Waco Surf Cable Park

In Waco, Texas, the Waco Surf Cable Park is the direct successor of Barefoot Ski Ranch (BSR), one of the most well-known cable wakeparks in the American pro scene, founded in 2002. Renamed Waco Surf in 2021 under new management, the site has retained its multi-pylon cable while transforming into a true water sports complex.

A historic cable, now a complete complex

The site features a multi-pylon cable, named Wake Lake, equipped with jumps and ramps for all skill levels. In 2018, the complex gained worldwide fame by adding a PerfectSwell artificial wave pool right next to the cable: Kelly Slater personally surfed the very first wave there, a moment that transcended the wakeboard circle and put Waco on the global map of sliding sports.

Between competition, training, and relaxation

The site operates seasonally, with hours that vary greatly depending on the time of year (some weeks open only on weekends in the off-season, daily in the high season). In 2025, the complex partnered with Baylor University to offer surf and cable courses to students. Beyond the water, Waco Surf also claims the longest lazy river in the world on its site.

A symbol of the Texan water sports scene

The PerfectSwell wave pool is based on technology developed by American Wave Machines, capable of generating repeatable artificial waves, a feature that has allowed Waco to position itself as a unique hybrid surf and wakeboard destination in the United States. The site has become a sought-after stop for professional surfers outside of natural swell periods, complementing wakeboard riders who come for the cable.

The complex operates with differentiated access packages depending on the chosen activity (cable, wave pool, or both), with hours extending in the summer high season and tightening in the off-season. Beyond sports, Waco Surf has established itself as a vibrant spot for the city of Waco itself, driven by the local notoriety of Baylor University and the broader tourist enthusiasm the city has experienced in recent years.

Practical information

The official Waco Surf TX YouTube channel regularly shares videos of the site's developments. The exact rates and hours, which are highly dependent on the season, should be checked directly on the official site before planning a visit. The Wake Lake cable remains accessible even when the large wave pool is closed outside of the summer season.

With its history as a pioneer of cable in the United States and its global notoriety since the arrival of the wave pool, Waco Surf remains a must-visit for any rider passing through Texas.

Even before the arrival of the wave pool in 2018, the multi-pylon cable of the former Barefoot Ski Ranch had already built its own reputation within the Texan wakeboard community, which explains why the site has retained its cable as a full-fledged attraction rather than relegating it to the background behind the more media-friendly wave pool.