Colorado Springs now has a place to catch a wave — no ocean required. Surf Shack opened at the Polaris Point commercial and retail development, welcoming its first visitors from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday at 13208 Touchstone View.
The facility's owner, a Springs orthodontist, began planning and constructing the $10 million project nearly three years ago. Saturday's opening marked the culmination of a demanding yearslong process, with budget and permitting issues delaying the launch several times.
The central attraction is the wave machine. Surf Shack employs a "double" wave machine manufactured by San Diego-based FlowRider to simulate ocean waves for riders. The machine allows two riders at one time and can accommodate 20 to 30 surfers each hour; riders pay by the hour, and Surf Shack provides the surfboards. Getting the FlowRider permitted, inspected, and approved by the city was described as a long process.
The venue offers more than just surfing. The facility includes a second-level sauna, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, a spacious patio with a hot tub, conference and party rooms, locker rooms, food and beverage areas, and a $1.2 million heating and air system. The owner has said he wanted to bring a laid-back beach vibe to landlocked Colorado.
Though he still practices orthodontics, the owner sold his practice several years ago to focus on the Surf Shack project. Alongside the business, he has launched a community initiative: he founded a nonprofit called the Next Wave Learning Foundation, envisioning organized field trips to Surf Shack and elsewhere to help young people strengthen academic skills, learn resilience, and broaden their knowledge on various topics.
Walk-ins were welcome on opening day, though advance bookings on the company website were encouraged for those wanting a guaranteed spot on the FlowRider. The facility is operating with evolving hours at first, and the best way to plan a visit is to book directly on the Surf Shack website.
A formal grand opening celebration is planned for September.