Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon opens in Virginia Beach
Jacob Szekley - Atlantic Park Surf
Powered by Wavegarden Cove, the system can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour and more than 20 types of waves.
Atlantic Park Surf, North America’s first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon, has opened, and bookings are available to the public at their website. Atlantic Park Surf aims to be the first lagoon of its kind to be incorporated into an urban environment, providing an unparalleled surfing experience.
“Catching a wave in a surf park I have been dreaming about for 25 years was surreal – a dream come true,” said Joe Lamontagne, local surfer and co-creator of the Atlantic Park Surf Club, who had the opportunity to “take off” Atlantic Park Surf’s first wave during the lagoon’s testing phase. “I know Atlantic Park will inspire more kids from the 757 to dream and do great things in the surfing industry.”
Powered by Wavegarden Cove, the system can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour and more than 20 types of waves, ranging from one to seven feet in height and tailored to beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert surfers.
Additionally, a handful of top surfers from across the U.S. were among those to test the lagoon’s waves during this period. Among them were former winners of the East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), Virginia Beach’s own Michael Dunphy and Blayr Barton.
"Virginia Beach is the perfect location to open our first Wavegarden Cove," said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer. "With a strong surf community and high visitation, the only thing missing was consistent waves. With Atlantic Park Surf, that’s now covered, and we’re excited to see the city and broader community thrive."
Stewarded by Virginia Beach native and global superstar Pharrell Williams, Atlantic Park aims to harness the energy of the city’s legacy as the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Atlantic Park is a public-private partnership among the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Beach Development Authority, Venture Realty Group, Pharrell Williams, W.M. Jordan Company, Bishard Development and Priority Title/H20 Investments. In partnership, OVG 360 and Live Nation, both global leaders in live entertainment, operate and programme The Dome.
