Waco Surf
Experience world-class surfing, a mile-long lazy river, and thrilling slides at this Texas water sports paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to book
Waco Surf
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier to book
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience world-class surfing, a mile-long lazy river, and thrilling slides at this Texas water sports paradise.
"It honestly feels like a tropical escape without even leaving Texas."
Book surf sessions early! 🏄♀️
Waco Surf's wave pool is popular; book your surf time online in advance to guarantee a spot.
Bring your own board? 🤔
While you can rent boards, consider bringing your own if you have specific preferences and are traveling from afar.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The World-Famous Wave Pool
Surf Park
Experience artificial waves that mimic ocean conditions, perfect for learning or advanced surfing.
Mile-Long Lazy River
Lazy River
Float your cares away on one of the longest lazy rivers in the country.
+1
Giant Water Slides
Water Park Area
Thrill-seekers will love the towering water slides offering exhilarating drops and splashes.
Wakeboarding Cable Park
Cable Park
Test your skills on the wakeboarding cable for a different kind of water sport fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Surf Sessions in Advance
Consider Off-Season for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book surf sessions early! 🏄♀️
Waco Surf's wave pool is popular; book your surf time online in advance to guarantee a spot.
Bring your own board? 🤔
While you can rent boards, consider bringing your own if you have specific preferences and are traveling from afar.
Wetsuit in May? Check temps! 🌡️
May weather can vary; check the forecast and consider a wetsuit for comfort in the water.
Cabin stays offer amenities 🏡
Cabins are clean and modern, but some lack indoor cooking facilities. Plan meals accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book surf sessions early! 🏄♀️
Waco Surf's wave pool is popular; book your surf time online in advance to guarantee a spot.
Bring your own board? 🤔
While you can rent boards, consider bringing your own if you have specific preferences and are traveling from afar.
Wetsuit in May? Check temps! 🌡️
May weather can vary; check the forecast and consider a wetsuit for comfort in the water.
Cabin stays offer amenities 🏡
Cabins are clean and modern, but some lack indoor cooking facilities. Plan meals accordingly.
Height limits for slides 📏
The big water slides have a 44-inch height requirement, so check this for younger children.
Food & drink policy 🍻
You can bring your own food and alcohol to the slide area, but beer is available for purchase by the surf park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waco Surf offers a thrilling mix of surfing, slides, and a lazy river, making it a popular destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. While the wave pool and slides are consistently praised, some visitors found the lazy river's flow to be too slow. Staff are often highlighted for being friendly and helpful, though occasional weather-related closures can impact the experience.
"Water slides were a blast. Wish we had booked surfing before we came. Stayed in a cabin and it was a great time for our family. 44” is the height limit for the big slides. Our 6 and 9 year olds had a blast as well. You can bring your own food and alcohol to the slide portion but can buy beer by the surf park!"
Tom Rowe
"We had a great time at Waco Surf! I want to give extra special thanks to the accommodating and helpful staff, especially Zach and Danny who were super friendly and encouraging coaches. We came late season mid week which made it easy to jump in sessions, however the river and slides (and a few bars)were closed.
I feel that surfing here was the best learning experience I’ve had in surfing yet.
We stayed in a cabin and it was clean,modern and comfortable, although I wish they had an inside flat top for cooking.
If you have experience surfing, have your pop up down and can surf down the line I would recommend surfing the advanced wave. If you’re surfing intermediate make sure you’re on a much bigger board (think of it like a less powerful point break).
Cocktails were good at the bar, and the food at the surfside shack was flavorful (spam bfast tacos ftw)
Definitely will be back, excited to get a crew together and possibly book a private!"
Chad Peters
"We had an absolute blast at Waco Surf! The slides were fantastic, the atmosphere was great, and the staff were friendly. My only gripe? The “lazy” river might have been a little too lazy! The flow was so minimal that I’m convinced all the pipes feeding it were on a coffee break—except for the big waterfall pump behind the surf section, which seemed to be the only thing actually moving water. Without it, I truly believe it would’ve taken 3–5 business days to float around once. We ended up paddling ourselves like we were training for the Olympics just to make progress.
They have pumps that can produce giant rolling surf waves on command… but a lazy river that actually moves? Apparently that’s asking too much. 😆 Still, overall, it was a great day and we’d totally go back—just maybe with paddles next time to make it around easier."
Brent Fleming
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waco Surf is located in Waco, Texas. It's accessible by car, and most visitors drive to the location. If flying, the nearest major airport is in Austin (AUS), about a 1.5-hour drive away.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a convenient spot.
Absolutely! Waco Surf offers various accommodation options including a hotel, cabins, RV hookups, and surf houses, allowing you to extend your stay.
The most convenient way to travel from Austin to Waco Surf is by car, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Ride-sharing services might be available but can be costly for this distance.
Public transport options directly to Waco Surf are limited. Driving or arranging a private shuttle is generally the most practical approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Waco Surf prices vary depending on the activities you choose (surfing, slides, lazy river, wakeboarding) and the season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for tickets and packages.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets and especially surf sessions in advance is highly recommended, particularly for the wave pool, as they can sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. Always check the official Waco Surf website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, you can bring your own food and alcohol to the water slide and lazy river areas. However, specific rules may apply, so it's good to confirm on their website.
Yes, Waco Surf often offers various packages that might include access to the surf park, slides, lazy river, or a combination. You can also book individual activities like surf sessions.
🎫 🏄♂️ Onsite Experience
Waco Surf features a state-of-the-art wave pool that generates consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
Yes, Waco Surf is an excellent place for beginners to learn. They offer dedicated beginner sessions and coaching to help you get up and riding.
The lazy river is a mile long and offers a relaxing float. Some visitors have noted the flow can be slow, suggesting bringing a paddle for easier navigation.
The main water slides have a height requirement of 44 inches. Always check posted signs for specific restrictions on each slide.
Yes, wetsuits and surfboards are available for rent at Waco Surf. It's recommended to book these in advance, especially during busy periods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Waco Surf has several dining spots, including the Surfside Shack, which offers flavorful options like breakfast tacos. You can also bring your own food.
Yes, alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, are available for purchase at the bars located within Waco Surf. +1
While specific menus can change, most on-site eateries offer a variety of options. It's best to check the current menu or ask staff for dietary accommodations.
Bringing your own food and drinks to the slide and lazy river areas is generally more budget-friendly than purchasing all your meals on-site.
The spam breakfast tacos at the Surfside Shack have been highlighted as a tasty option by visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the waves in the surf park, the expansive lazy river, and the thrilling water slides. The beach areas also offer great backdrops.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits or arrangements, so it's best to check their policy.
Drone usage is typically restricted at most recreational facilities for safety and privacy reasons. It's advisable to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Visitors often share action shots of surfing, fun moments on the lazy river and slides, and scenic views of the park.
Yes, the consistent nature of the waves in the surf park makes it easier to capture great action shots. Consider a waterproof case for your phone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Many families enjoy the ability to bring their own food and drinks to the slide and river areas, making it easier to cater to picky eaters and manage budgets. Consider booking a cabin stay for a comfortable base, though be mindful of cooking facilities.
🏄♂️ Surfing Enthusiasts
Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics with expert coaching Consider the type of wave you want to ride and choose your session accordingly. If you're traveling from afar, weigh the pros and cons of bringing your own board versus renting.
🏖️ Day-Trippers & Budget Travelers
+1 To save money, take advantage of the ability to bring your own food and drinks to these areas. While surfing sessions are a premium experience, enjoying the other attractions can still provide a full day of fun without the higher cost of dedicated surf packages. Plan your visit to maximize your time and enjoyment of the available amenities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mastering the Waves at Waco Surf
For beginners, the park offers dedicated sessions and coaching, making it an ideal environment to learn the fundamentals of surfing. Instructors like Zach and Danny have been praised for their encouraging guidance.
When planning your surf session, consider the type of wave you want to ride. The park can be configured for different wave types, mimicking various ocean conditions. Booking your surf time in advance is crucial, as sessions are popular and can fill up quickly.
Beyond Surfing: The Full Waco Surf Experience
Beyond the water attractions, Waco Surf also features a wakeboarding cable park, adding another dimension to the water sports available.
The resort also provides various accommodation options, including a hotel, cabins, RV hookups, and surf houses, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Dining options are available on-site, with places like the Surfside Shack serving up tasty treats, including popular breakfast tacos.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
When it comes to accommodation, the cabins are noted as clean and modern, though some lack indoor cooking facilities, so meal planning is key.
Finally, some visitors have experienced unexpected closures due to weather, like lightning sightings, which can lead to frustration if not anticipated.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit