American Dream Mall is one of the few places (if not the only place) where it is socially acceptable to walk through a shopping mall with a surfboard under your arm.
The Skudin Surf wave pool at the American Dream mall is the largest indoor wave pool in the country, and offers top-tier warm-water surfing for surfers of every level, from first-timers to experts.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the wave pool myself, and it is a great spot to brush up on your skills, take a break from the cold weather and water, or just have a fun time surfing with friends.
Where else in the world can you get your holiday shopping done and then catch a few waves in the same building?
Surfing at the Skudin Surf American Dream
Wave Quality
The wave menu at the Skudin Surf’s wave pool offers fun options for all skill levels. Beginners are welcome to surf the white water of any of the wave options. Wave size ranges from 1-3 ft for beginner and intermediate surfers, and 3-5 ft for advanced and expert-style waves.
The floor of the wave pool is a shallow concrete bottom, so it's important to be aware of your surroundings and practice safe surfing techniques to avoid getting hurt.
This being said, it’s also important to know your abilities: if you are not an advanced or expert surfer, don’t book a session that includes only advanced and expert waves. You’ll have a much smoother and more productive surfing experience if you surf within your comfort zone.
The A-frame wave is a favorite, especially for larger groups, because the split peak allows two surfers to ride each wave and caters to a larger range of skill levels.
For more advanced and expert surfers, there’s the vortex, “the best indoor tube in the world,” a few different “epics” that include a variety of peeling waves suitable for cruising, turns, and maybe an air, and “sections” that consist of fast waves designed for you to practice airs.
A full list of wave options is available on the website. If you’re doing a private session, you can also speak with Skudin Surf staff to decide which wave/waves are best for you and your group so that you can make the most of your session.
Gear Needed to Surf at Skudin Surf
Skudin Surf offers a complimentary wide-ranging board quiver filled with shortboards, longboards, foamboards, fishes, and bodyboards that all guests have access to on a first-come-first-served basis. You are also permitted to bring your own board, if you’d prefer.
Since the pool is indoors and heated, there’s no reason to wear anything more than a bathing suit and rash guard in the pool.
It is recommended that advanced surfers ride a board with 2-5 liters more volume than their everyday boards, and that professionals bring their own equipment and wear a short leash. Minor dings are a common occurrence, so don’t bring your favorite board.
How to Get There
The wave pool is located at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey and operates within DreamWorks Waterpark during their off hours.
The facility is just 5 miles outside of Manhattan, and can most easily and quickly be reached by car.
You can also take the New Jersey Transit Train from Penn Station in NYC.
How much does surfing at Skudin Surf cost?
There are public and private sessions available at the wave pool. Public sessions prices can range from $99 to $250, depending on skill level (which determines wave types) and whether you book a weekday or weekend.
Private sessions are $1600 for one hour and $3200 for two hours, for all wave types and on any day of the week. 24 surfers can be in the pool at a time, so it’s a great option for birthday parties and other large group outings.
How to book a session at Skudin Surf
Booking a session at the wave pool is quick and easy to do on the Skudin Surf American Dream website. To book, click on the “Book Sessions” icon and choose the date, time, and skill level that best suits your needs. Since the wavepool operates in the off-hours of the Dreamworks water park, many of the options are in the morning and night.
Surfing at Skudin Surf: The Bottom Line
The Skudin Surf wave pool is a great destination to check out for any east coast surfer, or any surfer, really, who wants a little switch up from their typical surf location.
Skudin Surf is a company that truly cares about each surfer they connect with, is staffed and run by more-than-qualified surfers, and has done so much for the surf community in Long Beach and Rockaway Beach, where their surf camps are based.
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