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All you need to know about the BSR Surf Resort

Written by Bryan Dickerson

Surfing the BSR Cable Park’s star wave in 2019

Editor’s Note: We have updated articles with more current information on a visit to Waco here and in our Big List of Prices and Hours here The article below is popular with search engines, but we have better, more up-to-date information at the above links…

That pumping little wedge at the BSR Surf Resort in Waco Texas has fired our curiosity and stoke since its debut last year. Now in 2019 they’ve added a new water filtration system, new air sections and private night rentals.

The air section that we’ve seen in video clips across YouTube and the Instagram spheres took the world by storm because it offered a different kind of perfection to that of Kelly’s wave pool, a perfection that more closely resembled our dream beachbreak setup. Now that fantasy beachie has mutated to include the Freak Peak – a superhigh sidewave launch pad.

In this article we bring you all you need to know about the pricing, hours and guidelines for this Waco wave pool and why the resort’s air sections (technically the expert wave) are reserved for private parties.

Since opening in 2018, BSR Surf Resort has enhanced several of its advanced wave settings

New water filtration system

BSR owner Stuart Parsons said BSR Surf Resort water quality is now greatly improved with the installation of a new filtration system. The systems’s install follows the tragic death of Fabrizio Stabile after he ingested the Naegleria fowleri bacteria.

With the update the park loses its blueish dyed water that more resembled runoff from a Play-Doh factory than an ocean playground. Areas being treated are the wave pool, lazy river and the Royal Flush slide. Parsons also stated they are working closely with local, state and CDC officials.


Advanced wave pool sessions

“Each wave is head high and the length of ride is 8-10 seconds,” says the Surf Resort on their website. “We have a maximum of nine people per session so you get the most for your money.”

The most for your money means 160 waves per hour coming at you and the crowd which translates to about 10 catchable waves for you each paid public surf session.

The American Wave Machines technology dishes three-wave sets that come 1:10 apart from each other. The engineer alternates between lefts and rights throughout the sessions.

“These waves are comparable to the cove section at Rincon or the famed bowls of Velzyland on the North Shore,” says the park. “Recommended boards are high-performance shortboards or bodyboards – longboards are a bit too large and slow to keep up with these screamers.”

Tyler Warren tubed at the Waco wave pool
Advanced Wave setting: Tyler Warren slotted and stoked at the BSR Surf Resort. Image American Wave Machines.


Airs

BSR leads the field in innovating their waves for a variety of appetites. From the air wedge section used in the Stab High contest last year, to their kinder, gentler, Sebastian Zietz’ “everyman’s air section.” They’ve also debuted a monstrous sidewash wave called the Freak Peak.

“As far as throwing the wedge barrel and more advanced settings, unfortunately, you will have to rent that out privately,” the company said. “They are for very advanced riders and when we are in rotation it’s very very dangerous for less than expert surfers and we get a lot of those that mix in with our expert crowd.”

Intermediate wave pool sessions

OK, how about for the intermediate surfers among us? The BSR Surf Resort offers an intermediate and longboard setting which is slightly smaller, but slower moving than the famed wedges. The sets are chest high and surfers can ride for an average of 6-8 seconds.

The resort allows a maximum of 12 people per session. Slightly less frequent than the Expert setting, the waves come through in three-wave sets at 1:30 apart with translates to seven possible caught waves during a max capacity crowd.

“Most people in this session are working on improving their paddle and surf game,” says the park. “These waves are comparable to a fun day at your local beach break. Recommended boards are fun shapes, fishy boards, mini tankers and longboards.”

Beginner wave pool sessions

For beginners, they offer small, slow waves and fill the pool with a maximum of 20 surfers.

“Our beginner setting is exactly what it sounds like; for beginners,” said the resort. “These waves are tiny and recommended for people who are just learning to surf, slower paddlers, and people who aren’t yet angling on the wave and just going straight.”

Cheyne recommends arriving an hour before your session and filling out the waiver form online. “You’ll have more time to watch the waves on the beach or jump out for your session in case you’re late – because you’re a surfer, like me.”

Pricing

Beginner Session $60 for one hour. Includes surfboard. Intermediate and longboard session $75. Expert Session $90 per hour. They also offer all-day beach passes to hang out and watch the action at $20. If you want to host the party of the year, private bookings start at $2,500 per hour. Private night sessions are now available.

Other questions, call or text (254) 447-1194

Videos of advanced, intermediate and beginner wave settings

To get an idea of what the waves look like for the different sessions, check the below amatuer YouTube clips.

Beginner wave setting

Intermediate wave setting

Advanced wave setting

Expert wave setting (with new freak peak section)

To check out the BSR Surf Resort’s waves sans professional video edit, you can watch the Surfline cams at the following links. Lefts
 and Rights

Wave Pool Mag Surf Planner says:

The Lowdown: The USA’s second public pool and the first commercial American Wave Machines Perfect Swell facility. The pool is very popular and resembles a more natural surf break than many other pools
WavePool Construction Progress: Completed
Accessibility: Open to the public, All-ages, Beginning surfer, Intermediate surfer, Advanced surfer, Reservations, waivers and showing up an hour before your session are required.
Type of wave(s): Combination
Wave Generating Technology: American Wave Machines Perfect Swell
Wave’s Technical Information: Both Left and Right Breaks, Length of Wave: 30-60 yards/meters, Semi-hollow to hollow and performance-oriented. 120 -160 waves per hour come in three-wave sets at between 1:10-1:30 apart. Waves are waist to head-high.
Hours of operation: 11am to 7pm
Pool Structure: Concrete pool facility with sand added
Waves per hour: 120-160 waves per hour
Atmosphere: Buzzing with excitement, performance and the smell of BBQ
Apparel: Mostly boardshorts and bikinis. 3/2 fulls and spring suits for fall/winter.
Price Breakdown: Beginner Session $60 for one hour. Includes surfboard. Intermediate and longboard session $75. Expert Session $90 per hour. They also offer all-day beach passes to hang out and watch the action at $20. Or rent the whole break for $2,500 per hour with special evening bookings available.

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