This week the wave pool at the center of the Cannon Beach Arizona development announced they are looking to a Spring 2024 opening. In a social media post, the park said “We are working every day to get you guys surfing by next spring.”

In InstagramLand there has been a slow trickle of images and clips from Revel featuring Shane Beschen and crew either tinkering with poolside computers or shredding small test waves. By these accounts, the project looks to be making headway to replace a void in Arizona surfing left by OG wave tank Big Surf. Currently, Revel Surf is leading the pack among the four Phoenix area wave park developments.

The project broke ground two years ago and shortly after began testing the world’s first SwellMFG technology, a design that uses a series of paddles to push out waves in sequence. Much like pneumatic systems and their use of caissons (chambers), SwellMFG can activate the paddles at different times to create customized waves. Currently, Endless Surf, SurfLoch, PerfectSwell use similar chambered setups, but with compressed air instead of levers.

Matt Gunn of Swell MFG describes the surf system featured in the two-acre lagoon as a “natural surfing lineup with a peak wave providing some of the most epic and diverse waves for every level of surfer, ” adding that he hopes that Revel Surf will become a “home break” for those in the Phoenix area.

Revel Surf was created in collaboration with X Games Gold Medalist, and former World Ranked Pro Surfer, Shane Beschen.

“Our wave technology and vision for this project will be like nothing you have seen in the market to date and I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible project and team,” wrote Beschen in a social media post.

Cannon Beach is a 37-acre mixed-use development with a four-story hotel, office buildings, and a co-working environment. The development will include a gym, experiential dining, retail shops, and various community spaces such as fire pits, water features, cabanas, splash pads, and outdoor games.

Check the WavePoolMag Surf Planner Map

The Lowdown: Swell MFG announced that the local council approved their upcoming project in Mesa, Arizona. The company confirmed that its first full-size wave pool and Revel Surf Park will be located within the Cannon Beach lifestyle destination venue. The development in the East Valley of Phoenix has a work, surf, eat, stay, and entertainment focus under a heavy surf culture influence. The park will also feature a 10 meter (33ft) wide standing wave that can be adjusted from 1-6 ft in wave height. These features will allow Revel Surf to tailor the wave experience to beginners learning to surf, intermediate riders, and even pros all while utilizing standard surfboards and fins. Alongside the UNIT Surf Pool will be Swell MFG’s traveling wave technology. It will be able to produce a variety of ocean-like waves at the touch of button or a pre-arranged mix on your own ‘wave playlist’. Revel Surf Park is the first surf park in the world offering both traveling wave and rapid wave technology together to provide the ultimate surfing experience. Revel Surf Park will offer lessons and progression programs developed by X Games Gold Medalist surfer, Shane Beschen. The park will be surrounded by a retail row, restaurants, a hotel, a commercial office space, and more. Last report said they hope to open in Spring of 2024.

WavePool Construction Progress: Ground broken, pool built and waves being tested.

Wave Generating Technology: SwellMFG and UNIT Surf Pool.

Wave’s Technical Information: The company describes their system as a natural surfing lineup with a peak wave rather than a right-session-only or left-session-only option as found in many of today’s wave pools. SwellMFG adds that clients will be able to create customized sessions and make a surfing “playlist. UNIT: System generates a wave via a floating or dug-in wave system that uses surrounding lake water to create a standing rapid wave.

Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: Expect year-round surf.

Waves per hour: Unknown.

Atmosphere: Where Rick Kane would’ve learned to surf.

Apparel: Mostly boardshorts and bikinis. 3/2 fulls and spring suits for fall/winter.

Revel Surf breaks ground in the Arizona desert