SMILE AND WAVE
New £25m inland surfing attraction is opening in the UK this weekend with more than 1,000 waves per hour
A NEW inland surfing attraction that creates nearly 1,000 waves an hour is to open this weekend in Bristol.
The Wave's new 590ft (180m) surfing lake offers coaching for both seasoned surfers as well as beginners.
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It is filled with 26 million litres of water, which organisers say is the first inland surfing destination of its kind.
Waves at the site, which has six different surfing zones, range from nearly 20in (50cm) to more than 6ft (2m) high.
can also change the variety of waves depending on the surfers, altering the speed.
Twenty people were able to test out the new surf site ahead of its opening on Saturday, elected from more than 350 nominations to experience the first public waves.
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They included environmental campaigners, charity founders, equality champions and British surfers.
The £25m project was first announced announced in 2010 by founders Nick Hounsfield and Craig Stoddar, who wanted to tackle mental health issues with the joy of surfing.
Nick said: "It's amazing to finally be able to show people what we have created and I'm unbelievably proud of our team who have got us to this point.
"Seeing our first riders today has made all the hard work well and truly worth it.
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"I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to be part of this, as well as excited about the potential we have to bring greater health and happiness to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities."
As the site develops, it will offer gardens, meadowland, woodland and family-friendly camping with 25 glamping pods, opening in 2020.
In total, 16,000 trees and 1,870ft (570m) of hedgerow will be planted at the site, along with 13.5 acres of wildflower meadowland.
Also at the lake is a large restaurant, featuring a seasonal menu and outdoor terrace and a surf shop.
The Wave is part of Wave Garden which has other attractions around the world although many are for private use.
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In 2015, Surf Snowdonia opened in the UK which was the first public Wave Garden in the world.
A further site, The Wave London, is planned for Lee Valley Regional Park in 2023.
Prices at The Wave start from £30 for an hour surfing, while coaching sessions start at £45.
Wet-suits and boards are included.
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