Published on April 18, 2025
I kicked off my Texas surf trip by flying into Austin — super easy from most U.S. airports. If you’ve never been, Austin is the kind of place where you can eat incredible food, catch live music, and swim in natural springs all in one day.
I stayed for the weekend, soaked in the laid-back energy, and hit up:
- Barton Springs for a dip
- Terry Blacks BBQ (worth the hype)
- A few bars on Rainey Street
It was the perfect warm-up before a more focused surf mission.
Road Trip to Waco Surf: The Ultimate Wavepool Playground
After Austin, I rented a car and drove about 1.5 hours north to Waco to hit Waco Surf — a legendary wavepool that’s become a legit training ground for surfers of all levels.
I stayed right onsite and surfed for 3 full days, booking 3 sessions per day, which is a lot — but also the best way to really level up.
The Surf: Consistency, Reps, and Feedback
Here’s the thing: surfing in the ocean is amazing, but it can also be unpredictable. You might wait 30 minutes for a set, or spend an entire trip chasing wind and swell.
At Waco Surf? You get wave after wave after wave, all dialed in to your skill level — whether you’re just getting your bottom turn locked in or trying airs.
Each session was around an hour long, with small groups, and consistent lefts and rights. It’s the kind of environment where you can practice the same maneuver over and over, make tweaks, and actually see progress — fast.
Video Feedback = Game Changer
I also got the flow state videos and it seriously made a difference. Between sessions, you can review clips to break down:
- Your stance and positioning
- Timing and turns
- Pop-up mechanics
Even after just the first day, I started making small adjustments that paid off in the next session. It’s honestly one of the most effective surf coaching setups I’ve experienced.
What to Bring & Know
- Board rental is available, but I brought my own.
- Book sessions early — especially if you’re planning on doing 2–3 per day. They fill up fast.
- There’s an onsite restaurant and bar with solid food between sessions (breakfast burrito was legit).
- Stay onsite if you can — you’ll save time and energy between surfs.
The Verdict: Why You Should Do It
Texas might not have ocean waves (well, not great ones), but it does have one of the most high-performance, progression-friendly surf setups in the country. Pair that with a fun city like Austin to kick things off, and you’ve got yourself a perfect surf + travel combo.
If you’re looking to:
- Sharpen your skills
- Get tons of reps
- Have a solo surf retreat or surf with friends
Waco Surf is 100% worth the trip.
