News Summary
Virginia Beach is preparing to open the Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon, utilizing Wavegarden Cove technology to offer year-round surfing with up to 1,000 waves per hour. Part of a major $350 million development effort, the lagoon aims to boost local economy and tourism by providing inclusive, sustainable recreation. Surfers had early access to test the waves, and the project includes retail, residential, and entertainment facilities, making it a comprehensive community hub designed to attract visitors year-round and reduce seasonal reliance on natural ocean conditions.
Virginia Beach is set to unveil its highly anticipated Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon on August 16, 2025. The surf lagoon, utilizing cutting-edge Wavegarden Cove technology, boasts the capability to produce up to 1,000 engineered waves per hour, making it the first of its kind in North America. This attraction promises to offer year-round surfing opportunities in a region known for its seasonal ocean swells.
Each surfing session at the lagoon is designed to last 55 minutes, during which participants can catch an average of 12 waves. Session rates will vary between $90 and $161, depending on the season and specific wave profiles. The surf lagoon is expected to cater to a wide range of surfing skill levels, providing an inclusive experience for novices and experienced surfers alike.
Atlantic Park is not just about surfing; it is a significant part of a $350 million development project at Virginia Beach’s oceanfront. The city has invested $150 million to secure ownership of this entertainment venue alongside necessary infrastructure improvements. This development is complemented by the already-opened Dome entertainment venue and additional restaurants, shops, and residential apartments that are currently under construction.
Prior to the lagoon’s official opening, local surfers were granted the chance to test the surf’s waves. Surfers in the area, such as Michael Dunphy and Blayr Barton, participated in these trial sessions, giving them a glimpse into what the lagoon has to offer. Furthermore, the lagoon serves a dual purpose as a stormwater retention basin during periods of heavy rainfall, showcasing its engineering benefits beyond recreational use.
The Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon is designed to attract visitors throughout the year, significantly reducing the area’s reliance on summer tourist seasons. This innovative approach aims to stimulate local businesses and attract new residents by providing a reliable surfing alternative irrespective of the natural ocean conditions. The Chief Commercial Officer of Wavegarden has noted that Virginia Beach’s strong surfing community and high visitation rates were compelling reasons to establish the lagoon.
The success of the surf park is critical to the overarching goal of enhancing economic viability in the area through increased foot traffic and sustainable community engagement. By blending surfing culture with community amenities, Atlantic Park seeks to establish a new benchmark for leisure developments. This project is part of a wider trend, as there are currently over 70 surf parks in development globally, indicating a growing interest in surf-anchored real estate ventures.
As Atlantic Park prepares for its debut, it aims to provide more than just a surfing venue. It seeks to create a vibrant hub where the excitement of surfing converges with community life, contributing to the local economy and fostering a sustainable environment. The lagoon’s design, operational scope, and community-focused initiatives are all geared toward making it a successful and engaging destination for both locals and tourists.
In conclusion, Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon will not only serve as a thrilling surfing destination but also as a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Virginia Beach. The unique blend of recreational facilities, retail options, and residential space signifies an important step forward in evolving the tourism and leisure landscape of the area.
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Additional Resources
- Wavy News: Opening Date for Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon Announced
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
- WTKR: Atlantic Park Surf to Open Aug 16
- Google Search: Virginia Beach Surf Lagoon
- 13 News Now: Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon Opening Date
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Alexandria Living Magazine: Surf Park to Open in Virginia Beach
- Google News: Atlantic Park Virginia Beach
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
