In 2019 Virginia-based SwellSpot announced the official launch of their licensing program. In that same year, the SurfX Inland Surfing project debuted to the world as well. Six years on, SwellSpot and SurfX have announced a joint partnership to build new inland surf parks in the United Kingdom and the United States. The two companies say the collaboration will use modular surf pool technology to improve access to surfing while focusing on sustainability and cost efficiency.
SurfX Founder Highlights Broader Access Goals
Scott Graham, founder of SurfX, has worked for nearly a decade to expand surf culture in the U.K. He believes the new parks will normalize surfing in areas far from the coast.
“We’re not just building wave pools; we’re creating inland beach lifestyles,” said Scott. “Wave pools allow us to open up surfing to everyone, everywhere – it’s about more waves, more fun, and more opportunities to grow the sport.”
Upcoming Parks to Feature SwellSpot’s Wave System
Both locations will feature SwellSpot’s artificial wave system. The company says its system lowers the cost of construction and operation compared to traditional models. As a result, more communities may have access to surfable waves inland.
Engineering and Design Strategy
The founder of SwellSpot is a veteran in surf tank engineering, and will lead the design and implementation of both projects. He said the hydraulically powered surf lake will offer two main breaks and support up to 40 surfers each hour. Wave sizes will range from 2 to 6 feet depending on the settings.
How SwellSpot’s Modular Surf Pool Technology Works
SwellSpot says its modular surf pool technology includes two components: the wave engine and the pool’s layout. The engine uses hydraulic plungers arranged along a wall. These plungers activate in a software-controlled sequence to generate swell. The speed and size of the waves depend on the plunger stroke height and timing.
At first glance, the system resembles a SwellMFG wavemaking system contained within a Surf Loch wave pool footprint.
The pool floor’s shape, or bathymetry, controls how the waves break. Operators can customize the layout to include simulated reefs, points, or bays. This flexibility supports wave variety for different skill levels.
High Wave Frequency Supports Continuous Surfing
The system produces waves every 10 to 15 seconds. In one hour, the park can generate up to 360 swells. Multiple reef setups allow different parts of the same swell to be surfed at once. This feature helps increase the number of rideable waves per hour.
One upcoming project includes a 2.2-acre layout, where waves are expected to break for about 75 yards. Learn more at WavePoolMag’s tech comparison.
Modular Design Reduces Costs and Increases Flexibility
According to the company, modular surf pool technology reduces construction costs and simplifies expansion. Developers can scale parks to meet local demand and budgets. This model lowers the entry barrier for both communities and investors.
“We believe in a model that is more affordable and easier to implement than traditional wave pool systems,” said a spokesperson for SwellSpot.
Sustainability
SwellSpot and SurfX make claims that they plan to use sustainable wave pool design in all new projects. They would accomplish this by working with green energy providers and by using eco-conscious materials. The system also makes claims of energy-efficient operations. These features align with the growing push toward green surf park development, a hot-button topic as wave pools attempt to incorporate surf values away from the ocean.
New Locations Announced in UK and U.S.
Initial parks are in development in the U.K. and the U.S., with additional sites planned in Texas and Virginia. Both companies say they are working with architects, contractors, and regional energy experts to ensure local integration and long-term sustainability.
Inland Surf Parks Provide Broader Community Benefits
According to the partners, inland surf parks offer controlled training spaces, eliminate long travel times, and reduce emissions. They also aim to support tourism, create local jobs, and promote healthy lifestyles across all age groups.
Watch the Project Preview Video
In conjunction with the announcement, both companies launched an AI promotional video previewing the project.
