Surf Ranch - Lemoore, California

Mona N.

What an incredible and singular experience! This place is truly magical. I am a complete novice, have only surfed once in my life, and wasn’t sure what to expect. Luckily, there were surf coaches in the water to help me get up and actually ride the wave. A very special shout out to my surf coach Ari for not letting me bail and reminding me to breathe. He helped me immensely and I’m so grateful because surfing is one of the most joyous feelings I’ve ever experienced!
The surf coaches make it their mission to help the surfers get the most out of every wave, and that’s just one of the things that makes this place special. From the grounds, to the accommodations, to the amenities, to the food, to the service, Surf Ranch is just immaculate. Everyone who works there is friendly, positive, helpful and cool as hell. Thank you Surf Ranch for giving me one of the best days of my life - I will never forget it.

Chris E.

Amazing facility and will only get better in years to come. Bring a hat. Water and any plastic (bottles, candy, food) is not allowed in. So leave it in the car to save yourself a trip and long walk back. Enjoy 🙂

Jules R. A.

The facility and the event competition was great. However, there were only 2 food stands for hundreds of people. The food lines was crazy long and was waiting in line for almost 2 hrs. Very unorganized for a professional event as this. They have VIP Meal Card but no food stands in the VIP area. No information booth or visible staffs to ask for assistance.

Agustin M.

Super fun place, excellent and friendly staff.
The food is very good and the wave is so perfect!

Michael B.

I was lucky to attend WSL’s 1st event open to public – Founders Cup in May 2018. I came from Australia for the event and really enjoyed the atmosphere. If you into surfing, this place is worth visiting when the action is on. The proximity to athletes is second to none. What to prepare for:

Pro
- They had 3 tiers of tickets. I have shoveled the mid-tier ($500 for weekend) and it was worth every cent. Extra viewing platform, access to athletes (and even Kelly’s mum – chatting about stories how she was on the phone with Jack Johnson’s mum when the contest was on at Pipe to get the report (as Slaters lived at Florida and Johnsons had house in front of Pipe…). For this type of event, food was exceptional – fresh, healthy, abundance of fresh juices etc. And yeah, free booze on top. Why not.
- With the ‘VIP’ ticket came handy parking. Worth it.
- Even it has been ‘sold out’ – there was not a problem to pick any spot alongside the pool/ GA and watch the action. I did not feel squashed or having issues with overcrowding…

Cons
- Book accommodation early. Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino is where everyone stayed – incl. athletes, some of them in great mood partying at the bar… Unfortunately the Hotel & Casino is shiat… Provincial cheap casino with grandmas playing bingo and smell of burnt oil from the fryers etc… Almost feel like in some movie – so actually, probably worth it (once in a life :D. It was fully booked out so I had Airbnb a room about 20km away…
- The wave looks AWESOME but was not open to public (unless you paid $10,000 for an ultra VIP and could surf for 1h)… Well, I’m sure this will change in the future. The machine goes one way, than has to reset (5 min wait) and goes the other way. Not great for impatient millennials
- Even you love surfing and the crowd is just great… It kind of gets boring and repetitive after 2 days. I would not recommend to watch comp that goes over 2 days to be honest.

Minh N.

I saw all the videos I drove across country and was at the area and decided to stop by. They have not responded to my emails. There is no phone number. The walls were 9 feet high. You can’t go in and ask questions. The person at the gate looked at me as though I always beneath them. It’s only for the rich and the connected. Would they post videos with music and fun but it’s only for them. It’s like a vanity exercise. I think there’s bad stuff happening behind those walls. But if you don’t believe me, try to call and try to email. There are signs of shady and evilness behind those walls. Take my words for it. Law enforcement needs to investigate.

ila L.

Unreal experience. Staff is unbelievably friendly and happy to be there, I can’t speak highly enough about every interaction I had. Once in a lifetime experience!

Shane A.

I attended the 2019 Freshwater Pro. It was one of the best and most unique experiences of my life. The ranch itself is very awesome and well put together. The wave pool itself is just amazing. Props to Kelly Slater and the scientists and engineers that made it happen. If you come to an event here, make sure you bring a chair to sit on. There isn't very much seating unless you get there early and get a spot.