S
an Diego, CA – The dream of surfing is becoming a reality for people around the world, thanks to the emergence of surf parks. These inland destinations offer perfect waves, residential housing, and high-end hospitality experiences that attract repeat visitors at a higher rate than ski mountains. With an estimated $4 billion industry today, expanding at 20%+ CAGR per year, surf parks are becoming a unique corner of the real estate market.
Facilities already in operation include URBNSURF in Melbourne, Australia; Waco Surf in Texas, USA; and multiple European destinations like Munich, Germany (o2 SURFTOWN MUC), Bristol, UK (The Wave), and Switzerland (Alaia Bay). The list continues to grow with surfable waves also in South Korea (Wave Park), Japan (Surf Stadium Shinzunami), and Abu Dhabi (Surf Abu Dhabi).
Developers and investors are drawn to the opportunity to create vibrant communities where surfing is within reach of new demographics, driving significant economic benefits. Surf parks represent a massive growth area in mixed-use development.
The industry's trade organization, Surf Park Central, hosts events like the 2024 Global Summit, which featured "Surf Park Sharks," a competition similar to Shark Tank where entrepreneurs pitched their surf park projects to investors. The winner was Palm Valley Gold Coast, a mixed-use project on Australia's Gold Coast.
Other finalists included Barreled Surf Park in Central Washington State, Peak Surf Park in Tampa, Florida, Alchemy Surf Resort in Sacramento, California, La Ola Group from Argentina, and Nomad Mountain Surf Lodge in Park City, Utah. Each team presented their vision and business plan to a panel of highly qualified investors.
The judges evaluated each project based on six key criteria: wave technology selection, land location, development risk management, commercial feasibility, management team experience, and investability. The winner, Palm Valley Gold Coast, was chosen for its well-rounded approach and potential for growth.
Surf Park Central continues to host events like the Surf Park Summit, a global real estate development conference that unites top technology experts, visionary real estate professionals, and passionate investors. The organization's 2025 schedule includes events in Arizona, Germany, and an upcoming location TBA.
