Waco Surf
The most searched wave pool in the United States, and the one with the widest ability range on a single tank.
What a session costs
Published prices at Waco Surf, as printed on 2026-10-07. Operators change prices and seasons without notice, so treat these as the shape of the cost rather than a quote, and check the operator before you book.
| Session | Price |
|---|---|
| The Coaster (beginner)30 minutes each side | from $129 / hour |
| The Runner (intermediate)30 minutes each side | from $139 / hour |
| The Peak (advanced)30 minutes each side | from $159 / hour |
Prices collected 2026-10-07 from wacosurf.com. Session prices do not include flights, boards, wetsuit hire unless noted, or accommodation.
The waves at Waco Surf
Waco Surf opened in 2018. It is an outdoor pool on American Wave Machines PerfectSwell.
- Learn to Surf beginnerGentle waves with coaching before and during the session, at most 4 kids per coach.
- The Coaster beginnerGentle rolling waves in sets of 3, with a soft top included.
- The Runner intermediateChest-to-head-high Trestles-style waves, about 10 to 20 an hour.
- The Peak advancedPowerful Trestles-style rights and lefts, about 15 to 25 an hour.
- Slab Barrel Wave expertA barrel wave sold only as a private session.
- Air Wave expertAn open face for aerials, sold only as a private session.
- Shredmill intermediate, 4-5 ftA deep-water standing wave for continuous turns, for intermediate to expert surfers.
When to go
The surf lagoon runs all year, 8am to 8pm. The Shredmill runs noon to 5pm. The water park reopens in 2027.
The operator lists 45 to 65 F in March and April and 75 to 90 F from May to September.
Wetsuits rent on site. Plan for one in early spring, when the water drops to 45 to 65 F.
Boards, wetsuits and lessons
Board hire costs extra. Wetsuit hire costs extra.
Soft tops cost $29 and performance boards $45 for the first session. Beginner sessions include a soft top.
Learn to Surf starts at $75 for ages 5 and up, and coaching runs at every level.
Public sessions go on sale 4 to 6 weeks before the month and usually sell out about 2 months ahead. Overnight guests book first.
Getting there and where to stay
ACT is the local field with thin service. Most visitors fly DFW or AUS and drive roughly 1.5 hours.
On site: the Waco Surf Hotel, houses and cabins that sleep 4 to 14, and RV hookups.
Taking your own board? Check which airlines charge for one and whether your board bag fits.
Good to know
- Waco Surf is about 90 minutes by car from both Dallas and Austin.
- The pro barrel and air waves sell only as private sessions, from $2,200 an hour.
- You can bring your own board and a cooler with non-alcoholic drinks.
Questions
- How much does a session at Waco Surf cost?
- From $129 an hour, for The Coaster. That is the operator's price on 2026-10-07.
- What is the nearest airport to Waco Surf?
- Fly into ACT. ACT is the local field with thin service. Most visitors fly DFW or AUS and drive roughly 1.5 hours.
- When is Waco Surf open?
- The surf lagoon runs all year, 8am to 8pm. The Shredmill runs noon to 5pm. The water park reopens in 2027.
- Do I need a wetsuit at Waco Surf?
- Wetsuits rent on site. Plan for one in early spring, when the water drops to 45 to 65 F.
- Can beginners surf Waco Surf?
- Yes. 2 of its sessions are for beginners: Learn to Surf; The Coaster.
Venue details checked 2026-10-07. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4. New to pools? Wave pool 101 covers how a session works.
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