With the Austin Surf Club lighting up social media and tempting wave poolers with the promise of another Kelly Slater Wave magic rectangle of stoke, we thought now is a good time to take a closer look at Abu Dhabi and Austin’s older sister, Lemoore. Over the years this OG pool has laid down the company blueprint for user experience. This helps us get an idea of what to expect from Austin when it opens, at least as waves are concerned. And, yes, joining a surf club or purchasing a permanent home are totally different experiences compared to a weekend trip to Lemoore, but we thought we’d look at some similarities.
What Will the Austin Surf Club Be Like?
The Austin Surf Club features a 2,220-square-foot surf basin and a 19-acre artificial reef designed for all skill levels. The development includes over 140 condominiums, a brewery, restaurant, clubhouse, wellness amenities, and farm-to-table dining. Construction is ongoing, with major components expected to finish by 2026. The facility will is being described, though not confirmed, as the world’s largest surf basin. Memberships reportedly exceed $1 million, with 49 residential units sold as of late 2025.
Local Accommodations Near the Surf Ranch
You can’t buy a home on site at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore. You either stay on site at one of the trailers or at a nearby hotel. Most lodging options are located within a 5 to 12-minute drive from the Surf Ranch. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore is the closest at approximately five minutes away. The Best Western in Lemoore offers a surf-specific rate and is roughly ten minutes from the site. In Hanford, both Home 2 Suites and the Fairfield Inn are under 15 minutes away and offer discounted rates for Surf Ranch guests.
What Amenities are at the Surf Ranch?
Austin says they will offer a clubhouse, wellness amenities, brewery, restaurant, and farm-to-table dining, which is not far off from the Surf Ranch’s notorious guest experience. Along with an on-site chef, Lemoore guests have access to showers, hot tubs, and deck areas. The on-site Outerknown retail shop carries clothing and accessories, including shirts, sweatshirts, boardshorts, and sunglasses. A selection of surfboards is provided for guests, featuring models from Firewire, Slater Designs, Mike Woo, Stu Kenson, and Tomo, all equipped with Futures Fin systems. Additional surfing equipment such as helmets, boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, wetsuits, leashes, wax, and sunscreen, is also available. It’s unknown if Austin will have an on-site surf shop.
Weather in Austin
Austin experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal changes. Summer temperatures frequently reach the upper 90s and can exceed 100°F, often with high humidity. Spring and fall bring milder conditions, with daytime highs in the 70s to 80s, though storms and shifting weather patterns are common. Winters are typically brief and mild, with lows occasionally dipping into the 30s but average daytime temperatures staying in the 50s and 60s.
Weather at the Surf Ranch
The Kelly Slater Wave Pool experiences wide seasonal temperature shifts. Air temperatures range from winter lows around 37°F to summer highs reaching 99°F. Water temperatures follow a similar pattern, with lows near 45°F in winter and highs up to 85°F during the summer months. Conditions vary significantly by season, and visitors should prepare accordingly. Weather may affect operations, and wave sessions can be delayed or postponed due to safety concerns. Texas’ notorious thunderstorms would apply to Austin pool safety as well.
Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide
For guests visiting Lemoore, wetsuits are available on-site in a full range of sizes for men, women, and juniors. Recommendations for wetsuit thickness vary by water temperature. In warmer conditions above 72°F, staff say that a rashguard is sufficient, while in cooler waters below 42°F, a full 6/5mm wetsuit with boots, gloves, and hood is recommended. Between these extremes, appropriate combinations of thickness and gear are suggested to ensure comfort and safety. Guests are advised to also factor in air temperature, wind speed, personal sensitivity to cold, and physical exertion when selecting their gear.
It’s not stated how club members and homeowners will share the lagoon in Austin. So we decided to list what’s on tap in Lemoore, since that will most likely be transposed to the Texas facility. Here’s what happens when you go for a surf in Lemoore…
Surf Schedule and Wave Selection
Staff provide heat sheets, which outline the scheduled surf times for each participant based on registered skill level and are posted during the visit. Each wave is customizable during the surfer’s assigned heat. The priority surfer communicates their wave selection to the Water Safety jet ski driver, who then signals the tower. Coaches and Water Safety staff also assist with determining the most suitable wave profile based on experience and progression goals.
Poaching and Heat Management
During a heat, a surfer may catch a wave if another participant falls or misses their ride, something called poaching. Only surfers qualified for the wave profile in use are allowed to poach. Surfers are positioned along the fence line to maximize visibility and readiness. The number of surfers per heat varies by profile. CT-profile waves are limited to one rider at a time. Intermediate waves accommodate up to four surfers on soft top boards. The North End zone allows up to six surfers accompanied by a Surf Guide. Final heat sizes are determined by Surf Ranch Water Safety.
Wave Profiles at the Kelly Slater Wave Pool
The North End wave is designed for beginners and forms at the end of the right-hand wave. It offers a consistent and forgiving break ideal for learning basic techniques. Many beginners transition from the North End to the Intermediate wave. Helmets are required for surfers progressing to Intermediate or CT4 levels while using hard boards. Helmet use is professionally recommended for those riding soft tops.
The Intermediate wave is suitable for all levels and is characterized by a waist-high, gentle, rolling break similar to Waikiki. It travels the full length of the pool and serves as the foundation for advancement to more technical profiles.
QS1 is a split wave designed for surfers progressing beyond Intermediate. Two surfers can ride it simultaneously. The wave starts at full size and gradually decreases throughout the ride. It is engineered to mimic the feel of an ocean wave.
CT4 is a transitional wave that helps surfers bridge the gap between Intermediate and more advanced profiles. It features a slopey, open, and rippable face that becomes slightly steeper in the middle section. The end barrel has been mitigated to make the wave more user-friendly.
CT3 is the designated competition wave for WCT Surf Ranch events. The profile excludes the middle barrel, maintaining an open face until the end section. The final barrel is slower, larger, and more open than that of CT2. Wind can significantly affect the ride. “An onshore breeze tends to lead to a more rippable wave allowing for easier top-to-bottom surfing. An offshore breeze will make the wave stand up a bit more and may lead to a more hollow, steep wave throughout the middle section of the wave.”
CT2 is the most technical and fastest wave at Surf Ranch. Known as its signature profile, the wave begins with one to two turns—“three if you’re Kelly”—before transitioning into a 12 to 15-second barrel that spans the middle reef. After the barrel, riders can complete two to three additional turns before entering a final, fast-moving 3 to 5-second barrel.
CT1 opens with a performance-focused turn section and leads into a long 12 to 15-second middle barrel. As the wave continues, a new turn section emerges, gradually increasing in size. The session concludes with a tall, slow, slabby end barrel.
