Austinites who can't wait to catch a wave this summer can count down to May 10, when Waco Surf's water park opens for its 2025 summer season. In 2025 visitors will get to enjoy new mini wedge water slides and updated food options.
Waco has become a surprising destination for surfers around the world thanks to the park's two-and-a-half-acre Surf Lagoon. It's been featured in Texas Monthly, Outside, Southern Living, and more publications for its ocean-like waves. PerfectSwell, the company that makes the wave tech, explains that its unique air pressure system mimics waves that occur naturally around the world and can replicate point break, beach break, and reef break surf.
Floaters on the lazy river pass the wave lagoon.Photo courtesy of Waco Surf
Visitors can try surfing at the Surf Lagoon and wakeboarding on rails and ramps at the Waco Surf Cable Park, with lessons available for both. The water park is almost ready to receive the less sporty types, families, or surfers who are ready for a break on the extra-long lazy river. Tickets to the water park are sold separately.
This year, there will be new mini slides designed for young guests in the shallow wading pool. Called Lil’ Wedgies, they're named after the park's larger Wedge Water Slides that launch riders off at the end like a ski jump.
New dining options are also on the menu at all of Waco Surf's food and beverage concepts. The Surfside Shcak will have steak and egg burritos, chicken quinoa bowls, and spinach salads; the Wedge Grill has a new line of specialty hot dogs; The Saloon willl be open on the weekends with hand-dipped chicken burgers and fries; and the Star Bar and the Dive Bar both have new seasonal cocktails.
Surfers of all levels can book sessions.Photo courtesy of Waco Surf
Some visitors have even been drawn in for live music, which continues every Sunday at 2 pm starting May 11. Artists for the Rockstar Energy Drink-sponsored series haven't been announced yet, but artists as big as Young the Giant and Shakey Graves have appeared on a prior lineup for Waco Surf's music festival, so anything could happen.
Waco Surf is open daily at 5347 Old Mexia Rd. in Waco. Surf session pricing varies by date and skill level. Water Park day passes start at $39 for adults and are $14 for children or $99 for a family with two children from 6-16 years old.