Peak Surf Park, a planned artificial wave facility near Tampa Bay, announced they will work with surf industry consultancy Thinking Adrenaline. The consultants will function as an early stage advisory to support the project. The Thinking Adrenaline group includes Craig Stoddart and Damon Tudor, two figures involved in launching some of the first commercial surf parks. Those projects, The Wave Bristol and URBNSURF Sydney respectively, continue to evolve and define the surf park space.
Thinking Adrenaline advises developers on planning, operations, and technology selection for wave-based attractions. Recent work includes involvement in the Bahrain Surf Park. Peak Surf Park continues its ongoing fundraising and planning efforts.
Note: This is an updated article. An earlier version of this article used the term “development partners” to describe Thinking Adrenaline’s involvement with Peak Surf Park which is not the case. Thinking Adrenaline’s involvement is only as an early stage advisory to support the project.
Project Timeline and Planning
According to Peak Surf Park, diligence and entitlements for the site are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. A 2026 construction start is anticipated, with a public opening projected for 2027.
“Since we launched our crowdfunding campaign last December, we’ve made solid strides in building a strong foundation for Peak,” the company stated. “We’ve teamed up with Thinking Adrenaline, where Craig Stoddart and Damon Tudor, surf industry pioneers who helped launch the first wave parks, are providing great support and insights on our development journey. We’re tracking to have our diligence and entitlements completed by the end of the year, which puts us on a path to break ground in 2026, ensuring we’re crafting the ultimate surf destination right here in Tampa Bay.”
Surf Lakes Technology and Capacity
The Tampa wave pool project will use a Surf Lakes system, a central plunger technology that the company says is capable of producing up to 2,000 surfable waves per hour. Wave heights will range between 2 and 8 feet, depending on the setting.
Surf Lakes moved its HQ from Australia to the US in 2023. The company has been making a push for investments lately and if you’ve ever “liked” anything wave pool-related on Instagram then chances are that your feed has received a Surf Lakes ad suggesting that you become a financial supporter. Most recently Tom Curren bought into the company.
Peak Surf Park estimates that the facility will serve up to 200 surfers per hour. Each participant is expected to average approximately 10 waves per session, based on internal projections.
A standard Surf Lakes installation costs approximately $50 million, with larger capacity models projected at $65 million.
Location and Development Zone
The surf lagoon will occupy 35 acres in the Two Rivers master-planned community in Pasco County. The larger 6,000-acre development includes residential, retail, and recreation components. A golf course designed by David McLay-Kidd and other amenities are also part of the master plan.
According to public estimates from the developer of Two Rivers, the full development is projected to contribute approximately $1.3 billion in economic output over the next ten years. The project is expected to generate over 700 new jobs.
Peak Surf Park aims to serve as a regional draw in a part of Florida that typically lacks consistent surf conditions. Its use of artificial wave pool technology is positioned by the company as a solution to flat surf on the Gulf Coast.
Founder Tony Miller, a Tampa-based Surf Lakes licensee, said the project is designed to integrate recreation, sport, and community space. “This isn’t just a wave pool,” Miller said. “It’s a full-day destination: surf, skate, climb, eat, and hang—all in one place.”
Note: This is an updated article. An earlier version of this article used the term “development partners” to describe Thinking Adrenaline’s involvement with Peak Surf Park which is not the case. Thinking Adrenaline’s involvement is only as an early stage advisory to support the project.
