World - Class Waves at Surf Waco

Despite being hours away from the crash of ocean waves, Waco Surf has cemented its place in the global surf industry, beckoning pros and beginners alike to the Heart of Texas for the best waves found across the world, all without the large crowds or needing to pack a passport.

Located off Interstate 35 and down Old Mexia Road, the water sports and surf facility has rapidly developed since Mike Schwaab and David Taylor took over the property operations on-site in 2021, ushering Waco into the intersection of Texas and universal surf culture and shifting the business model to create not only a surf destination but also a family oriented environment.

Though it’s possible to run into an avid or even pro surfer any day of the week, the surf resort’s main goal is to create joy for every guest –regardless of age, background, or experience. “We’re all about having fun, seeking adventure, and living life to the fullest,” Taylor said. All three can be achieved through the three main attractions at the resort: the surf lagoon, cable park, and water park.

Starting with its namesake, Waco Surf

features a two-and-a-half-acre surf lagoon. With PerfectSwell® technology recreating waves from around the globe, it’s one of the world’s premier man-made surf destinations. Beginners, experts, and those in between will find waves suited to their skill levels, from The Coaster, a beginner wave, to The Point, Waco Surf’s professional competition waves. Additionally, Waco Surf offers a Beginner Academy: a quick foundational class before the beginner surf session, including safety, reading the waves, and tips and tricks for getting up on the board. This past season, over 23,000 patrons shredded the waves in Waco.

When it comes to shredding in another sense, Waco Surf guests can try out the Cable Park. Outfitted with six towers, the wakeboarding course offers exciting ramps, rails, and jumps for those looking to test their skills.

Not there yet? Those new to the sport can join Cable Academy on the weekends to learn the basics. While you’re there, don’t forget to wave ‘hello’ to the lemurs from the cable dock, often heard trilling on their island in the middle of the water.

If fun in the sun without a board under your feet is your style, the water park is here to serve.

Drawing 31,980 guests during the 2023 season, this attraction is where you can fly down the four wedge water slides, each at differing takeoff heights for a choose-your-own adventure when it comes to airtime. If you’d rather take it slow and lounge, grab an inner tube to float down one of the world’s longest lazy rivers (allegedly!).

“One lap around is about a mile and can take you up to 45 minutes!” Schwaab said.

Since taking ownership in 2021, the Waco Surf team has added amenities to close the gap between adventure and retreat and create a well-rounded destination.

For example, guests don’t need to leave the property to grab a bite. Multiple food and drink options have popped up around the property,

serving up dishes such as mouthwatering smash burgers, tacos, or crispy chicken sandwiches. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can quench any parched vacationer. A personal favorite spot for Schwaab is the Saloon, where you can kick back on the patio and watch both wakeboarders and lemurs with a beverage in hand.

And it’s not just bites that have been added to the park: three types of accommodations allow out-of-towners and staycationers to spend the night just steps away from adventure. All overnight guests can also take advantage of access to the private beach area, located at the surf lagoon.

Lodging options include the Waco Surf Hotel, featuring six wave view rooms, five garden

view rooms, and two premium suites; seven cabins ranging in size from cozy two-person to 16-person bunk-style cabins; and two houses, The Lakehouse and The Roadhouse, located further from the main attractions and equipped with elevated amenities such as a private pool and dock.

These changes are largely a result of the Waco Surf team surveying their guests after each visit, whether it be local families, daytrippers, or professional surfers. Passionate about the guest experience, they have and will continue to use feedback as the guiding force towards new programming and projects, including more family-oriented fun and lodging options. Onsite lodging went from around 18% capacity in peak season during 2021 to almost 85% in peak season in 2023.

With all the added amenities and evolution of the park to a curated experience, there’s been both a dramatic increase in family passes from 2022 to 2024 and an increase in local area codes visiting the waterpark year over year.

Waco Surf will continue to attract new patrons each season, enhancing existing features and expanding onto its nearly 300 acres of undeveloped land.