The founder of The Wave in Bristol has taken to Instagram this evening, releasing a video describing the past few days as ‘a storm’.
Nick Hounsfield founded the world’s first public Wavegarden Cove in Bristol, and was involved with the business as a director up until April of this year when he resigned. In May, administrators released a report explaining how The Wave had been struggling financially with its outstanding debt.
Now, in a video from The Wave site, Nick released the following footage saying the future is feeling positive for the facility.
“The Wave has got so much of my heart and soul in it,” he said. “I’ve come in to check on the team. Make sure they are ok and they’re working hard to get The Wave open as soon as possible. There’s so much to do.”
Watch the full video here.
View this post on Instagram
The accompanying post reads: “Just reflecting upon the last couple of days. It’s been a storm. The Wave has so much of my heart and soul in it and it’s been so distressing to see something close to me go through so much turmoil.
“I’ve just come in to The Wave to check in on the team. They are working hard to get The Wave open ASAP. As ever, they have stepped up to the task and there is a lot of positivity and excitement. A lot to do… but working hard.
“I’ve had a chance to catch up with the new CEO Julian Topham and his team. He has been asked to step in as CEO to get The Wave back to where it deserves to be, the heart of a vibrant and inclusive surf community and a force for good. I’ve known Julian for over 15 years. He has high ethics, is an exceptional leader and operator, and has enormous respect both in the surf community and in building epic events across the UK. He also recently took over from me as Chairman of Surfing England.
“I ask everybody who loves The Wave to really get behind Julian and his team as they look to get The Wave back to where it deserves to be. It feels like a fresh start.
“A massive thank you for the hundreds of messages of support that you have sent me over the last few days, its totally overwhelming at times. Thank you and keep charging…”
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
***
Read more: The Wave Closes Abruptly | Timeline of Events.
