Kelly Slater Partners on Massive Development to Bring the World’s Largest Man-Made Surf Basin to Austin
Surf’s up, Austin: A private surf community plans to bring ocean-style waves inland
A private surf development near Austin aims to recreate ocean-quality waves inland through a 2,200-foot-long surf basin designed by world champion surfer Kelly Slater. The basin will use Slater’s proprietary wave technology to generate customizable waves, with the project expected to become the world’s largest man-made surf basin.
The project, called Austin Surf Club, is a partnership between Slater and Discovery Land Company, a global developer known for private residential communities focused on lifestyle-driven amenities. Discovery Land Company already has a presence in Central Texas through its downtown social club and Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club, and this marks its latest expansion in the region.
Austin Surf Club amentities
Beyond the surf basin, the 214-acre members-only development will include approximately 177 luxury homes and a range of amenities centered on surf, wellness and outdoor recreation. Plans include in-water surf coaching, a wellness complex with a fitness center, spa and recovery facilities, paddle sports, trail systems and a skate park designed by Tony Hawk. Farm-to-table dining and year-round programming are also part of the vision.
“Austin was a natural choice because of its active community, outdoor lifestyle and culture that values creativity and wellness,” said Ray Pittman, president of Austin Surf Club.
The site is located about 10 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and roughly 20 minutes from downtown. It was previously home to NLand Surf Park, one of the country’s earliest inland surf parks.
Designing for water stewardship
Still, developing a surf destination of this scale in a region increasingly affected by drought presents challenges, particularly around water use. Pittman said sustainability and water stewardship were considered from the outset and designed to align with Austin’s long-term planning efforts, including the city’s Water Forward initiative, a 100-year water resource plan adopted in 2018.
According to Pittman, all water used for the wave basin, recreational lakes and storage ponds will be sourced through regional stormwater capture and retention. Stormwater from surrounding acreage will be collected, treated and reused on-site, with systems such as bioswales and biofiltration incorporated into the design. He said the approach is intended to both supply the club’s amenities and support broader stormwater management practices in the area.
Growing the sport
Unlike some Discovery Land Company developments, where membership is tied exclusively to homeownership, Austin Surf Club will also offer club-based memberships, providing access for non-residents.
“Projects like this help grow the sport, inspire new generations and create new opportunities in coaching and surf-related innovation,” Slater said.
More information is available on the Austin Surf Club website.
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