Wave pools are emerging worldwide, making synthetic surfing a viable, albeit dystopian, reality. And with them come the luxury condos, private cabanas, and eye-watering session prices that have increasingly become synonymous with manufactured surfing.
But out in the Arizona desert, a handful of guys built something different. Something blue-collar. Something DIY. And, most importantly, something that produces legit waves.
And they just made an upgrade. Meet The Wave Source.
SURFER first reported on the backyard operation in Prescott, Arizona, in September 2025, when Ben Gravy and Blair Conklin tested the experimental technology. The results were surprisingly impressive: three-to-four-foot waves peeling along a roughly 200-foot wall, offering turns, barrels, and plenty of novelty-wave goodness.
Now Gravy, who has since become a partner in the company, is back with a new video showcasing the latest, bigger-and-better iteration of the technology.
Initially skeptical of the backyard operation, Gravy described his first encounter as finding “3-4ft perfect waves pumping through on command.” When he later announced his partnership, he declared that “the future is looking fully nuclear for the wave source!”
Related: This DIY 200ft Backyard Wave Pool Is Actually Insane (Video)
And there’s some fascinating engineering behind it all.
Instead of relying on conventional mechanical paddles, The Wave Source uses compressed air to generate a drop in water level, creating a rebound that produces customizable waves. The original prototype even incorporated shipping containers into its construction.
Last year, SURFER spoke with co-founder Ash after the crew listed its Arizona property for nearly $15 million, hoping to finance the next phase of development.
But despite that hefty price tag, Ash insisted the company’s ambitions were different from those of its luxury-focused competitors.
“When did surfing need a Louis Vuitton store next door to the wave?” Ash asked. “It’s about the wave when it comes down to it.”
Of course, questions remain about commercial scalability and affordability. But with the technology continuing to evolve, The Wave Source is offering an intriguing alternative to the increasingly extravagant surf park industry.
No lavish shopping malls. No resort. Just a bunch of guys building waves in the dirt.
As Gravy added: “Surfing was built on sandbars, community, and shared stoke. It was never meant to be a luxury product.”
Related: $15 Million Private Wave Pool for Sale in Arizona
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