El Segundo Set to Ride New Wave: Artificial Surf Park Planned

El Segundo, a city known for its aerospace history and burgeoning sports scene, is poised to become the next hub for artificial wave technology. A new surf park, backed by tech mogul Vinny Smith, is planned for a former aerospace campus, promising consistent, machine-generated waves for surfers of all levels.

Key Takeaways

• A $175 million artificial surf park is planned for El Segundo.
• The park will feature a 2.2-acre lagoon holding 5 million gallons of water.
• The project aims to make surfing more accessible and less intimidating.
• El Segundo is already a recognized surf town, but natural wave conditions are often inconsistent.

A New Frontier for Surf Culture

In an unexpected move, El Segundo is set to welcome a state-of-the-art artificial surf park, a departure from the inland locations of other similar facilities in California. The project, spearheaded by a company tied to billionaire Vinny Smith, a tech mogul and surfer, acquired 10 acres of land on a former aerospace campus for $54 million. This strategic location places it near other major sports enterprises, including the Los Angeles Chargers’ training facility and a Topgolf complex.

The Technology and Vision Behind the Park

The unnamed surf park will boast a substantial 2.2-acre lagoon capable of holding 5 million gallons of water. Developers hope to break ground within six months, pending city approval, with an estimated project value of $175 million. This initiative taps into the growing demand for controlled surfing environments, a concept that has been in development since the 1980s but is now becoming more economically viable and technologically advanced.

Enhancing El Segundo’s Surf Identity

While El Segundo is already considered a legitimate surf town with a history dating back to the 1950s, local surfers often contend with inconsistent and crowded conditions at El Segundo Beach Jetty. City Councilman and surfer Drew Boyles highlighted this, stating that the new wave pool will be "incredible" and will "lower the barrier to entry for people to get into surfing in a controlled, safe environment that’s not as intimidating as the ocean, that’s predictable and consistent."

A Growing Trend in Surf Park Development

This El Segundo project is part of a larger trend in surf park development across California and beyond. Similar projects are underway or being considered in Newport Beach, the Coachella Valley (DSRT Surf), Oceanside, and Las Vegas. These developments often include additional amenities like restaurants, shops, and other recreational facilities to broaden their appeal. The success of venues like Topgolf, which democratized golf, serves as a model for how surf parks can make the sport more accessible to a wider audience.

Sources

• Big wave machine — by the sea — rolling into El Segundo, Los Angeles Times.