It started with a fascination with surfing. Phil Dexter wanted to bring the waves to Arizona; and so plans were made, designs sketched and within a year of construction, his dream waterpark Big Surf opened to the public — with just one wave pool.
This was the first of its kind to ever be built in the country, and the park has recently opened for this summer season.
Since the park’s opening in 1969, Big Surf has been expanding and adapting to meet the needs of their park guests. And this season, they’ve added various features and specials.
While its the wave pool that attracts visitors, according to Jeff Golner, spokesperson for Big Surf, the waterpark has something for virtually everyone.
“Our wave pool is obviously our main feature,” Golner says. “We have everything for every age, from the toddler that wants to splash around in Captain Cook’s Landing, to the wave pool being relatively advanced; and we have some other slides that are really serious and quick, but very steep and thrilling.”
Not only does Big Surf offer water activities, including surf sessions every day at 5:30 p.m., but corporate and group outings have become a big hit as well, Golner says.
“We’ve seen a lot of interest in major corporations and small business utilizing the park as employee outings or event consigning tickets for employee’s use,” Golner says. “We’re up 35 percent over where corporate and group outings were last year, and it’s continuing to trend up.”
In order for Big Surf to reach its goal of 150,000 attendees, the park is offering specials during the week via social media in order to attract, increase and connect with its audience.
“We’re also focusing a lot of our advertising with deals,” Golner says. “We know that the economy is rough right now so we’re definitely engaging in putting out lots of coupons.”
Two specials include two-for-one on Tuesdays, and on Wednesdays all Big Surf attendees pay the children’s admittance fee.
“This is a great water park,” Golner says. “It’s a great place to cool off but the atmosphere is extremely family friendly; it’s very affordable as well.”
For more information on Big Surf in Tempe and the other deals the park offers, visit www.bigsurffun.com or call (480) 994-2297.
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If You Go:
Big Surf
1500 N. McClintock Dr. / Hayden Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-994-2297
www.bigsurffun.com
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