Before their grand opening, Revel Surf had to get sign-off from agencies who’d never even seen a surf park. What if inspectors expect a flat-bottom pool—but your tech depends on complex, surf-specific bathymetry? Welcome to the world of Matt Gunn, co-inventor of SwellMFG, the wave tech behind Revel Surf.
Matt’s classic Californian: chill on the outside, no matter the chaos inside. If he was freaking out over Maricopa County not understanding wave pool bathymetry, he wouldn’t show it. And when Canon Beach breaks ground in Texas on the group’s second project, he’ll face a whole new set of county regs.
We caught up with Matt as Revel Surf kicks into high season to see how his nerves are holding up after betting millions—and his wave tech—on a single day of inspection. Spoiler Alert: they passed. They’re open and thriving.
We also dig into the mechanics behind SwellMFG, Arizona’s budding surf scene, and how to build community around your project.
The Technology
Instead of pneumatics housed inside caissons like other technologies, the SwellMFG-powered Revel Surf facility in Mesa features 21 levers or “wave-boards” that can be sequenced and adjusted to operate at different speeds. The timing and power of each board can be controlled individually, allowing for customization of waves.
Swell MFG Traveling Wave Lagoon
This 2-acre surf lagoon features a split-peak wave design, where each wave breaks both left and right from the center. During public sessions, surfers alternate between riding rights and lefts. Private bookings unlock the full surf menu, including:
- Barrel waves
- Air sections
- Wedges and custom peaks
- Left- or right-only wave options
Wave rides typically last 10 to 15 seconds, and private sessions can be tailored into a “surf playlist” based on skill level and style.
Surf Session Levels
- Level I – Entry-level beginner waves
- Level II – Smooth, peeling waves for any board type
- Level III – Performance waves with size and power
- Level IV – Specialty waves with slabs, air sections, and critical takeoffs
