Published May 19, 2025 – WavePoolMag.
Also Featured May 16, 2025 – KTVU FOX Channel 2; June 22, 2025 – The San Francisco Standard

A SURF PARK FOR THE PEOPLE? SAN FRANCISCO, BAY AREA WAVE POOL SIGHTS ON ALAMEDA

Alameda, a 23-square-mile island anchored in San Francisco’s eastern bay, is an unintentionally eclectic mix of boutique neighborhoods, mid-century architecture, Cold War decay, and soon, a Bay Area wave pool. The east side harbors boats and suburban comforts, while the western half is hard-scrabble remnants of a former Naval Base.

A Hollywood Backdrop and a Delayed Future
The abandoned naval base served as a convenient location for movies and TV. Star Trek, Matrix Reloaded, and MythBusters have all utilized the empty acres of concrete for filming. But that’s about it.

Details About the Neptune Beach Surf Club
Despite decades of planning, redevelopment of the former base has been delayed by contamination and land-use restrictions.

A New Chapter for Alameda
Wedged between these two Alameda hemispheres, complete with views of the San Francisco skyline, is a section ripe for a surf park development.

  • Where: Parking lot at West Hornet Avenue and Skyhawk Street in Alameda

  • How much: $50 million privately funded

  • Planned opening date: 2029

  • Developer / Operator: Pro Swell and Urban Mix Development

  • Architect and Planner: William Duncanson, BAR Architects & Interiors

  • Aquatics Engineer: Martin Aquatics

  • Technology: Endless Surf

  • Amenities: Wave pool, surf center, canoe club, camping/glamping, food & beverage, sailing center, shoreline trail, pump track, boat launch ramp.

Public Opinion on Surfing in a Pool
A TV news poll asked viewers if they would try surfing in a pool. The results?

  • 52% said yes

  • 32% said they don’t want to surf

  • 16% said they will only do so in the ocean