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Palm Springs, CA
Surfers rejoice! The time has come for the first surf destination in the Southern California Desert to open in Palm Springs. After a long period of construction, the Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC) spanning 21 acres and located at 1500 S Gene Autry Trail is set to open on January 1, 2024. PSSC guests will experience the perfect engineered wave ranging from two to seven feet in a state-of-the-art wave pool. In addition to surfing, guests will enjoy world-class dining venues, waterslides, lounge pools, a lazy river, indoor/outdoor event venues, and a social club with bottle service and a complete viewing deck.
(PSSC Wave Photo Credit Ridge BenBen)
A Little Background On The Project
In 2018, Cheyne Magnusson, the original wave curator in Waco, Texas, and Kalani Robb, a surf icon, got together and partnered with James Dunlop to build a next-generation wave prototype in the original Wet ‘N’ Wild waterpark in Palm Springs, California. In 2019, the test pool was successfully brought to life, prompting an invitation to investor and tech executive Vinny Smith to experience the wave.
Smith brought in hotel developers Tim and Colin O’Byrne to help create the incredible destination it is today. Cheyne’s previous experience of operating the surf experience at the pool in Waco was also pivotal in creating the park.
“Opening The Palm Springs Surf Club marks the realization of a dream that was once unimaginable – catching waves in the desert. We have assembled a passionate team to create an extraordinary space that will provide world-class entertainment and bring together people from within and beyond the surf community. Much appreciation goes out to the hundreds of people who worked on the site over the past couple of years. This team took a dilapidated park that was built in the late 1970s and created what you see today. To make things even more challenging, Cheyne, Tim and Colin drove this effort during the COVID years, an extremely difficult time to complete such a huge project,” said Vinny Smith.
Tim O’Byrne, developer of The Palm Springs Surf Club, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to bring this unique desert surf experience to life. Whether you’re an avid surfer, a beginner, or someone who simply loves to watch this spectacular sport, The Palm Springs Surf Club has something for everyone. Surfing is a mesmerizing sport to watch, and at PSSC, the experience of observing surfers ride world-class waves against the stunning backdrop of the Palm Springs Mountains is unparalleled. We’ve invested over $80 million to turn this park into a top-tier entertainment destination.”
All Skill Levels Catered To Including Non Surfers
While reservations are now available starting January 1, 2024 for both Intermediate and Advanced Surfers, Beginner surfers will have the opportunity to make reservations also come Spring of 2024 with the “Beginner Waikiki” wave program. According to PSSC, the “Waikiki is designed to be the ideal wave for those who have never surfed or those who have surfed a few times and just want to get the feeling of standing on a board and riding in the early stages of their surfing journey. If the surfer is good enough to angle and go down the line, the wave does have an open face on the outside edge as it peels along the reef. This is the wave for you if you want to try surfing for the first time”
Multiple Restaurants Onsite
In addition, there are multiple restaurants on site including Amala, Drifters, and the Island Bar.
Amala is “the ultimate dining experience at the Palm Springs Surf Club. With indoor and outdoor seating offering breathtaking views of the surf and mountains, indulge in a curated artisanal menu by Chef Mondragon. ” Guests are welcome to visit Amala for the restaurant experience and forgo the park entrance fee.
Drifters is a “poolside oasis at the Palm Springs Surf Club” which offers, “outdoor dining with a creative beverage program to cater to park guests from early morning until late at night, featuring delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.” The bar also “serves specialty cocktails and provides TVs for entertainment and additional desert views.”
Island Bar which offers craft cocktails, draft beers, and more.
(Amala Restaurant Photo Credit_Dakota Mullins)
Though crowds will come out to surf and watch the waves, guests visiting the facility (ADA-accessible) will also have access to a lazy river, waterslide attractions (opening later in 2024), cabana rentals, and more. The retail store will have a curated selection of wetsuits, clothing, and accessories.
A wide selection of rental boards will be available for surf session reservations with a variety of boards available for purchase as well. Riding the wave starts at $100 for beginners (group of 12), $150 for intermediates (group of 12), and $200 for the advanced (group of 9).
Winter club entry starts at just $20 and reservations can be booked at https://palmspringssurfclub.com/ immediately.
View a Bonus Video from You Tuber, Dylan Graves:
