Ready to catch some waves? Atlantic Park in Virginia Beach is set to open on 16 August, introducing North America’s first Wavegarden Cove to the East Coast. The innovative surf lagoon, developed as part of a $350 million project, will provide consistent, high-quality waves to surfers of all skill levels.
The Wavegarden Cove at Atlantic Park features a 46-module system that can generate up to 1,000 waves per hour. With over 25 different wave modes available, the facility can cater to a wide range of surfing abilities, from learners to advanced surfers. The lagoon is designed to offer a variety of wave profiles, from soft and long rollers ideal for beginners to powerful ones that allow experienced riders to perform turns, airs, and barrels – all delivered with the lowest energy and water consumption on the market.
“Virginia Beach is the perfect location to open our first Wavegarden Cove,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s CCO. “It has a strong surf community and a high visitation volume – the only thing missing was great waves. Now that’s covered, we’re excited to see the town and broader community thrive.”
Surfers from across the United States have had the opportunity to test the waves at Atlantic Park during its commissioning phase. Among those who provided feedback were East Coast professionals Michael Dunphy, Cam Richards, Mason Barnes, Blayr Barton, Jacob Szekely, Camden Hoover, and 13-year-old Bella Faircloth. “The barrel waves were super good, super hollow, with an easy entry and exit – they were my favorites,” said Faircloth, who dreams of making a career in competitive surfing.
The facility operates year-round, on a session basis, with seasonally adjusted hours. Each session lasts 55 minutes and can host up to 40 surfers simultaneously. The design of the lagoon ensures that surfers can enjoy consistent waves, addressing the longstanding challenge of unpredictable conditions on the East Coast. One of the pro surfers, Cam Richards, who previously spent much of the year travelling to train and prepare for competitions, commented: “The issue of inconsistent conditions that we surfers on the East Coast constantly face has just been solved.”
Beyond the surf facility, visitors can unwind before or after their sessions at the premium beach club setting that encircles the lagoon and has cabanas and lounge chairs. To take advantage of the beach club’s facilities and enjoy the ambience, non-surfers can also buy daily beach passes.
Wavegarden’s lagoon serves as the centrepiece of the $350 million Atlantic Park complex, which also features shopping, dining, residential units, and boutique lodging. A major element of the destination is the redeveloped cultural and live music venue known as The Dome. Pharrell Williams, global artist and a Virginia Beach native, led the project, aiming to highlight the city’s music and cultural scene.
“It embodies the energy, the spirit, the imagination, and the potential of the local people,” said Williams, “It is for those looking forward, the innovators and the creators, the people pushing Virginia Beach into the future.”
Williams has also been a key figure in the development of the Atlantic Park. His involvement underscores a commitment to integrating local culture and community into the project. The collaboration between Williams, Beach Street Development, and other public and private partners reflects a shared vision of creating a space that blends surfing with entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.
As the first Wavegarden Cove facility in North America, it sets a new standard for surf parks and marks a significant milestone in the evolution of artificial wave technology in the United States, offering a mix of technological innovation and community-focused design.
The success of Atlantic Park is expected to pave the way for future developments in other regions, further expanding access to high-quality surfing experiences. The company currently has 12 surf parks in operation worldwide, with two more coming soon to Palm Desert, California and Houston, Texas.
