wave Machines)

Waco Surf’s tech uses air-powered chambers that release compressed air in precise sequences. This system generates customizable waves—from soft beginner rollers to hollow barrels. The real innovation lies in the flexibility and responsiveness of the system, making Waco a hotbed for air tricks and progression.

3. Palm Springs Surf Club – Palm Springs, CA

Technology: Surf Loch

Palm Springs Surf Club is a community-accessible pool using Surf Loch’s pneumatic caisson system. The tech simulates ocean wind swell by using vacuum and pressure to push and pull water in chambers, generating authentic-feeling surf.

Palm Springs Surf Club – Palm Springs, CA

The waves are shaped by a precisely contoured pool floor, making the surf feel oceanic. The software controls allow for adaptable wave performance to accommodate all-skill levels and wave riding preferences all within the same pool footprint.

According to management, another bigger kidney-shaped wave pool will be built on the premises with longer rides and more options.

4. Revel Surf – Mesa, AZ

Technology: Swell MFG

The Swell Lagoon at Revel Surf delivers ocean-style waves using hydraulically driven modules. These systems send swells across engineered bathymetry, forming long, flowing A-frame waves with left and right options. Swell MFG’s modular design allows for a range of wave shapes and lengths, up to 10–12 seconds per ride. Designed to replicate ocean sets, this system is ideal for all skill levels.

Rendering DSRT Surf – Palm Desert, CA (Coming 2026)

5. DSRT Surf – Palm Desert, CA (Coming 2026)

Technology: Wavegarden Cove

DSRT Surf is a $236M resort project that will feature the first full-scale Wavegarden Cove in North America. With 52 wave modules and multiple zones in a 5.5-acre lagoon, the system can generate hundreds of customizable waves per hour. Wavegarden technology is known for its consistency, energy efficiency, and ability to deliver everything from mellow peelers to punchy barrels.

6. Oceanside Surf Pool – Oceanside, CA (Planned)

Technology: Surf Loch

Another Surf Loch project, this future wave pool will integrate solar, battery, and clean fuel energy systems in coordination with SDG&E. The Surf Loch system will offer natural-feeling waves with flexible performance options, housed within an energy-efficient microgrid infrastructure. Once complete, they will finalize all civil drawings and start construction by end of the year.

 Surf Lakes – Future Sites in CA, TX, NV

7. Surf Lakes – Future Sites in CA, TX, NV

Technology: Plunger System (Central Wave Device)

Surf Lakes uses a giant ‘plunger’ in the center of a circular lake to create concentric swell lines. These waves radiate out and hit multiple custom-shaped reefs, offering different wave types simultaneously. With capacity for up to 200 surfers per hour, the system supports large-scale operation and high wave variety.

As more wave pools emerge with advanced technology and unique surf experiences, it’s clear the landscape of surfing is evolving. Whether you’re seeking consistency for training or a new inland adventure, wave pools offer a different kind of stoke. But for many, nothing will ever replace the magic of paddling into the ocean.

WAVE POOL	TECH	ACCESS	COST LEVEL	BEST FOR	MILES AWAY
Surf Ranch (Lemoore, CA)	KSWC Hydrofoil	Private/Invite Only	(High)	Pros, elites, exclusive events	390
Waco Surf (Waco, TX)	PerfectSwell®	Public	(Moderate) ($129-159/hr)	Intermediate to advanced surfers	1,400
Palm Springs Surf Club (CA)	Surf Loch	Public	(Moderate/High) ($200/hour)	All levels, casual surfers	106
Revel Surf (Mesa, AZ)	Swell MFG + UNIT	Public	(Low/Moderate) ($119-139/hr)	Families, travelers, progressions	460
DSRT Surf (Palm Desert, CA)	Wavegarden Cove	Coming 2026	(High) (Premium resort)	Vacations, surf & stay packages	100
Oceanside Surf Pool (CA)	Surf Loch	Planned	TBD (Sustainable)	Local community and eco-conscious	Local
Surf Lakes (Future CA, NV, TX)	Plunger System	In Development	TBD (High capacity)	Mixed-level groups, high throughput	TBD