Surfing + Texas
Texas is known for a lot of things, but surfing is not one of them. Despite its long southern coastline, high-quality waves aren’t common due to its long continental shelf and minimal reef. So what does surfing look like in Texas? Well the landscape is shifting, and fast.
History of Surfing in Texas
Surfing in Texas has a lesser-known but vibrant history dating back to the early 1960s when enthusiasts first braved the waves along the Gulf Coast. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico attract surfers looking for consistent swells and a laid-back atmosphere.
Notable surf spots like Surfside Beach, Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island have become popular destinations for both locals and tourists seeking to catch a wave. Over the years, the surfing community in Texas has grown, with surf shops, competitions, and surf schools enhancing the coastal culture.
Bringing Surf to Texas
Surfing has experienced significant growth in popularity over the years, with more people taking to the waves to experience the excitement of riding and the laid-back culture. With this increase in interest, surf inspired entrepreneurs started to develop ways to bring man-made surf to landlocked areas.
NLand Surf Park was one of the earliest man-made surf-able waves. The facility outside of Austin, used a massive single foil rail technology producing a 30 second long wave and a variety of sections thanks to the differing bathymetry of the pool floor. NLand opened its doors in 2016, but closed in 2018 after being purchased by the legend, Kelly Slater.
Room to Crush It
Waco Surf brought man-made surf to Texas and has guests stop by from around the world.
Image - Waco Surf
While NLand opened the door to man-made surf in Texas, BSR Cable Park in Waco made in-land surfing a huge deal in 2018. Adding to its wakeboard cable park and lazy river, BSR, now Waco Surf installed an American Wave Machine surf pool to bring man-made surf back to Texas. The technology can pump out easy beginner waves, all the way to barrels and closeouts for surfers who like to get some air time.
The Future of Surfing in Texas
Where does surf in Texas go from here? The coastline isn’t changing. Waco Surf has solidified its space in the surf world with visitors coming from all over the world. So what is next?
A new group of entrepenures think they have the answer. Since 2022, there have been a wave of new businesses developed to feed the need for surfing in Texas.
Fireside Surf was the first to market in Dallas with their standing wave surfing destination. Featuring Citywave technology, Fireside Surf opened their doors to the public late February 2024. Offering a health-conscious menu and ample seating to watch your friends shred, Fireside Surf will be a test bed for the future of surfing in Texas.
The brand Goodsurf purchased the exclusive rights to the Citywave technology and is currently building their first location in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas. The Citywave technology offers a standing, or riverwave, style surfing experienced, enhanced with a beer-garden atmosphere provided by the people at Goodsurf. The brand has plans to open locations across the country. Estimated opening date for Deep Ellum was stated as Q1 2024.
HTX Surf has plans to build a giant wave pool project in a large real estate development project near the Houston airport. This project is said to utilize the Endless Surf technology which is currently installing their first system at a wave pool development in Germany. Estimated opening date is stated as Fall of 2024.
Surfing + Texas
While Texas will never be the next North Shore or Trestles, the options for surf continue to grow in the Lonestar State. With projects near completion, and many more on the horizon, land locked residents will soon have their choice of surf without leaving the state. We here at Texas Surf Review will continue to follow the growth and provide our insight into the Texas surf market in order to provide you with the best experience possible.