From the early Disney designs in the seventies that never came to fruition to the WSL’s about face on one of Kelly’s signature pools, on down to the infamous Ron Jons pool that ate itself – Florida has had a tough go in the wave pool world.

Currently, the Sunshine State has eight pool projects in varying degrees of development that include everything from a dormant Webber design in Coral Springs to Typhoon Lagoon at Disney, which is the only operating, functioning pool at the moment. In October this year another project was announced for Jacksonville.

Florida’s high surf stoke and marginal conditions combine to fuel a mercurial temperament among the surf dedicated. So when this week’s announcement named an exact location for the Peak Surf Park, locals frothed for good reason.

“We’re thrilled to share that after two 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.

The wave pool will be in Pasco County and become part of the expansive Two Rivers project. To support the Peak Surf Park‘s pre-construction phase, Miller has launched a crowdfunding campaign aimed at accredited investors. Plans for additional funding options are expected soon.

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth sited an economic impact study that estimated the overall Two Rivers development could generate $1.3 billion in business output and create approximately 700 jobs in the next 10 years. The master development will cover 6,000 acres and will feature amenities such as a private social club, tennis and pickleball courts, pools, playgrounds, and a regional park. An 18-hole golf course designed by Scottish architect David McLay-Kidd will serve as the community’s centerpiece.

In a newsletter, Peak Surf Park put out a call for input from the community regarding the upcoming facility.

“To create the best experience possible, we’d love to learn a bit more about you and what excites you most about Peak,” the company said in a newsletter. “Your feedback will help shape everything from park amenities to the events we’ll host – and ensure that Peak Surf Park becomes the ultimate destination for surf, adventure, and fun.”

Survey questions include which surrounding counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco or Polk) interested persons are located, as well as their main reasons for visiting the future park – surfing, dining, lifestyle, concerts, etc. You can drop in on the survey at this link.

Miller purchased a Surf Lakes license for Peak Surf Park. Surf Lakes has a test facility in Queensland Australia as well as headquarters on the Gold Coast and in California. The company has been actively pursuing more investment and has been licensing its technology worldwide.

“Compare [Tampa Bay] to the Gold Coast — it’s double the market,” Surf Lakes CEO Aaron Trevis said about Peak. “We’re excited about the one we’re going to build here. Tampa is such a great destination; it just needs waves.”

Each Surf Lakes system produces 2000 waves per hour via a central hub-wave making tower producing waves in the 2-8-foot range. The surf fans out from the central hub in a stone-in-a-pond manner with the swell fanning out across a series of breaks. Surf Lakes says 200 surfers can fill the pool and expect 10 rides per hour.

The Surf Lakes standard sized pool has a price tag of $50million while the Surf Lakes XL (like the one in Yeppoon) is priced at $65million.

Back to School: Peak Surf Park in Tampa does more homework