WATCH: The First Waves Are Breaking At Bristol’s Brand New Wave Pool

It’s been a long old journey, filled with setbacks and sea changes, but now, The Wave Bristol is finally pumping out its first waves!

Here’s the word from the folks on the ground:

Today is a very big moment for The Wave, as the team revealed the first footage of surfing waves rolling down the lake. Opening in Bristol, UK, this November, The Wave will be the first inland surfing destination in the world powered by Wavegarden Cove technology, and the film released today is the first peek of the perfect waves during the testing period. Watch the video here – https://vimeo.com/367297026

The brainchild of Founder, Nick Hounsfield, The Wave 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.

Commenting on the moment he watched waves break across the lake for the first time, Nick said:

“I can’t really put into words what it is like to see these perfect waves rolling down the fields at last. All I can say is a huge thank you to all the family, friends, Wave team, Wavegarden, funders and supporters that have backed us over the years and enabled our dream to become a reality. The opportunity to improve lives through these waves is enormous and it’s something we are really excited to share with everyone.”

The site has been shrouded in secrecy for the past couple of weeks whilst Wavegarden’s engineering team have been testing and fine-tuning the technology. The footage shows the waves without any surfers riding them and is the first look at what is in store for visitors. The testing will continue for the next couple of weeks, as The Wave team prepare for opening.

“It is incredible to see sets of 5, 10 and even 15 waves breaking and maintaining their quality”, said Wavegarden’s Founder and CEO Josema Odriozola, from the new Bristol surfing lake.

“We have been able to create an immense variety of waves. For instance, there is kind of a point break with long and easy Malibu style waves. And we have a range of high performance waves, some with easy tubes and others that are very challenging. This is a new phase of man-made waves whereby we have finally created a true surfing paradise that will bring enjoyment to newcomers, as well as lifelong surfers”.

The Wavegarden Cove technology provides up to 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.

The 200m 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. Furthermore, they will all be specially trained in teaching ‘adaptive surfing’ for those with a wide rangeof 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 1.5 hour surf session with coaching costs £55-60 for an adult and £45-50 for a child. All prices include everything you need, including a wetsuit, wetsuit boots and surfboards. There are dedicated areas of the lake for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.

To find out more about The Wave and to book tickets,visit www.thewave.com.

For more information about Wavegarden visit wavegarden.com.