News Summary
El Segundo, California is set to develop a new artificial surf park, marking a significant addition to the state’s surf culture. Spearheaded by Toba Capital, the project will cost $175 million and revitalize local surfing options. The park aims to provide a controlled environment for surfers, addressing overcrowding in local surf spots and enhancing recreational opportunities within the community. The development is expected to align with other exciting local recreational projects, with construction anticipated to begin soon, pending city approvals.
El Segundo, California: New Artificial Surf Park Project Announced
An artificial surf park is set to be developed in El Segundo, California, marking a significant addition to the state’s surf culture. The project, spearheaded by billionaire Vinny Smith’s investment firm Toba Capital, involves the purchase of a 10-acre site for $54 million, located on a former aerospace campus. Plans estimate the total cost of the surf park at $175 million.
The proposed surf park will feature a lagoon equipped to hold approximately 5 million gallons of water, spanning 2.2 acres. The park aims to enhance local surfing options, situated in a region where natural surf conditions are described as “poor-to-fair.” The city council anticipates that construction could begin within six months, pending the necessary city approvals.
City Councilman Drew Boyles highlighted El Segundo’s historical significance as a surfing destination, home to innovative surfboard shapers since the 1950s. He noted that local surf spots often experience overcrowding, particularly at the El Segundo Beach Jetty. By developing the artificial surf park, the city hopes to provide a controlled surfing environment similar to popular venues like Topgolf.
Following his experience testing a wave prototype at the Palm Springs Surf Club, Vinny Smith decided to invest in this project, recognizing the growing demand for artificial surf parks. The new facility will feature not only the wave-generating pool but also amenities such as restaurants, shops, and various attractions, characteristic of typical surf park designs.
Colin O’Byrne, president of Toba Capital, stated that advancements in wave-generating technology have made the development of surf parks more feasible and attractive. El Segundo’s location is advantageous, as it coincides with other recreational projects, including a Topgolf complex and the Los Angeles Chargers’ training facility.
The surf park project in El Segundo is part of a broader trend towards artificial surfing venues in California and beyond. Various surf-centric developments are currently underway in cities like Oceanside, Las Vegas, and Coachella Valley, reflecting an increasing interest in structured surf opportunities. Additionally, the Los Angeles and Orange counties boast the highest number of surfers globally, with estimates indicating over 2 million surfers in the area.
Notably, other surf park initiatives, such as the Snug Harbor Surf Park Project in Newport Beach, are also being considered, showcasing the rising popularity of artificial wave pools. With the surf park in El Segundo, the local community anticipates bolstering its longstanding surfing tradition while providing more accessible surf options for residents and visitors alike.
As the planning for El Segundo’s artificial surf park progresses, the community and stakeholders eagerly await the city’s decision on the project. If approved, the park is expected to become a hallmark of innovation in surfing culture, bringing new life to a historically significant surfing town.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Big Wave Machine Rolling Toward El Segundo
- Wikipedia: Surfing
- Surfer: Wave Pool in Los Angeles South Bay
- Google Search: Artificial Surf Parks
- CoStar: Billionaires’ Purchase Expected to Clear Way for Surf Park
- Google Scholar: Wave Pool Technology
- BeachGrit: Billionaire Owner of Palm Springs Surf Club Buys Land for New Tub in El Segundo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Wave Pool
- WavePoolMag: Los Angeles Wave Pool El Segundo
- Google News: Surf Parks California
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