Kelly Slater’s proposed Surf Ranch by Kelly Slater Wave Company in Palm Beach has been approved by Palm Beach County as the surf legend and billionaire Dirk Ziff aim to bring their concept that is already proven in Lenmoore, California to Slater's native Florida. The Surf Ranch will be located on 80 acres at the Palm Beach Park of Commerce and construction is expected to begin in 2018. The Surf Ranch is essentially a man-made surfing lake that relies on solar paneled KSWC technology for wave generation to create an artificial wave. The facility would feature a 16.6 acre lagoon, 31,915 SF of interior usable space including a 10,121 SF learning center, 5,392 SF training center, a 3,566 SF clubhouse and 160 parking spots. The zoning proposal states that the facility would be used for pro surfers to train and to host events and contests. Slater's goal is to make a professional tour stop in Palm Beach County a possibility as inconsistent surf limits the state's ability to produce a top level venue in which the world's best surfers can compete. Slater is an 11-time world champion and Ziff is a Palm Beach local who is also co-owner of the World Surf League. The Surf Ranch is expected to open in 2019.
“Well...it’s official... we have a building permit in Palm Beach County for #SurfRanchFlorida. I’m beyond proud and stoked to see the first of our developments at @kswaveco going to my home state of #Florida. Thank you to Mayor Burdick and the city commissioners for your approval and support of the project. Also thank you to #JupiterFarms for your comments and support. Looking forward to being neighbors. I keep joking about it but it might be true that now I can move back home now and surf as much as I want! Cannot wait to see a bunch more stoked people riding waves. This is gonna be fun," said Slater on Instagram.