Big Surf Water Park Has Been Providing Family Fun For Nearly 50 Years!

Click to see photos from Big Surf’s creation

Click to see historical photos

Did you know that Big Surf Waterpark opened on October 24, 1969? In 1965, four years before the “surf center” opened, it was just an idea thought of by a man named Phil Dexter.  Dexter took that idea and in 1966 built the first model of his wave machine…in his backyard!

Big Surf served as more than just a surf center.  It was a popular destination for numerous concerts from musicians like: Pink Floyd, Elton John, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Sting, Rod Stewart and many, many more.  The concert tradition was revived in 2011 with two Sound Wave Electronic Dance Music festivals.  Big Surf was also featured in two motion pictures: Just One of the Guys (1985) and Storm of the Century (1999).

Historical Magazine Articles

Featuring Big Surf Waterpark and Phil Dexter

LIFE Magazine 1970

Sports Illustrated 1969

TIME Magazine 1969