News Summary
Virginia Beach has inaugurated Atlantic Park Surf, a cutting-edge wave pool costing $350 million, supported by Pharrell Williams. Featuring a Wavegarden Cove lagoon, the facility offers over 25 wave types, accommodating up to 40 surfers per session with consistent conditions. It includes rental boards, media tools like Flowstate cameras, and amenities such as lockers, showers, and a beach club. Along with a renovated live music venue, the project aims to strengthen local surf culture, attract visitors, and invigorate the economy. Future expansions promise more attractions, positioning Virginia Beach as a premier surfing destination.
Virginia Beach has officially opened Atlantic Park Surf, a state-of-the-art wave pool that aims to enhance the local surf culture. The development comes with a hefty price tag of $350 million and is backed by renowned musician Pharrell Williams. Situated just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, the facility features a Wavegarden Cove lagoon—the first of its kind in North America—capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour for surfers to enjoy.
The wave pool at Atlantic Park Surf offers an impressive variety of surfing conditions, featuring over 25 different wave types, ranging from gentle one-foot swells to more challenging seven-foot waves. Each surfing session lasts just under an hour and can host up to 40 surfers simultaneously, making it an inclusive spot for both beginners and experienced surfers aiming to hone their skills.
To facilitate this unique surfing experience, Atlantic Park Surf utilizes advanced technology from Wavegarden, enabling surfers to ride consistent waves in a controlled environment—addressing the ongoing issue of inconsistent wave conditions that East Coast surfers often face. The facility also features more than 100 rental boards, primarily made of epoxy for optimal performance in freshwater conditions.
Several prominent East Coast surfers, including professionals Cam Richards and Michael Dunphy, have already tested the waves and commended the quality of the surfing experience. The facility is designed to encourage engagement and enjoyment, equipped with free lockers, outdoor and indoor heated showers, and a dedicated patio area for spectators.
Atlantic Park Surf is not just about surfing; it also enhances the overall experience with built-in media tools, such as Flowstate cameras, designed to capture surfers’ sessions and provide a memorable keepsake of their time at the park. Guests will also be able to unwind at a premium beach club that offers lounge chairs, cabanas, and access to wading pools.
A diverse selection of dining options will complement the experience, including the Milk & Honey Restaurant and Pharrell’s proposed handroll restaurant, Nami Nori. This mix of recreational and dining amenities represents a significant investment in the local economy and community engagement.
The first phase of the Atlantic Park development includes not only the wave pool but also a renovated live music venue known as The Dome, which has a capacity of 5,000 guests. This emphasis on entertainment aligns with the goal of strengthening Virginia Beach’s surf culture and fostering a supportive local surf community.
Local residents and surf enthusiasts are anticipating future phases that promise new attractions and ongoing enhancements to the park. As Atlantic Park Surf officially opens its doors, it sets the stage for Virginia Beach to solidify its status as a hub for surfers along the East Coast, bringing innovations in surfing and leisure activities to the region.
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Additional Resources
- Wave Pool Mag: Virginia Beach Surf Culture & Wave Pool Story
- Wikipedia: Surfing
- Travel & Leisure: Atlantic Park Virginia Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfboard
- Surf Park Central: North America’s First Wavegarden Cove Opens
- Google News: Virginia Beach Surf Park
- Stab Mag: Billabong Wavepool Session Giveaway
- Google Search: Wave Pool
- Pilot Online: Chlorine Clash Competition Virginia Beach
- Google Scholar: Wave Pool Technology
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
