As America plays catchup with Europe and Brazil in the wave pool race, it’s fascinating to see which pro and semi-pro surfers gravitate to artificial waves. Surfers like Shane Beschen, CJ Hobgood, Shane Dorian, Warren Smith and Blair Conklin are banking hours on a surf park future. The last two standouts are well known here on the pages of WavePoolMag. Warren for his constant social posts from parks around the world and Blair simply for innovating what is possible in this emerging space.
And then there’s Cheyne Magnusson. The fire-haired wave savant has been in the game for more than a decade – an eternity in the surf park space. He’s taken on the chief role of water-bender at Endless Surf and will help shape the waves at the upcoming Shell Point Surf Park in Panama City.
The Panama City wave pool recently received council approval, and will feature an Endless Surf 36 caisson system. For comparison, the Endless Surf facility in Munich operates with a 34-unit configuration. The technology, according to the company, is designed to accommodate a wide range of wave types for different skill levels.
“With our Swell Studio software, we’re able to customize waves section-by-section, offering sessions that suit everything from learn-to-surf programs to elite trainings and events” said Cheyne Magnusson, Surf Design and Operations Manager at Endless Surf.
“This wave customization will be especially exciting in a place like Florida’s fickle Gulf Coast, a region that has the passion for surfing, but not always the waves. We’re all stoked to get to work and make these Gulf Coast dreams a reality!”
Pro surfer and skim boarder Blair Conklin said he found it strange to froth for Gulf Coast surf.
“Never thought I’d be this fired up to surf on the Gulf Coast of Florida,” said Blair. “I’m honored to be both an ambassador and owner in an Endless Surf pool that will give surfers of all skill levels the chance to ride waves. Sharing waves with people is the best feeling in the world, and I truly believe Shell Point is going to lead the way in making that experience possible for everyone.”
To meet the demands and expectations of Blair, Cheyne and guests, Endless Surf allows simultaneous operation of multiple surf zones. The Endless Surf system also allows operators the flexibility to run multiple surf zones simultaneously. Split Peak mode offers lefts and rights, The Peak zone delivers more advanced surf while The Shore offers beginner-friendly waves. In contrast for a longer and more premium experience, Single Peak mode delivers lefts or rights that run the entire length of the lagoon. You can check out the full wave menu on offer at the Endless Surf wave pool in Munich.
Construction Timeline and Company Background
Shell Point Surf Club is scheduled to begin construction in early 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2027. The Panama City wave pool project is part of a broader movement toward surf-specific recreational developments in the southeastern U.S.
Endless Surf, a division of aquatic engineering firm WhiteWater, stated that it has wave systems planned for more than a dozen surf parks worldwide. WhiteWater first introduced its surf pool technology in 1989 and continues to develop pneumatic-powered surf solutions through its proprietary software and engineering platform.
For additional details, visit endlesssurf.com or shellpointsurfclub.com.
