Big Surf Waterpark

In 1966 Phil Dexter dreamed up a machine that would bring ocean swells to the middle of the Sonoran Desert. By 1969 he was able to open Big Surf Waterpark, America's original wave pool in Tempe, Arizona. Thanks to upgrades the Big Surf Wavepool is still the third largest in the world, with an impressive 2.5 million gallon capacity and nowadays it's more than just a place to ride a wave. The waterpark is also home to more than a dozen rides for visitors of any age and offers several “beach” areas for those not interested in floating the day away. For most of the time the pools limited to boogie boarders and body surfers, but at certain days and times they let the waves roll and open the operation up for the surfers. And if you don't know how, you can also sign up for classes.