What It Took to Launch Revel Surf: Matt Gunn’s Big Reveal

Before their grand opening, Revel Surf had to get sign-off from agencies who’d never even seen a surf park. What if inspectors expect a flat-bottom pool—but your tech depends on complex, surf-specific bathymetry? Welcome to the world of Matt Gunn, co-inventor of SwellMFG, the wave tech behind Revel Surf.

Matt’s classic Californian: chill on the outside, no matter the chaos inside. If he was freaking out over Maricopa County not understanding wave pool bathymetry, he wouldn’t show it. And when Canon Beach breaks ground in Texas on the group’s second project, he’ll face a whole new set of county regs.

We caught up with Matt as Revel Surf kicks into high season to see how his nerves are holding up after betting millions—and his brand-new tech—on a single day of inspection. Spoiler: they passed. They’re open and thriving.

We also dig into the mechanics behind SwellMFG, Arizona’s budding surf scene, and how to build community around your project.