E45: Engineering the Perfect Wave with Matt Gunn

What makes Revel Surf Park so unique is the moment you walk through the doors. One minute you’re in Mesa and the next you’re transported somewhere entirely different. With white sand, clear blue water and waves rolling through the lagoon, it creates an experience that feels more like a coastal getaway than the Arizona desert.


Back in 2010, Matt built the first version of the wave system in his yard, experimenting with small-scale models and learning through trial and error. From flooding a neighbor’s yard to hand-generating waves, each step helped refine the idea. Eventually, through collaboration with engineers and years of iteration, that small concept evolved into the advanced wave technology powering Revel Surf Park today.


As the project grew, so did the vision. What began as a focus on high-performance waves for experienced surfers quickly expanded into something much bigger. Today, Revel Surf Park is designed for everyone, from beginners riding on a boogie board for the first time to seasoned surfers chasing performance waves. The goal is to create an environment where people can learn, progress, and most importantly, have fun!


That balance has become one of the most important parts of the experience. By opening the lagoon to beachgoers, families and first-time visitors, Revel Surf Park has created a space where surf culture feels accessible. Kids can learn the basics, families can relax on the beach, and experienced surfers can still push their skills, all in the same place.


From the beach to the cabanas, the restaurant to the surf sessions, every part of Revel Surf Park is designed to create a full-day experience. Visitors can spend the morning surfing, the afternoon relaxing and the evening watching one of Mesa’s signature sunsets light up the sky. It’s a destination that blends adventure, relaxation and community in a way that feels unique to the area.