The Wave Bristol is ON!

– Contract signed with Wavegarden and work starts on site –

The Wave – a visionary project to build an inland surfing destination on the edge of Bristol – is excited to announce that it has signed a contract with its Spanish technology partner, Wavegarden, and has now started work on site. It has also secured the financial backing of Jar Capital Ltd to fully fund the development.

The project will be using Wavegarden’s cutting-edge ‘Cove’ wave-making technology to bring surfing to the city. The Cove technology generates up to 1,000 quality waves per hour, with heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost 2m, allowing people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience the joy of surfing. Whether it’s a professional surfer training for the Olympics, or children getting on a board for the first time, everyone will be welcome at The Wave.

Founder, Nick Hounsfield comments:

“It has been a long, and at times frustrating, journey along the road to realising my dream of building a beautiful inland surfing destination. However we now have land and planning permission, financial backers, the right technology and an incredible team of experts working together to make the vision a reality. It is all systems go and we are now on site preparing for construction!”

https://vimeo.com/267374327

The timeline for development and completion will see the lake being ready and pushing waves for a testing period in the middle of 2019, with the aim of being fully open to the public in Autumn 2019.

Commenting on the decision to use the Wavegarden Cove technology, Nick said:

“As those who have been following the project from the start will know, we have looked at a number of different wave-making options. We were searching for a technology that’s commercially viable, with a high frequency waves of different sizes to suit all abilities. It is essential to us that the technology offers a true ocean-like experience. The Wavegarden Cove meets all our requirements and more.”

Josema Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Founder and CEO, said:

“We are pleased to finalise our partnership with The Wave and construct a Wavegarden Cove in Bristol. We know the UK has a strong appetite for surfing and we’re confident The Wave Bristol is going to be a great destination for surfing.”

The Wave will be an inclusive destination. It is being designed to ensure it is fully accessible to all and will give those with disabilities the opportunity to learn to surf, or improve their surfing, in a safe environment.

UK Adaptive Surfer, Spike Kane, comments:

“As an adaptive surfer and active outdoors athlete in the disabled community, I could not be more excited about the development of accessible, world class waves within our communities.”

“The Wave Bristol has a vision of barrier-free design that welcomes and accommodates absolutely everybody. I believe that it will be instrumental in the growth and development of adaptive surfing in the UK, Europe and beyond, and hope the approach the team is taking will amplify the need for inclusive, creative design and inspire others to follow suit. I know it will be a beacon of light for me!”

Bruce Daniel, Chairman of Surfing England, adds:

“Surfing England in its role as the National Governing Body is hugely excited and supportive of the plans for The Wave. We see it as a facility that will promote the benefits and values of surfing to people across all sections of society. We hope the recent news that surfing is now an Olympic sport will draw more people into the surfing community, with The Wave as a prime example of the “Art of the Possible” for those in in-land areas. We look forward to working with and supporting The Wave over the forthcoming years”

Summing up Nick said:

“Six years ago I was definitely unaware of what it actually takes to make a project like this a reality. The mountainous waves of paperwork that need negotiating, the countless set-backs, unexpected changes and the huge funding requirements. I certainly had no idea of the patience and tenacity needed to drive this venture forwards. It is an incredible feeling to say we are now on site and I would like to thank everyone who has believed in and supported the project over the last few years.”

The Wave Bristol it will be the first full-size Wavegarden Cove facility open to the public in Europe and the second in the world after Melbourne, Australia.

For more information on The Wave visit thewave.com

For more information about Wavegarden’s technology visit wavegarden.com, or
checkout this video