Big Surf Waterpark At Lake Of The Ozarks Opening June 12

Fun in the sun gets even better at the Lake this week, as Big Surf Waterpark opens for the summer Friday, June 12.

The waterpark will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and General Manager Darin Keim says it will operate at 50% capacity—or 1,100 people—per discussions with state health officials. Big Surf is popular with locals and vacationers alike, offering eight attractions and activity areas for families to enjoy.

Keim has had phones ringing off the hook in anticipation for the opening and expects a busy weekend. Big Surf typically starts Memorial Day weekend, but pushed the date back three weeks, because of Coronavirus shutdowns.

Being closed for three weeks of a 16-weekend summer has an impact, but Keim says the busy part of the summer doesn’t truly set in until the second week of June anyways, so he expects the waterpark will still have a successful season. Schools starting later this year—in late-August—will also extend Big Surf’s busy season.

“If our business is anything like the other Lake businesses once they got going, we absolutely expect to make up for any lost ground that we had,” Keim said.

A large sign posted at the entrance of Big Surf communicates clearly: guests are expected to follow CDC guidelines, but staff will not enforce social distancing. If people feel uncomfortable with big crowds or have been sick recently, they are asked not to enter. The waterpark enhanced its cleaning and operational protocols, and has staff that can disinfect chairs or tables upon request.

Big Surf has never had so many people contacting the park like it has in the past week or so, Keim said. He’s excited about the opportunity to put their best foot forward, especially because many callers aren’t from the Lake.

“We’ve had an unusually large number of phone calls from people that are out of town, have never been to the Lake and have never been to the waterpark before,” Keim said. “People are really excited that we’re going to get going this weekend.”

Tickets prices vary depending on age and season passes are also available. Buy tickets, reserve cabanas, and learn more at BigSurfWaterpark.com, or find them on Facebook: Big Surf Waterpark.