T
he surf-anchored commercial real estate market has reached an all-time high in 2025, with numerous developments underway that combine residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces centered around human-made waves. The Surf Park Summit is the industry's premier event, bringing together professionals and newcomers to explore this multi-billion-dollar sector.
This year's summit will be held in Virginia Beach, where attendees can tour Atlantic Park, a highly anticipated surf park project that serves as a case study for the future of commercial real estate. With its grand opening on the horizon, we spoke with Blake Hess, COO of Beach Street Development, to gain insight into the project's vision and scope.
Atlantic Park is set to revolutionize the city of Virginia Beach by providing perfect, consistent waves every day through its Wavegarden Cove. The park will also feature a 5,000-person Live Nation amphitheater, restaurants, retail options, and more, driving year-round traffic and increasing revenues for local businesses.
As the first major surf park project on the East Coast, Atlantic Park is poised to impact the industry significantly. By bringing high-quality waves to an already established surf community, it will demonstrate the potential of surf parks in developed areas. Additionally, the Wavegarden Cove will introduce landlocked beginner surfers to the sport, increasing its popularity.
Developing Atlantic Park was not without its challenges, including navigating the entitlement process and securing funding. The project's proximity to the ocean also presented engineering and waterproofing issues due to the water table. However, the team's experience running other surf lagoons helped in planning for operations.
As the surf park industry matures, Hess notes that while things may not have gotten easier, their experience has helped them plan for operations more effectively. The project's amenities, including the Live Nation amphitheater, were considered essential to create an experience that extends beyond the wave itself.
The transition from development to operations is a complex process, requiring improvisation and flexibility. Hess credits his team, comprising passionate local surfers and experienced operators, with helping to navigate this phase.
For developers, Hess advises involving the operator in the initial planning stages to save costs and ensure efficient site management. With Atlantic Park set to open soon, register for Surf Park Summit 2025 to learn more about this groundbreaking project and its potential impact on the industry.
