Key PointsAustin Surf Club will feature the world’s largest surf basin with Kelly Slater technology.Luxury amenities, farm-to-table dining, and wellness spaces will define the community experience.Project aims for a 2027 opening, but first waves may appear earlier.
For some time now, news and excitement has been bubbling around the Austin Surf Club, the latest Kelly Slater Wave Company joint, coming sometime soon to Texas.
In fact, two months ago, a video was posted to the project’s Instagram account, showing a manmade barrel in turquoise blue waters, seemingly teasing that the pool was pumping out waves deep in the heart of Texas. It fooled us. (Surf Abu Dhabi, most likely.)
Now, in the latest offering from the Austin Surf Club, they’ve shared what appears to be a rendering of the coming park – rather than waves currently breaking.
Caption reads: “Get ready to dive into the Austin Surf Club! ASC will redefine the surf lifestyle in Texas with the world’s largest surf basin powered by Kelly Slater surf tech, luxury amenities, farm-to-table dining, and wellness spaces. A community where families will flourish, friendships will grow, and unforgettable sessions await!”
Specifics about the pool, which was formerly the site of NLand Surf Park that was helmed by Doug Coors of the light beer empire, shuttered its doors in 2018, have been somewhat scarce. But previously, it was announced that A-listers like Matthew McConaughey, Drew Brees, and Tony Hawk had purchased properties at the development. The real estate portion of the development reportedly starts around $2.5 million.
And the project is being developed by Discovery Land Company, which describes:
“In a groundbreaking partnership between Discovery Land Company and legendary surfer Kelly Slater, Austin Surf Club aims to redefine residential living by offering a 2,200 ft long surf basin equipped with state-of-the-art high-volume wave technology – a canvas for surfers of all ages and skill levels to perfect their craft. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences, and explore a world of well-being at the state-of-the-art spa, all within an innovative community that celebrates the essence of adventure and connection.”
As for when the first real waves will be breaking at the Austin Surf Club, there’s been no firm dates yet. According to Sports Business Journal, the project is slated for a 2027 open. But judging by other recent images – like concrete slabs showing the basin – perhaps a first real look at Kelly Slater’s latest synthetic surfing endeavor will come sooner than that.
About the author
Managing Editor of Surfer, Dashel Pierson is a lifelong waverider and storyteller hailing from the storied, yet fickle, surf town of Laguna Beach.