Published May 10, 2025 – WavePoolMag.

FLORIDA WAVE POOL PROJECT APPROVED IN PANAMA CITY

A proposed Florida wave pool project received approval from the Panama City Council this week. The surf park, named Shell Point, is planned for a 10-acre parcel. It aims to bring artificial wave technology to the Florida Panhandle.

The initiative is led by Warren Smith, a longtime Gulf Coast surfer with 25 years in the surf industry. Smith said the project has been in development for five years.

“I’ve been working on this for five years,” Smith told WavePoolMag. “Mostly in secret, just to get this project off the ground here in my hometown. I worked in the surf industry for the last 25 years and then went to a wave pool seven or so years ago and lost my mind and got right to work.”

Working with Smith on the Florida wave pool is effervescent skimboarder Blair Conklin.

Endless Surf Technology Planned for Florida Facility
According to Smith, Shell Point will feature an Endless Surf 36 caisson system. For comparison, the Endless Surf facility in Munich operates with a 34-unit configuration. He says the design was selected for its versatility and capacity.

“Endless Surf fits our project perfectly due to the versitility and capacity of the design,” Smith said. “In peak season we can have 60 people in the wave pool. It fits our demographic with both core and beginning surfers.”

What to Expect and When
The Shell Point Florida wave pool will include multiple amenities. Visitors will find a shoreline beach, event lawn, VIP club, two-story restaurant, family-oriented pools, a children’s splash pad, and a surf retail and rental center.

After facing some disjointed opposition, officials approved the project. Construction will begin in early 2026, pending final funding.

Site and Design Details
Panama City Beach is a resort town in Florida’s Panhandle, known for its white-sand beaches and popularity among Southern U.S. tourists and spring breakers. The wave pool will accommodate users across a wide spectrum, from local to international visitors.

Architecture for the project will be led by William Duncanson of BAR Architects & Interiors, based in San Francisco. Duncanson specializes in surf lodge and resort design. His previous work includes DSRT SRF and hospitality sites in the Pegasus portfolio.

Next Steps for Shell Point
The Shell Point team plans to move forward with financing to begin the construction phase. If timelines remain on track, Shell Point hopes to open for the public in 2027.