Surf spot
Big Surf AZ
Forecast conditions and map view for Big Surf AZ in USA, USA Others. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.
- Country
- USA, USA Others
- Coordinates
- 33.4458, -111.9130
Big Surf AZ was a famous inland surf park in Tempe, Arizona, USA. It wasn’t an ocean surf break, but a wave pool designed to create rideable surf-style waves in the desert. For decades, it was known as one of the iconic places for inland surfing in the United States.
Spot overview
- Type: Artificial wave pool / surf park
- Location: Tempe, Arizona
- Region: USA Others
- Wave style: Machine-generated waves suitable for beginner to intermediate surfers, with occasional sessions for more experienced riders depending on conditions and setup
What it was known for
- One of the best-known landlocked surf venues in the U.S.
- Offered a controlled environment for practicing surfing without needing ocean swells
- Popular for surf lessons, family recreation, and local surf culture
- Notable as a unique desert surf destination, especially in the Southwest
Conditions
- Because it was a wave pool, conditions were consistent and predictable
- No tides, currents, or ocean wind issues
- The surf quality depended on the pool’s operating schedule and wave settings rather than weather
Notes
- Big Surf AZ became a landmark in American surf history as an early and memorable inland wave facility
- If you’re looking for a current surf report, note that the facility has had periods of closure and redevelopment discussions, so its status may vary over time
