DSRT Surf has received final approval from the City of Palm Desert, in the Coachella Valley. Construction is planned to commence this summer, with an opening date by the end of 2023.

Says Doug Sheres, founding partner at Beach Street Development and Desert Wave Ventures, “There were three Palm Desert City groups which needed to approve this project – first was The Architectural Review Committee which approved us in the Summer, the second was The Planning Commission which approved us in the Fall, and now this from the City Council which is the final approval granting us entitlements to build the project.”

Doug continues, “[Gaining] entitlement of a surfing lagoon is difficult, and Southern California is maybe the hardest place in the world [to do], hence the nearly 5 years of work to get to this point.”

The DSRT Surf Wavegarden Cove pool is set to be a whopper. The lagoon, covering 5.5 acres will have 52 wave-making chambers, or caissons, making it the same size as Praia Da Grama in Brazil. And substantially larger than The Wave in Bristol, with 40, as well as both UrbnSurf in Melbourne and Alaia Bay in Switzerland who’ve 46. DSRT Surf is only bested by Wave Park, Korea, which has 56.

The facility will be open to the public with preferred access for homeowners and hotel guests – details on these programs are to be released soon.

DSRT Surf will cover 18 acres, and in addition to the pool will include a 92 key 4 diamond hotel and 83 residential units – 50 with lock-offs. Villas fronting the lagoon and golf course will be offered for sale. Other amenities are the two surrounding world-class golf courses, pickleball courts, a pump track, restaurant and bars, a beach club, fitness center, and spa.

Water usage has been a hot-button topic during the planning and public hearing processes, but Doug believes they have it sorted. “The water issue is a critical piece and our signature “turf for surf” program is a unique and effective way to offset water use. We are removing over 1 million square feet of non-play golf course and replacing it with native and drought-tolerant landscapes.

This will reduce water use on the golf course by almost 34 million gallons per year and more than offset our lagoon water use of roughly 24 million. gallons per year. It’s incredible to think that this project covers 18 acres, encompasses 83 homes with 50 attached lock-off units, 92 hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and a 5.5-acre body of water and the whole thing uses less water than is required for 58 homes. While the surfing component of this project is very special, we hope the water conservation measures can help set an example for future development in surf and beyond.” He says.

With DSRT Surf approved, and 3 other wave pools at various stages of development in the area, Coachella Valley is setting itself up to be the worlds’ premier inland surfing destination.

Are you keen to surf 4 different wave pools in a day? This could well prove a reality in a couple of years.