Wavegarden, a leading manufacturer of artificial wave-generating systems, is celebrating the start of construction for DSRT Surf at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California.
The DSRT Surf resort will be anchored by a Wavegarden Cove surf park spanning 5.5 acres and is expected to open to visitors in early summer 2026. This will be the second and largest Wavegarden Cove in the US.
Largest Wavegarden Cove in the US
DSRT Surf is a unique surf resort experience in Palm Desert developed by Desert Wave Ventures. The project will include for-sale villas, a luxury hotel, and a wide range of resort amenities such as gourmet dining, pickleball, a swimming pool, a skate park, and more.
The focal point of DSRT Surf will be a 52-module Wavegarden Cove that produces consistent world-class waves. At least 88 surfers can be in the water at once in the high-capacity lagoon, which will offer waves suitable for beginners to specialists at the same time. The wave menu includes over 20 different wave types, and private sessions can be tailored to any combination of waves on demand.
The DSRT Surf project will offset more water than it requires, and as part of the ‘Turf for Surf’ project uses less water than an equivalent-sized golf course.
Fernando Odriozola, chief commercial officer at Wavegarden, says: “We would like to acknowledge the hard work and contributions of everyone in reaching this important milestone. Palm Desert is such an iconic area, and we can’t wait to start building the first Wavegarden Cove in California. Exchanging ‘Turf for Surf’ will create an amazing oasis in the desert that will become a true asset for many people to enjoy.”
John Luff, managing member of Beach Street Development and Operations, comments: “Today marks an exciting moment for the Southern California surfing community and for the city of Palm Desert. DSRT Surf is introducing the largest Wavegarden Cove in the United States. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony culminates years of development and starts the next chapter in bringing this unique and iconic vision to life, expanding the Southern California surfing landscape.”
Wavegarden offers all levels of waves to the American market and champions the enjoyment and benefits that surfing offers. It is the only firm on the planet to have eight successfully operating surf parks, which each welcome an average of 200,000 visitors a year.
The ninth surf park equipped with Wavegarden technology will open in autumn in Edinburgh, Scotland, with further parks planned in Virginia Beach, US and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Wavegarden recently worked with URBNSURF to develop a new surf park at Sydney Olympic Park, Australia. This project follows the success of their first surf park in Melbourne. The attraction is the second Wavegarden Cove surf park in Australia and the eighth in the world.
