Remembering Big Surf: Tempe’s Legendary Wave Pool
For over five decades, Big Surf served as the ultimate oasis for Valley residents seeking relief from scorching Arizona summers. Located in the heart of Tempe, this groundbreaking water park brought ocean-sized waves directly to the Sonoran Desert. Although the park is now gone, its legacy as America’s first inland wave pool continues to shape local culture and the memories of generations of Phoenicians.
The Birth of Desert Surfing in Tempe
Before Big Surf opened in 1969, the idea of surfing in Arizona seemed like a desert mirage. Phil Dexter, an inventive local engineer, spent years perfecting a mechanical wave-generating system in his backyard before scaling it up for the public. Backed by funding from hair-care giant Clairol, Dexter’s vision materialized on a 20-acre lot near McClintock Drive and Tempe Rio Salado Parkway. The park’s centerpiece was the Waikiki Beach wave pool, which held millions of gallons of water and generated waves up to five feet high, offering an authentic surfing experience deep in landlocked Arizona.
A Cultural Hub for the Phoenix Metro Area
Big Surf was more than just a place to swim; it was a cultural epicenter for Valley youth. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the park hosted iconic concerts featuring massive musical acts like Pink Floyd, Elton John, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The sandy shores and grassy lawns became prime gathering spots for families, teenagers, and surf enthusiasts alike, defining the summer lifestyle of the East Valley.
The Technical Marvel Behind the Waves
At the heart of the park’s success was its pioneering engineering. The wave generator used a system of massive underground gates and hydraulic pumps that released water from a holding reservoir into the lagoon, creating a natural-cresting wave. This unique technology earned the park a designation as an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 2013, solidifying its place in global engineering history.
| Valley Water Park | Years of Operation | Key Innovation | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Surf (Tempe) | 1969 – 2019 | First commercial wave pool in North America | Permanently closed and demolished |
| Golfland Sunsplash (Mesa) | 1983 – Present | Hybrid mini-golf and water slide park | Active seasonal attraction |
| Hurricane Harbor (Glendale) | 2009 – Present | Massive modern multi-slide complexes | Active seasonal attraction |
The End of an Era and Redevelopment
The closure of Big Surf in 2019, followed by its sale and subsequent demolition in 2022, marked the end of a golden era for Tempe recreation. The prime real estate was acquired for industrial redevelopment, reflecting the broader economic shifts and demand for logistics space in the East Valley. While modern warehouses now occupy the physical site, the loss of this iconic community space left a major void, highlighting the ongoing challenge Valley cities face in balancing rapid development with the preservation of historic landmarks.
Preserving the Legacy: What to Watch Next
As the physical footprint of Big Surf fades, local historians are working to ensure its story survives. The Tempe History Museum periodically features exhibits, photographs, and artifacts from the park’s heyday, keeping memories of sandy afternoons alive. Additionally, modern wave-pool technology is advancing through new inland surf projects planned across the Southwest, proving that the spirit of Phil Dexter’s original desert wave continues to inspire new generations of Arizona surfers.
- When did Big Surf open and close?
Big Surf opened in October 1969 and held its final operating season in 2019 before closing permanently and undergoing demolition in 2022. - Where was Big Surf located in Tempe?
The park was located near McClintock Drive and Tempe Rio Salado Parkway, a site that has now been redeveloped into industrial warehouses. - Was Big Surf the first wave pool in the country?
Yes, it is recognized as North America’s first commercially successful inland wave pool, using innovative hydraulic gates to create rideable waves. - What bands performed at Big Surf?
The venue hosted legendary concert events featuring major acts such as Pink Floyd, Elton John, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
While you can no longer surf the waves in Tempe, you can keep the legacy of Big Surf alive by visiting exhibits at the Tempe History Museum and supporting the preservation of the Valley’s historic mid-century recreation spots.
Remembering the Legendary Big Surf Wave Pool in Tempe
