While promoting Surf Abu Dhabi, Kelly Slater made waves with a big statement. As an 11-time WSL champion, Slater isn’t just known for his masterful rides; his unique perspective and decades of experience make him a true guiding star in the surfing world. So, when his brainchild, Kelly Slater Wave Company LLC, teamed up with Modon Properties to create the world’s largest man-made surf pool, the excitement was off the charts. This partnership promised a groundbreaking project, blending Slater’s vision with Modon’s architectural prowess. And Slater fueled the hype with just a few intriguing words.

In the press conference, Kelly Slater said, “I’ve drawn on that traveling surf education to design the wave at Surf Abu Dhabi.” Those lines piqued the interest, attracting a lot of glances. But on the eve of its opening, the project has invited a lot of flak. The prominent one came because of its sky-high ticket charges. Lots of fans have already started to count it out of their reach because of those staggering entry fees. Both KSWC and Modon Properties have yet to present their rationale for maintaining such high prices. Yet, Kelly is already on the move, setting up another surfing project. 

Kelly Slater, according to reports, shook hands with Discovery Land Co., an Arizona-based corporation, to assist him in establishing a surfing project, Austin Surf Club. However, the project has experienced various ups and downs thus far. According to the details, Slater began investing in the property in 2018 after NLand closed down. Yet, nothing concrete has been stood up. Nevertheless, his company has acquired over 190 acres of land throughout the years, yet the main infrastructure has remained largely unchanged till today. However, that should not come as a blow. Why? 

This time, Slater has a lot of things in his mind to insert into his ambitious surf project. According to the report published by Austin Business Journal, the site plan includes “more than 140 condos, a brewery, cafe, restaurant and more, along streets with names like Aloha Lane, Fishpond Lane, Soundwave Trail, Coco Beach Drive, and Outer Reef Circle.” Moreover, Discovery Land Co., Slater’s partner in the entire planning, has hinted at something big.

On its website, Discovery Land Co. termed its engagement with Slater’s company to secure a target. It is “to redefine residential living.”  But how to attain that? As per the description noted on the website, the planned 2,200-square-foot surf basin will include modern amenities and it will be open for all ages. A treat for all those who want to taste a tinge of coastal serenity in the middle of the bustling metropolis! But the fans will have to wait to witness the engagement between technology and nature. How long? That may give birth to some hiccups. 

Kelly Slater’s big dream in the dry land is still waiting to see lights 

As per the report, the site plan of Austin Surf Club is still “waiting on legal review.” Even though the companies submitted the plan a year ago, it has yet to see daylight. Perhaps that has slowed down the pace of the project. However, the companies are encouraging fans to invest in the property. The statements made by Austin Surf Club this month reflect a similar mindset. 

In an interaction with Austin Business Journal this month, a key member behind the project said, “It’s too soon to share specific details. [But] We’re encouraged by the initial support and enthusiasm.” But when would the stalemate end? Such a question didn’t find a positive reply. Rather, the official promises to update whenever something comes up. After that, a week has almost gone by. But nothing concrete has come up. As of now, the structure stands as the horizontal construction in the planned site. Nothing more than that has followed yet. So is there any problem with Kelly Slater’s dream project? 

There’s always a chance! In the past, NLand found itself embroiled in a legal battle with Travis County over land ownership, a fiasco that ultimately led to its closure in 2018. So, similar complications could throw a wrench in the works for this new project. To add to the concerns, the plan has faced scrutiny for being situated in a drought-prone area. All in all, there’s still a lot left to iron out on paper, which means Kelly Slater’s fans may have to hold tight before they can catch those first waves at the surf pool!