Surf Park Real Estate Conference

Bisnow presents a national deep dive into Surf Parks as an emerging experiential & lifestyle-driven real estate asset class

From man-made surfing lagoons to full-scale surf-anchored mixed-use and hospitality destinations, developers and investors are riding a new wave of opportunity.

As demand grows for immersive, wellness-driven and adventure-based environments, surf parks are evolving into year-round community hubs and tourism engines. Surf Parks blend recreation, hospitality, retail, entertainment and placemaking into one footprint.

This event will explore how surf park projects are being financed, designed, engineered, constructed and operated, and panelists will share how next-generation wave technology, sustainability strategies and guest experience programming are shaping the future nationwide.

Why You Won't Want To Miss This Conference:

What You'll Learn About Surf-Park Destinations:

• How surf parks are maturing from niche attractions into a recognized experiential real estate asset class, and where institutional and private capital is starting to allocate
• What demand indicators developers and investors are using, including tourism draw, local population density, surfer participation rates and year-round visitation projections
• How surf-anchored developments are being integrated into mixed-use, resort and master-planned communities as the primary traffic-driving amenity
• How surf parks function as placemaking anchors and community hubs that serve both tourists and local users
• Real-world funding and entitlement hurdles surf park developers face, and the approval, zoning and community buy-in strategies that are working
• How to evaluate and compare major wave-generating technologies based on throughput, wave variety, energy usage, maintenance needs and guest experience outcomes
• Key site selection criteria, including acreage requirements, utility loads, water sourcing, access, adjacency uses and ideal co-tenancy mixes
• Construction and engineering realities behind man-made surf lagoons, including geotechnical needs, basin construction, lining systems and mechanical infrastructure
• Delivery methods and risk-sharing approaches contractors are using to manage cost, schedule and performance in large-scale aquatic builds
• Operational models for surf parks, from private club formats to ticketed public venues to resort-operated amenities, and how each impacts revenue predictability
• Guest experience and programming design: How operators keep parks active year-round, and focus on community
• Liability, safety and insurance frameworks specific to wave lagoons and aquatic adventure venues
• Sustainability and environmental strategies, including closed-loop water systems, water recycling, energy efficiency and net-zero-use targets
• Where technology and next-generation wave systems are heading, and how developers are future-proofing projects against rapid innovation in surf infrastructure

How You'll Do More Business From Attending This Real Estate Event: By attending this event, you’ll connect directly with developers, investors, operators and technology providers actively pursuing surf park and surf-anchored mixed-use projects across the country. You’ll identify new capital partners, specialty consultants and construction/design teams with experience in experiential and recreational assets. The event is designed to help you uncover live deal opportunities, understand financing and entitlement pathways, and position your firm within a fast-growing lifestyle and hospitality-driven asset class. You’ll leave with actionable relationships and market insight that can translate into new partnerships, projects and revenue streams!

Why You Should Attend This Session: Bisnow events bring together the biggest power players in the industry to identify opportunities, build your network and expand your business. With the largest audience of commercial real estate professionals in the world, no one knows how to help your business more than us.

Who You'll Network With At This Discussion: Owners, Operators, Developers, Investors, Architects, Construction, Designers, Engineers, Brokers, Lawyers, Financial Institutions, Lenders, Consultants, Suppliers, & Economic development leaders. 

For questions, recommendations, comments or press inquiries please email our event producer, Samantha D'Angelo at samantha.dangelo@bisnow.com. 

Good Reads: 

Is There a Surf Park Near Me? Find Out. We’ve Just Hit 200+ Spots On Our Wave Pool Map (Published by Bryan Dickerson, Wave Pool Mag 6/12/26)

Observations: How Surf Park Design Shapes the Guest Experience at Waco Surf (and Elsewhere) (Published by Bryan Dickerson, Wave Pool Mag 6/5/26)

How Much Does It Cost to Surf a Wave Pool? Price Guide 2026 (Published by Bryan Dickerson, Wave Pool Mag 6/5/26)

Seven Ways to Make a Perfect Wave: Comparing the Major Wavepool Technologies (Published by Bryan Dickerson, Wave Pool Mag 4/28/26)

Insuring Surf Parks: 5 Takeaways from Granite Insurance to Make Your Project A Success (Published 4/27/26)

How Do Surf Parks Get Financed? 10 Insights From a $100M Question (Published 4/23/26) 

Artificial Wave Real Estate is a Thing: Deep Insights with David Likins (Published by Bryan Dickerson, Wave Pool Mag 4/13/26)

The Operational Challenge of Evolving Surf Park Demand (Published 3/18/26)

Surf Parks Are Entering Their First Real Test as Commercial Real Estate Assets (Published 2/24/26)

New Data Shows That Surf Park Demand Is Quietly Evolving (Published by Jess Ponting, Surf Park Central on 2/9/26)

Why the Next 24 Months Will Redefine the Surf Park Industry (Published by Jess Ponting, Surf Park Central on 1/8/26)

Other Events To Attend:

• Register for Surf Park Summit, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to surf-anchored real estate, in Virginia Beach, VA, September 1-3. The event features expanded presentations and expert-led panels designed to help developers move their projects forward. Where deals happen. Where visions turn into projects. Where the future of surfing beyond the ocean is shaped.
• Don't miss the US Open of Surfing: Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, August 2, 2026 in Huntington Beach, CA (Surf City USA). The US Open of Surfing is the world's largest surf competition. This event has been hosted in Huntington Beach every year since 1959, largely because of the location's consistent waves and wide-open beaches. In 1964, it became known as the United States Surfing Championships and in 1982 was called OP Pro for its sponsor, Ocean Pacific. Since 1994, the event has been named the US Open of Surfing. The event attracts the top athletes from around the globe in surfing. 

Interested in Sponsorship?

Contact avery.warren@bisnow.com to get information on sponsorship, pricing and availability at this event.

Notable Projects, Assets & Deals:

SurfLoch: SurfLoch is the pioneering pneumatic wave technology company founded by Tom Lochtefeld, whose work in engineered surf spans four decades. Tom is a WWA Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the 2023 Surf Park Summit Leadership Award - recognition of a career that has fundamentally shaped the wave technology industry. SurfLoch offers a full technology suite, featuring a flagship competition-grade pool to a compact-footprint for boutique developments.  All SurfLoch systems are powered by proprietary dual-force pneumatic actuators built on Siemens control architecture and delivering repeatable, high-performance waves with no moving parts in the water.  To ensure maximum wave performance and continued operational run-time, SurfLoch supports its equipment package with WaveWare™, a proprietary software platform for wave programming, performance monitoring, and facility management. SurfLoch redefines surf pool applications to include private residential, resort, and mixed-use developments desiring a lifestyle anchor and project differentiator. Current contracts are ongoing in Europe, North America, South America, Central America, and Australia.

Snug Harbor Surf Park: Creating a revolutionary facility where surfing will be accessible, enjoyable and achievable for anyone, ensuring that Newport Beach not only cultivates world-class surfers, but also celebrates a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Crest Surf Clubs: The only a vertically integrated surf hospitality and experiential real estate platform developing private, membership-based surf clubs anchored by proprietary pneumatic wave technology. The company’s flagship project, Crest New York, is a fully entitled and shovel-ready surf club development on Long Island featuring a heated surf lagoon, luxury clubhouse, wellness and fitness amenities, food & beverage, coworking, and hospitality-driven member programming. Unlike traditional surf park developers focused solely on ticket sales or technology licensing, Crest combines real estate ownership, recurring membership revenues, and in-house wave technology to create a scalable platform model for future club, resort, and residential community developments. The company’s wave system is led by former Kelly Slater Wave Company Senior R&D Engineer Alex Poirot, who spent over a decade helping develop the Surf Ranch technology platform. Crest is currently advancing multiple domestic and international expansion opportunities while positioning surf clubs as premium lifestyle anchors for mixed-use, hospitality, and residential developments.

Alchemy Surf Resort: A next-generation inland-surf destination that blends WAVEGARDEN® powered surf, boutique hospitality, wellness, dining, and lifestyle-driven placemaking into one high-demand resort experience. Designed for surfers, families, spectators, and experience-seeking travelers, Alchemy transforms surf culture into a year-round hospitality platform offering consistent waves, premium amenities, curated food and beverage concepts, and resort-style social spaces. Unlike traditional coastal surf destinations, Alchemy removes the uncertainty of ocean conditions and creates a predictable, accessible, and highly programmable surf experience. Guests can learn, train, relax, dine, gather, and stay within a single destination built around the energy of the surf lagoon. The Resort is being developed by Alchemy Surf Resort GP, alongside an experienced team with a proven track record of developing, financing, constructing, and operating WAVEGARDEN® destinations. The site is located within Placer One, a 2,000-acre master-planned community north of Roseville, California, in Placer County; the fastest-growing county in California by population growth in 2025–2026. The Sponsor controls the property and is on target to reach full approvals by fall 2026. Design Development is progressing in parallel with entitlements and construction documents are expected in September with earthwork beginning in early 2027 ///// Notable Quotes: Barry Broome, President & CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council: “The 25-acre surf park project planned for the Placer One development in Placer County presents a transformative opportunity for the Greater Sacramento region. This world-class resort will attract visitors from across the country and internationally, creating local jobs and driving economic growth in tourism, hospitality, retail and recreation industries. Beyond its economic impact, this project will raise the amenity level in the market, enhancing the quality of life for residents and helping to drive momentum for further development. As part of the broader Placer One development, the surf park will not only support local businesses but also position the region as a leading destination for innovation and leisure. We are excited to see how this project will contribute to long-term economic growth, improve the region’s quality of life, and elevate the Greater Sacramento region as a top destination for both residents and visitors alike.”, Clifton Taylor, President of Taylor Builders: "Destination-type retail is thriving and Alchemy Surf Resort will be popular with the the large number of existing families in West Placer and the college-student population coming to the new Sacramento State campus. It’s a unique concept for Northern California and we’re excited to be part of the team bringing it to the area.”, Craig Stoddart & Damon Tudor of Thinking Adrenaline: “Thinking Adrenaline is thrilled to announce our partnership with Chris and Andrea Gallardo to support their remarkable vision for the Alchemy Surf Resort project in Sacramento, California. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative and thrilling adventure experiences for all. This venture stands out as one of the most exciting surf park developments in the U.S., and we eagerly anticipate sharing our extensive global expertise in developing, constructing, and operating surf parks."

Endless Surf:he next-generation of wave technology delivering fully customizable, ocean-quality waves for surf parks around the world. Backed by over four decades of aquatic expertise from WhiteWater, Endless Surf combines proven pneumatic hardware with an innovative software suite to create flexible and efficient operations for both premium and high-capacity surf sessions. Following the debut of its first operating lagoon in 2024, Endless Surf has rapidly expanded its global pipeline with projects now open and underway across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Australia. Open projects include O2 SURFTOWN MUC (Germany), Aquarabia at Qiddiya City (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), and Adrena at The Red Sea Project (Saudi Arabia). Active developments include Cabo Real Surf Club in Los Cabos, Surf London in the UK, The Point Surf Park in Florida, Shell Point Surf Club in Panama City Beach, Palm Valley on Australia’s Gold Coast, Brasil Surfe Clube in Rio de Janeiro, and numerous others. From public surf parks and private clubs to integrated resort and residential communities, Endless Surf technology caters to any venue type and is helping developers create new destinations where surfing becomes an anchor for lifestyle, hospitality, wellness, and real estate value.

AO: DSRT Surf: Nestled within Palm Desert’s expansive 17-acre terrain, DSRT Surf emerges as a groundbreaking resort uniting desert allure with Californian surf ethos. Situated in Coachella Valley amid a golf course, it promises optimized waves, a resort hotel, luxury villas, and diverse recreation, reshaping surf culture in Inland Empire. At its heart lies a sprawling 5-acre surf lagoon, boasting ocean-like waves for pros and gentle sections for novices, overlooked by a vibrant five-story, 92-key hotel with a dynamic surf center and upscale amenities. Luxurious villas flank the lagoon, echoing coastal living with open designs and pedestrian-friendly walkways. Activities abound, from pickleball to yoga, fostering an oasis blending adventure and tranquility. Architecturally, modern elements blend with mid-century nods, while sustainability initiatives like the Surf for Turf program repurpose water, honoring the Coachella Valley’s resilient flora and celebrating surf culture. DSRT Surf epitomizes luxury desert hospitality, championing sophisticated, sustainable design and immersive experiences ///// Alchemy Surf Park: Located in Northern California’s rapidly growing Sacramento region, Alchemy Surf Resort is a 25-acre destination anchored by a state-of-the-art WAVEGARDEN® surf lagoon capable of delivering customizable waves for surfers of all skill levels. The resort combines adventure, hospitality, and wellness through a thoughtfully curated mix of accommodations, dining, recreation, and member amenities, including a boutique hotel, beach club, fitness and recovery facility, standing wave attraction, and multiple food and beverage concepts. Designed as both a community gathering place and regional tourism driver, the resort will host everything from local surf competitions and corporate retreats to weddings and special events, while programs such as para-surfing and youth surf initiatives expand access to the sport. With construction anticipated to begin in early 2027 and opening targeted for 2029, Alchemy Surf Resort is poised to become Northern California’s premier inland surf destination. ///// PHX Surf: PHX Surf is a 40-acre surf-anchored resort destination in Maricopa, Arizona, bringing ocean-quality waves and a lifestyle-focused recreation experience to the Sonoran Desert. Designed by AO, the development is centered around a 137,000-square-foot Endless Surf lagoon capable of producing consistent waves for surfers of all skill levels, supporting recreational surfing, training programs, and competitions. The project is envisioned as a “barefoot luxury” desert oasis that blends surf culture with resort hospitality and wellness. Surrounding the lagoon, the program includes a resort center, surf academy and operations facilities, lagoon-front dining and retail, spa and fitness amenities, and outdoor gathering spaces designed to create an active waterfront environment. A collection of approximately 100 resort bungalows are integrated throughout the site, forming a distinctive hospitality village that complements the surf experience. Future phases are planned to expand the destination with additional recreation and entertainment offerings, establishing PHX Surf as a regional hub for sport, leisure, and community.

Martin Aquatic: The Point Surf Park, Fellsmere FL: Martin Aquatic has engineered the mechanical and filtration systems for numerous surf parks currently under development around the world. Using its patented Blue Mar Basins® technology, the Orlando-based aquatic consultant is delivering pristine water quality to ensure surf parks can offer their guests a safe and enjoyable experience. Martin Aquatic’s projects include several throughout the US, Brazil, as well as The Point Surf Park, Florida’s first surf park and the first Endless Surf wave in the Americas.

Aventuur: A global developer and operator of authentic surf, leisure, and wellbeing destinations. With the exclusive rights to Wavegarden’s wave-generating technology in key markets across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Fiji, the company is curating a global network of deeply connected communities bound by a love of surfing. Appealing to surfers and non-surfers alike, Aventuur’s destinations offer surf sports and aquatic experiences, with additional health, leisure and wellbeing offerings that leverage the power of Blue Health and the global demand for outdoor recreation ///// Jacksonville, North East Florida, USA: Located within The PARC Group’s master planned eTown community on the Southside of Duval County. Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, opening in 2028. Featuring a 62-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, high-performance surf academy, boutique hotel, health and wellness centre, member clubhouse, beach club, quality food and beverage offering, retail stores and event spaces. Phased masterplan allows for an exciting mix of multifamily residential, mixed-use retail and entertainment, and community spaces to be added over time. Equity funding secured from general and limited partners (largely local to Jacksonville) in mid-2025. The project’s local general partnership consists of respected, highly qualified multi-generational developers, engineers and contractors who are passionate about the Jacksonville community, and surfing: Lockwood Holmes, Jr., Lockwood Holmes, Sr., Austin Holmes, Riley Skinner, Hawley Smith, Morgan Phillips, Marshall Brown, Brad Davis and Rob Carlton. ///// Perth, Western Australia: Construction commenced April 2026, opening in late 2027. Featuring a 62-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, surfing members' clubhouse, beach club, restaurant and bar, rooftop glamping accommodation, high-performance surf academy, RCVRI wellness studio, Rip Curl flagship store, equipment rental centre, outdoor training facilities, skate park and community events lawn. Equity funding secured from institutional investor and insurer Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) and Perth-based family office Wyllie. Debt  funding secured from Tier 1 lender National Australia Bank (NAB) ///// Auckland, North Island, New Zealand: Construction commenced February 2025, opening in 2028. Featuring a 62-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon, high-performance sports and leisure facilities, eco-cabins and lodging accommodation, restaurants, public outdoor amenities (including walking and cycling trails). Currently seeking to expand the community to include a town centre, around 500 residential homes and a surfing members' clubhouse. Surf park complemented by a co-located solar farm and Ten Peaks data centre campus. Notably, excess heat from the Spark data centre campus (planned to be powered by electricity linked to new renewable generation, including from the on-site solar farm) will be harnessed to warm the surfing lagoon year-round – a world-first. Project partners include former All Black, mental health advocate and surfing knight Sir John Kirwan, sports, media and entertainment executive Trevor McKewen, and experienced commercial real estate developer and investor Mark Francis.

Hidden Lake Surf Resort: A rare and differentiated 120-acre destination resort opportunity in Buckeye, Arizona, centered around an existing 60-acre private lake within the rapidly growing Phoenix metropolitan area. The project is envisioned to combine best-in-class wave pool technology with a 300-key resort hotel, beach club, waterfront dining, outdoor hospitality accommodations, live entertainment, and a diverse mix of lake and land-based recreation, creating a year-round destination at the intersection of surf, hospitality, and outdoor adventure. Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, Hidden Lake is designed to serve both regional visitors and destination travelers. Approximately 5 million residents live within a one-hour drive of the project site, while the Phoenix metropolitan area attracts more than 45 million visitors annually. The project also benefits from existing onsite water infrastructure and water rights, direct adjacency to federal BLM land, and PAD approvals already in place for its surf, hospitality, and recreation components. With land ownership secured, approximately $7 million of sponsor capital invested to date, and a seasoned leadership team spanning real estate, operations, hospitality, and surf expertise, Hidden Lake reflects the evolution of surf destinations from standalone attractions into diversified experiential real estate assets designed to generate year-round visitation, multiple revenue streams, and meaningful economic impact.
 

MVE Architects: Snug Harbor: The Snug Harbor Surf park, proposed for a 15.3-acre site in Newport Beach, aims to transform the central portion of the Newport Beach Golf Course into a premier surfing destination. Central to the development is a 7-acre surf lagoon, complemented by viewing platforms, seating areas, three warming pools, and a spa. The facility will feature a three story clubhouse housing a reception area, surf academy, fitness facility, yoga center, administration offices, retail store, restaurant, and coffee bar/ snack shack. Additionally, a two-story athlete accommodation building will provide 20 units, each equipped with a bed, bathroom, closet, and patio overlooking the surf lagoon. By offering consistent, high-quality waves, the park aims to attract local surfers and visitors, enhancing Newport Beach’s reputation as a premier surfing destination.

Want to get a recap of everything covered at the event?

Purchase the post-event summary and get the highlights sent to you in a post-event summary. Purchase here.