The Wave Opens in Bristol this November
Surfing is coming to the city this autumn. The Wave – a unique inland surfing destination – is opening in Bristol this November and will bring the joy of surfing to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. There will be waves to suit all levels, whether it’s a child stepping on a board for the first time, or a professional training for the Olympics.
The brainchild of Founder, Nick Hounsfield, the project has been 8 years in the making and brings together surfing, nature and a fresh way of thinking.
The Wavegarden Cove technology provides up 1,000 waves of varying sizes and shapes an hour – around a wave every 10 seconds. Heights start at 50cm and peak at 1.8m. Every aspect of the surfing experience, from perfect waves and supportive coaching, to tried and tested wetsuits and boards, has been designed to ensure that surfing really is fun for all. It is the first destination in the northern hemisphere to offer the Wavegarden Cove wave-making technology.
Nick comments: “Surfing makes you feel alive. No matter what level you are at, being in the water and having fun is rejuvenating. We are all so busy in our day-to -day lives that we don’t take that time out to step back, reset and simply ‘be’. I found that surfing and being close to nature really worked for me and I wondered if there was a way of giving more people access to this feeling of wellbeing.
“I wanted to create a place where anyone and everyone can surf and body board on safe waves, all year round, and experience the many mental and physical health benefits it offers.”
The 200m long surfing lake is at its heart, but The Wave is not just about surfing. It’s about sharing incredible experiences with anyone who wants to enjoy them, in a naturally healthy space. It’s about improving health and wellbeing, helping people feel like the best version of themselves and having a shedload of fun in the process! As well as the surfing lake, there will be wonderful food and drink, a surf shop, beautiful gardens, meadowland and woodland, peaceful hideaways and family-friendly camping.
Surfing is a rapidly growing sport and will be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The accessibility of surfing has been held back by geographical limitations, weather, swell conditions and tides. The Wave will be able to overcome all these issues to bring perfect surfing conditions for beginners, intermediates and advanced surfers. Its expert coaching team will be able to help everyone learn and improve. They will all also be specially trained in teaching ‘adaptive surfing’ for those with a wide range of physical disabilities.
The Wave is located in a beautiful rural site on the edge of Bristol, close to the M5. It will be open year-round and a one-hour surf will cost £40-45 for an adult and £30-35 for a child, depending on the time of year and day of the week. A two-hour surf session with coaching costs £55-60 for an adult and £45-50 for a child. All prices include everything you need including wetsuit, wetsuit boots and surfboards. There are dedicated areas of the lake for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.