Texas is making waves once again, and this time, it’s not just in Waco! A new surf park is set to rise in McKinney, North Texas. Stretching over an area of four acres, the wave pool would exhibit resort-style hotels, entertainment hubs, and more. Dubbed Cannon Beach, the project promises to bring surfing enthusiasts and economic opportunities to the Lone Star State, attracting an estimated 300,000 visitors annually. And topping it all, the whooping price tag is sure to take your head for a spin.

With a staggering price tag of over $200 million, Cannon Beach of Texas is signaling a new era for Texas and the sport of surfing. And such a development undoubtedly owes a nod to surfing legend Kelly Slater, whose innovations continue to redefine the boundaries of the sport. While Slater’s name is synonymous with surfing dominance, his contribution extends far beyond the ocean. The 11-time world champion not only revolutionized surfing on the global stage but also pioneered the concept of high-end wave pools through his Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California.

How Slater’s Surf Ranch paved the way for Texas’ $200 million worth surf park

Moreover, Slater’s influence needs all the limelight for the facility’s cutting-edge technology, producing near-perfect artificial waves that have pushed surfing into new territories. Now, as McKinney’s Cannon Beach project takes shape, it is undeniable that this ground was set by Slater’s Surf Ranch. It truly has set the benchmark for what wave pool developments can achieve. And in addition to that, the figures have their own story to narrate.

Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch is as exclusive as it is impressive, with costs ranging from $50,000–$70,000 for daily rentals and up to $7,000 per person for a day’s surf. For those looking to ride a single wave, prices hover between $290 and $415. By contrast, the Cannon Beach surf park in Texas, while pegged at $200 million, promises greater accessibility, targeting a broader audience with its expansive facilities and entertainment-driven model. The disparity makes it clear how Slater’s luxury concept has inspired a wave of opportunities that are now branching into more mainstream appeal.

The McKinney project is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits. The major ground of success is that it would be generating over $2 billion in economic impact over the next two decades and creating 700 local jobs. “In addition to the tourism component of this project, Cannon Beach … (is) positioning itself as a hub for top talent and innovation, from global corporations to ambitious startups,” said McKinney Mayor George Fuller. As a new “gateway into North Texas,” the development underscores the growing interest and investment in artificial surf parks, an idea that Slater helped popularize through his visionary Surf Ranch.

Slater’s legacy lies not only in his unmatched accolades but in his ability to inspire evolution within the sport. Speaking to NPR, he once said, “Surfing is my first love. It saved my life in a lot of ways.” That passion has translated into tangible progress, with projects like Cannon Beach directly benefiting from the foundations Slater laid. From Waco to McKinney, Texas is emerging as a hub for artificial surfing. However, it is not just Kelly’s Surf Ranch of California that has inspired the $200 million dollar project. Slater’s investment of about $40 million to construct the world’s largest surf pool in Abu Dhabi has played a major role too.

Kelly Slater’s vision rides to Abu Dhabi with major investment 

In the ever-evolving world of artificial surfing, Abu Dhabi has set an unprecedented benchmark with Surf Abu Dhabi in 2023. The largest man-made wave pool the world has ever seen is making waves in all its literal sense in the Arabian Gulf. Backed by the revolutionary technology of the Kelly Slater Wave Co., this ambitious project is already sending ripples through the surfing community, promising unparalleled waves and a transformational experience on Hudayriat Island. With special attractions like wave heights reaching up to 8 feet and the possibility of the world’s longest rides, Abu Dhabi has truly given their tourists and natives a new bucket-list destination.

Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion and pioneer of artificial wave technology, first wowed the world with his Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California. Though groundbreaking, Lemoore’s 700-meter pool now faces a giant, The Surf Abu Dhabi. It is reportedly sprawling over 51 million square meters. This scale is staggering, solidifying the UAE’s reputation for turning bold visions into reality. Surf Abu Dhabi hasn’t only pushed the boundaries of artificial wave engineering but has served as the centerpiece of a sprawling 19-square-mile development that includes luxury residences, urban parks, and world-class amenities.

Now, as excitement builds for the grand reveal of the Cannon Beach of Texas soon, Surf Abu Dhabi, alongside Surf Ranch, is already a paradise for surfers from all across the globe. These projects are truly a testament to Kelly Slater’s enduring influence in evolving the sport. From California to the Middle East, his passion for his dream of reshaping surfing’s future has indeed taken the perfect turn into reality.