EpicSurf and Heroes Paradise opened their construction site to local and industry media last week, offering a first look at the development of the country’s second-largest stationary wave and the largest on the East Coast.
The hard hat tour marked a milestone in the project, which began construction in late October and is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. The attraction will serve as a major addition to Heroes Paradise and is intended to position the venue as a regional and national destination for stationary surfing.
“From the original design of the facility, we knew we wanted some form of aquatic or surf experience,” said Julie Pennenga, co-owner of Heroes Paradise. “After years of research, discussions, and design iterations, we chose EpicSurf as our technology partner.”
Wave Technology and Construction Progress
Aquatic Development Group (ADG), creator of the EpicSurf system, provided technical details of the wave technology during the site tour. The deep-water stationary surf platform is adjustable and designed for use by surfers of all skill levels.
“We’re incredibly excited and grateful to Tim and Julie Pennenga, their family, and the entire Heroes Paradise team for trusting ADG to help bring this bold surf vision to life,” said Bruce Quay, COO and Partner at ADG. “From the very beginning, the Heroes team has shown unwavering passion and commitment, even in the face of challenges, and today it’s rewarding to see EpicSurf taking shape on site. By pairing Heroes Paradise with deep-water surfing, they are creating a truly one-of-a-kind destination that serves both the local community and the broader surf industry. EpicSurf delivers a consistent, adjustable 3–5-foot deep-water wave at the touch of a button, giving surfers of all ages and skill levels the freedom to ride the board they choose. It’s a wave built for progression, accessibility, and pure joy, and we can’t wait to see this action-packed surf destination come to life.”
ARCO/Murray, the project’s general contractor, reported that the surf tank is nearing completion. To date, roughly 900 cubic yards of concrete have been placed for the surf vessel. More than 10.5 tons of reinforcement steel have been installed, and 3.5 truckloads of components have been delivered from EpicSurf’s manufacturing facility. Installation of the wave system is scheduled to begin in early February.
“If you’ve ever seen an eight-year-old stand up on a surfboard for the first time—the joy on their face and the crowd cheering them on, that same energy will be recreated in this pool,” said Dan Wagner of ARCO/Murray. “At the same time, EpicSurf will serve as a destination for expert surfers and athletes to train. The system’s reliability and predictability allow surfers to progress more efficiently as the sport continues to grow, Heroes Paradise represents a major step forward for inland surf, and projects like this require the right partners to bring them across the finish line,” Wagner added. “We’re incredibly proud to support Tim and Julie’s vision and to be part of this team. It’s not every day you get to build something this technically complex and impactful. We’re excited to turn the keys over soon and watch how surf continues to evolve in this ever-growing space.”
Projected Opening in 2025
The EpicSurf installation is expected to open to the public by the end of next year. Once complete, the site will bring inland, deep-water surf experiences to the Tampa Bay region as part of Heroes Paradise’s broader development.
