Kelly Slater Is Building The World's Largest Wave Park In California's Desert

It's common sense that you can't surf in the desert. While most people would drive to the beach if they wanted to catch a wave, one professional surfer has a different idea. Kelly Slater is building the world's largest man-made wave in California's desert city, La Quinta.

The 18 million gallon wave basin will be large enough to accommodate twenty-five surfers!

Five surfers can fit on the main wave and each of the two smaller waves can accommodate up to ten surfers each.

According to The Guardian, Kelly Slater Company is responsible for building this giant surf park.

The eleven-time world champion athlete plans has already partnered with private real estate and investment firms to make it happen.

Construction is expected to start early next year and the project should be completed by 2022.

In a statement to NBC 4 News, Slater said, "We chose to do this project because it allows us to further build on our technology and also because one of our founding partners, Michael Schwab, is heading up the group running the project."

He went on to say "...I’m personally excited to create a new wave that will be a stand-alone design that nowhere else in the world has. This can become the blueprint for new developments around waves and surf parks going forward... I can’t wait to get underway.”

The massive wave basin will span 400 acres in the city, set at the foot of Coral Mountain. 

The surf spot will be incorporated into a master-planned community, which includes a resort, private homes ranging from $1 million to $5 million in price, a community club, dining venues, and more.

Restaurants will be open to the public through a reservation.

At this time, it is not clear whether or not the wave park will be open to the general public.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for additional information and updates.