Aquatic Development Group (ADG), a leading water park and recreational design, construction and manufacturing firm, and Citywave USA have formed a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating deep-water standing wave surfing throughout North America and the Caribbean.
This partnership brings together two top companies to deliver a popular deep-water surf wave system to a growing market. With many installations, ADG is known for accuracy, performance, and good customer relationships, with an 80% repeat business rate. Its success comes from understanding customer needs, efficient manufacturing, and strong customer service.
Citywave USA is a leader in deep-water standing wave technology, generating strong, controlled, rideable waves popular with surfers of all skills and inland surf creators. With success in over 20 venues, it brings credibility, innovation, and mass appeal, making it an ideal partner for ADG’s goal to expand access to top surf experiences across North America.
Expertise in surf tech
ADG has more than 50 years of experience in wave systems and aquatic venues, handling everything in-house, from engineering and design to manufacturing and installation.
Its expertise in surf wave technology began in the 1980s, when it pioneered some of the earliest pneumatically generated surf pools in Southern California. This influenced the future of artificial wave tech and inspired further innovations in inland surf.
In the early 2000s, Tom Lochtefeld, the inventor of Flowrider, collaborated with ADG to create a commercially viable version of his design. ADG subsequently designed, built, and installed more than 130 FlowRider systems in municipalities, resorts, and water parks.
To provide a more genuine surf experience, ADG then shifted its attention from sheet waves to creating a deep-water standing wave, launching EpicSurf in 2021. Since introducing this technology, ADG has improved and expanded the product. While a new installation will open soon in Florida, the future is focused internationally, with several EpicSurf projects underway globally.
“In our pursuit of delivering the world’s best standing wave technology, the opportunity to partner with Citywave USA, recognized as a global leader in the space, was compelling on multiple fronts,” says Bruce Quay, chief operating officer at ADG.
“Citywave’s proven track record, and ADG’s decades of experience of reliable, quality, manufacturing and service/support infrastructure, creates a powerful partnership. Together, we are positioned to deliver the most high-performance and reliable deep-water standing wave systems across North America. We’re excited to collaborate with the Citywave team to grow awareness and drive the development of Citywave USA locations across North America and the Caribbean.
“Merging Citywave’s technology with ADG’s ability to pioneer wave technology and efficiently execute projects is a true force multiplier.”
More surfers than any other system
Citywave USA, owned by Urban Entertainment Concepts (UEC), was created to sell, license, franchise, and operate Citywave surf systems across North America.
UEC created its first fully integrated concept, Goodsurf Beach Club, in Dallas, Texas, and has since engaged in talks with many FECs, resorts, and marina developers to introduce Citywave to their locations. Citywave systems have been commercially operating since 2012, with more than 20 venues active globally.
Citywave, the longest-standing deep-water surf wave tech, has more surfers on its systems than any other surf technology.
While Citywave’s technology has a proven global track record, Citywave USA identified the need for a domestic partner capable of scaling effectively and ensuring long-term success. ADG provides this, with expertise in in-house manufacturing and fabrication, supported by integrated engineering, installation, and project management.
With a reputation for delivering complex systems with precision and reliability, ADG ensures each installation meets the highest standards of performance and efficiency. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Citywave USA’s expansion, allowing the brand to meet increasing demand with unmatched speed, quality, and local support.
“We’ve seen incredible demand for Citywave across North America and the Caribbean, and we knew ADG was the ideal partner to help us scale,” says Andrew Limbocker, CEO of Urban Entertainment Concepts.
“I’ve worked with ADG for over a decade, and their team is hands down, the most professional, capable, and grounded group in the industry. Their expertise in sales, marketing, manufacturing, and construction is exactly what we need to bring surfing to the masses.
“With a shared focus on ambitious growth and scaling the business through refined system costs, design efficiencies, and streamlined delivery, this partnership has the potential to truly transform the future of the sport.
Ken Ellis, CEO at ADG, adds: “I’ve worked with Andrew and the UEC leadership team for decades and have always admired their vision and ability to transform market opportunities into high-performing entertainment destinations.
“Our partnership with Citywave USA is a powerful opportunity to bring this proven surf experience to a wider audience—creating meaningful value for developers, operators, and investors looking to meet the growing demand for authentic, surf-driven attractions.”
Benefits for clients
After years of independent efforts in the US, Citywave USA and ADG have partnered under a North American agreement. ADG will be the exclusive provider for Citywave USA surf units, managing sales, marketing, design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and support. Globally, ADG will also expand its EpicSurf standing wave, aiming to bring inland surf to more people.
This collaboration enhances Citywave USA’s status as North America’s top deep-water wave system, leveraging ADG’s expertise. Prospects and clients will benefit from a streamlined process, broader industry network, and shared market knowledge of two surf industry leaders.
Citywave USA operators will benefit from UEC’s expertise in development, financing, insurance, software, gamification, third-party management, and upcoming franchising. This comprehensive development-to-surf offering provides a turnkey solution, allowing developers to invest with confidence in technology and the team.
Citywave USA and Aquatic Development Group are jointly establishing a new benchmark for inland surf by providing top-tier standing wave surf systems with cutting-edge innovation and proven performance.
Earlier this year, ADG shared details of its pivotal role in the development of the $400 million OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, which opened on 21 February in Oklahoma City, US.
