Tensions are rising in ritzy Newport Beach, California. The conflict? A proposed wave pool, which would take over a portion of an existing golf course. As expected, the golf community is not happy, and on July 3rd, a rally was held to block the surf park.
Snug Harbor Surf Park, the proposed pool, would replace a small section of Newport Beach Golf Course. However, in a statement exclusively provided to SURFER, “the balance of the existing Newport Beach Golf Course will remain intact,” a representative stated. How small? According to plans, the project “would remove all existing improvements on the Project site including the driving range, pro shop, restaurant and bar, and three holes of golf, and redevelop the site with a 5.06-acre surf lagoon that would provide four distinct surf areas for both experienced and beginner surfers.”
Just three holes; three holes, which are privately owned, of the 18-hole course. And yet, those against the surf park development are still up in arms. Following the demonstration to stop the wave pool construction, keyboard warriors on both sides of the debate have been chiming in…including Kelly Slater.
The detractors of Snug Harbor have created a petition and Instagram account. And in one post, showing the recent rally, they falsely claimed that the pool would feature Kelly Slater Wave Company technology, and stated: “Newport Beach is for everyone, not private wave machines.” To which, Kelly chimed in on the comments:
“Well to be factual, it’s not a ‘surf ranch’ they’re trying to put in. No idea which wave tech it is. I’m happy with either. And there are way more golf courses than wave pools…Either way I’m good with whatever happens! I’ll be watching from the sidelines…all those people might need surf and not realize it. I think a combo would be great.”
Later, Slater added: “They [wave pools] are as much a part of surfing now as driving ranges are for golf. There isn’t a kid growing up surfing now that won’t be surfing in wave pools.”
Related: Will Newport Beach Get a Wave Pool?
Translation: Like ‘em or not, wave pools are inevitable. And mind you, Slater is an avid golfer himself, in addition to creating a revolutionary wave pool. So, his interests lie on both sides of the argument, though he’s clearly siding with the surf park.
In the exclusive statement provided to SURFER, Snug Harbor Surf Park Founder, Adam Cleary, detailed: “Snug Harbor represents an exciting evolution in surfing and coastal recreation, bringing the thrill of surfing, education, wellness, and community into a sustainable, accessible hub. Our goal is simple: make surfing fun for everyone, anytime. No schedule waits, no blackball, crowded lineups, or blown out days, just perfect, learnable waves seven days a week.”
And more specs on the project include: “Utilizing Wavegarden Cove technology, Snug Harbor is proposing a surf lagoon spanning approximately 5 acres, delivering up to 1,000 waves per hour, with a diverse ‘wave menu’ of 25 styles tailored for beginners through pros. Surfers will be able to wear an iWatch that will customize the wave to their liking based on who is next in the lineup”
On the other side, in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, chairman of Save Newport Beach Golf Course, Benny Hallock, said:
“There are more golfers than surfers and the beach is just down the street. This isn’t about a golf course, it’s about protecting the only affordable golf course in Newport Beach. It’s where veterans, retirees, children and everyday people come together. Newport Beach Golf Course is more than open space — it’s our gathering place, our sanctuary, our beacon. We won’t stand by while it’s threatened.”
Stay tuned. Public hearings for the development of Snug Harbor Surf Park are slated for August and September of 2025. And if things go right, a soft opening is expected for spring of 2028.
For the record, SURFER supports Snug Harbor Surf Park.