In the near future when you plan a trip to Zion National Park you may want to bring along your surf board because the Washington City Council just approved plans to install the largest surfing wave pool in the nation.
570-acre master-planned resort that will include an 18 acre lake, the largest wave pool in the US and 2,300 homes. The manmade wave pool will be powered by technologies from American Wave Machines, a worldwide leader in synthetic wave generation.
Luxury “beachfront homes” located 400+ miles from the nearest ocean will be available in what has been dubbed a “luxury surf community”:
“Where desert valleys and sandstone cliffs become the backdrop to some of the most consistent and reliable surf waves in the world. The wealth of two completely different environments combine to create the most unique destination in the world.” –Zion Shores
In a day and age where water shortages are a concern in the Beehive State, the developers of the new surf community promise minimal impact on fresh water resources.
“For the surf and aquatics recreation, the project will upcycle brackish water – unfit for drinking or farming – conserving fresh water and reducing waste.”
Construction on the development begins this summer and new wave pool is set to open to the public in 2027. Read the press release in its entirety below.
PRESS RELEASE:
American Wave Machines, the global leader in world-class surf pool destinations, announces a new project, PerfectSwell® Zion, a mixed-use development in Washington, Utah, the outdoor activity hub adjacent to Zion National Park. AWM is partnering with Desert Lakes LLC on the project. The commercial surf park anchors a luxury residential community called Zion Shores offering waterfront single family homes and beachfront townhouses. PerfectSwell® Zion will be open to the public with Zion Shores residents enjoying unique perks and surf priority. PerfectSwell® Zion opens in Q1 2027.
Capping four years of in-house R&D, the project will feature Generation 6 PerfectSwell® surf technology bringing bigger, better waves, improved efficiency, cutting-edge sustainability features, and AWM’s most innovative wave package yet. Gen 6 features optimization diagnostics utilizing historic and real time data, innovative health monitoring, maintenance schedules, and a thermal design system for air and water temperature management. Further improvements in pneumatics have resulted in measurable increases in wave generating efficiency. In terms of design, natural and permanent elements will be utilized for energy dissipation in the water minimizing the use of fabricated materials. For the surf and aquatics recreation, the project will upcycle brackish water – unfit for drinking or farming – conserving fresh water and reducing waste.
“We have just about every outdoor activity you can think of in this high desert playground except surfing. We’re stoked to partner with AWM to change that. The team behind PerfectSwell® is the real deal,” said Cody Larkin, CEO of Desert Surf, LLC. “AWM makes the type of waves they want to surf with a mandate of continuing innovation. We’re ready to go.”
“Gen 6 PerfectSwell® is next level, and I can’t think of a better location for the debut or a better partner in the US. Desert Lakes brings a wealth of expertise in civil construction and community infrastructure building, essential for a successful project,” said Bruce McFarland, President of AWM. “We’re thrilled to work with Cody and his team to expand our global network of deeply connected surf communities to Utah and beyond.”
About American Wave Machines
American Wave Machines, Inc.is the inventor and developer of PerfectSwell® Surf Technology. AWM’s technology powers world class surf facilities and destinations backed by proven financials, extensive data capture, and stoked surfers. PerfectSwell® is the only sequence based, pneumatic surf technology on the market. Protected by over 50 patents worldwide, PerfectSwell® Split Peaks, Peeling Waves, Air Sections, and Wedge Barrels are all covered by AWM’s robust patent portfolio.
About Desert Lakes LLC
Desert Lakes LLC is a dynamic partnership between Immaculate Homes and Salt Lake Excavating, formed in 2019 to develop the renowned Southern Shores community in Hurricane Utah. This unique waterfront development features three man-made lakes designed for boating, surfing, and a variety of recreational activities, all surrounded by premium residential properties. Cody Larkin brings extensive expertise in civil construction and lake development, while Jason and Brittany Christensen of Immaculate Homes lead the charge on vertical construction, combining their strengths to create one-of-a-kind living experiences.
