The Peak Surf Park proposal in Pasco County, Florida, has moved further through the local approval process as part of the approximately 6,000-acre Two Rivers development.
In July, the Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of the Two Rivers proposal and voted 3-0 to approve a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning connected to the project. The proposal still requires consideration by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners.
Plans call for nearly 4,000 additional single-family homes, about 1,900 apartments, hotels, office and retail space and a 35-acre surf park using Surf Lakes wave technology.
Peak Surf Park has been in development for several years. WavePoolMag first reported on the project four years ago, when advertising executive Tony Miller had assembled a group of private investors and was evaluating the Tampa-area market.
“We’re thrilled to share that after years of planning, evaluating, and negotiating, we are now under contract on a truly fantastic location – 35 acres dedicated to surfing, adventure, and community,” said Tony Miller when the project announced its site.
Surf Lakes founder Aaron Trevis has previously identified the Tampa Bay market as a potential location for the company’s technology.
“Compare [Tampa Bay] to the Gold Coast — it’s double the market,” said Trevis. “We’re excited about the one we’re going to build here. Tampa is such a great destination; it just needs waves.”
Surf Lakes uses a central wave-generating device that moves vertically in the center of a lagoon. The system displaces water outward in 360 degrees, with the resulting swells interacting with engineered bottom contours to create different surf breaks around the lake. Adjustments to the movement of the central device affect wave size and intensity.
The company’s full-scale prototype in Yeppoon, Queensland, demonstrated waves across four separate reef areas, with different breaks designed for varying skill levels. Surf Lakes has said the system can produce up to 2,000 rides per hour and wave heights ranging from about 2 to 8 feet.
Surf Lakes offers Standard and XL versions of the system. The Standard model uses a smaller footprint and is intended primarily for beginner and intermediate markets, while the XL version is designed for larger surf destinations serving a broader range of ability levels. The Yeppoon prototype is based on the larger configuration.
The Pasco County proposal would give Surf Lakes a commercial project in the United States if Peak Surf Park completes the remaining approval, financing and construction stages.
