Surf's up on New Year's Day: Palm Springs Surf Club announces opening date, full list of amenities ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

The wave at Palm Springs Surf Club is shown during testing earlier this year. *(Photo: Dakota Mullins)*

The Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC) is set to open on Jan. 1, 2024, it was announced Wednesday. The project will be the first of its kind, bringing surfing to Southern California’s desert through a state-of-the-art wave pool and a range of other attractions.

The brainchild of Cheyne Magnusson, Kalani Robb, and James Dunlop, development at the former Wet ‘n’ Wild off South Gene Autry Trail began in 2018 when a wave prototype was installed. Investor and tech executive Vinny Smith joined the project in 2019 after experiencing the wave, bringing in hotel developers Tim and Colin O’Byrne to help create the destination.

“Opening The Palm Springs Surf Club marks the realization of a dream that was once unimaginable – catching waves in the desert,” said Smith.

Located a short drive from Los Angeles and minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the 21-acre PSSC combines resort and leisure attractions, centered around surfing and the beach lifestyle.

The club uses advanced pneumatic wave technology, pioneered by Tom Lochtefeld, the founder of Surfloch Wave Systems, to offer on-demand, customizable waves for varying skill levels.

Daybeds are seen at the former Wet ‘n’ Wild, which will reopen on Jan. 1 as a surf club. *(Photo: Dakota Mullins)*

The park’s waves, which can accommodate up to 25 surfers simultaneously, use just 1% of the water volume required by a typical golf course while generating over 70% of its energy resources in-house.

In addition to surfing, guests will be able to enjoy a lazy river, waterslide attractions, cabana rentals, and more. The club also features two restaurants and three full bars, as well as a retail store offering a curated selection of wetsuits, clothing, and accessories.

“We’re thrilled to bring this unique desert surf experience to life,” developer Tim O’Byrne said in a news release Wednesday. “We’ve invested over $80 million to turn this park into a top-tier entertainment destination.”