We did get a peek at a new render of the Austin Surf Club this week from the Discovery Land Company. Is it enough to warrant an entire news story? Probably not. But that won’t stop click platforms from yelling “Look” and “New” – two words that work like crack on the Google Search dopamine receptors.
In the spirit that, maybe, with so much new wave pool information pouring over us like a cleanup set lately, maybe now is a good time to look over what we already know about Kelly’s latest magic rectangle of stoke.
The new wave pool render shows a stately silhouette of the Austin skyline in the background, along with a V-shaped lake adjacent to the tell-tale footprint of a Kelly Slater Wave Co surf lagoon. The story here is that, for many, this footprint has been a challenge to design around.
Earlier this year in a feature on footprint, we spoke with architect/design expert William Duncanson of BAR Architects.
“The size of the Kelly Slater wave basin makes for challenges when integrating beach programming that is club or public-facing,” said William Duncanson of BAR architects. “The surfing is always going to be far from the viewer, and thus less engaging. Operationally, KSWaveCo solves for this with both aquatic and terrestrial mechanical “assist” in getting around the site and pool, and digital means to share the action on land.”
In the Austin Surf Club Instagram post, the new render shows nearly all houses in the development appear to have a waterfront view, either of the lake or the wave pool.
Kelly Slater Wave Co design in Abu Dhabi shows the telltale rectangular footprint along with a new “W” which breaks up the main wave into beginner-friendly rollers. Image Google Earth.
Photo of construction at Austin Surf Club from earlier this year.
History: The Days of NLand Surf Park
NLand Surf Park opened in October 2016 outside Austin, Texas, using Wavegarden’s Lagoon technology. As the first surf-specific wave pool in the United States, the project faced early regulatory and construction challenges. Local officials sought to classify the 14-acre lagoon under public swimming pool regulations, while construction was briefly delayed after a liner tear caused localized flooding, prompting concern among nearby residents.
Public response was mixed following the park’s launch. Social media trolls criticized the wave for lacking intensity, while newer surfers and families praised the facility’s accessibility and overall atmosphere. The park ultimately earned a reputation as a family-oriented surf destination before closing in 2018.
The property was acquired shortly after in 2018 by the World Surf League through Tumbleweed Opco LLC, a Delaware-registered entity formed just 12 days before the sale. Tumbleweed is operated by the Kelly Slater Wave Company. According to a report at the time by the Austin Business Journal, the current development is backed and managed jointly by Discovery Land Company, based in Arizona, and Slater’s team.
In September 2019, engineering firm Carlson, Brigance & Doering submitted formal plans to the City of Austin proposing the transformation of the site into a facility modeled after California’s Surf Ranch.
Austin Surf Club promotional video from the Discovery Land Company website.
What will the Austin Surf Club Be Like?
The Austin Surf Club includes a 2,220-square-foot surf basin and a 19-acre artificial reef designed to accommodate surfers of all skill levels. Plans for the development feature more than 140 condominiums along with a brewery, restaurant, and clubhouse.
Construction is ongoing, with key components of the site expected to be completed by 2026 with an eye on a 2027 (unconfirmed) opening. The surf facility will use wave-generating technology developed by the Kelly Slater Wave Company and is being described (though unverified) by some outlets as the largest surf basin in the world.
The design incorporates both residential and recreational elements, including wellness amenities and farm-to-table dining. No official opening date has been confirmed.
Memberships are reportedly priced above $1 million, with millions in revenue already generated from 49 residential sales as of late 2025.
“I had the chance to tour the community privately and it’s clear this will be one of the most talked-about neighborhoods in Texas,” said Austin realtor Megan Kirkpatrick in an Instagram post. “Here’s what you should know: Memberships start around $1.25M; Homes average $2M+; Early sales have already surpassed $90M; Celebrities including Matthew McConaughey, Drew Brees, and Tony Hawk are already involved.”
The development has drawn attention for its scale and exclusivity, as well as its ties to celebrity investors. As of this report, final project specifications, wave performance metrics, and full pricing structures have not been publicly disclosed by the developers.
Surf Lakes has sights on a project near the Tesla factory.
Texas is a Wave Pool World
Texas is fast becoming the new California as more surf parks buy land or break ground. Surf Lakes has designs near Austin, and Surf HTX is in the works as well. Over in Mckinney, the next Cannon Beach development featuring Swell MFG wave technology has broken ground. Of course the OG wave pool in the Lone Star state is Waco Surf.