Green light for artificial surfing lake in Bristol, UK

An inland surfing lake is on its way to becoming a major new sporting attraction in Bristol, UK, after the local authority granted planning permission late last week.

The Wave: Bristol is a £6.4m ($10.9m, €8m) scheme that includes a 300m by 150m surfing lake, capable of producing 120 perfect 1.6m (5.2ft) waves per hour, with each wave big enough for an experienced surfer to ride for 20 seconds. At the centre of the development will be a freshwater lagoon, which will use Wavegarden technology created by Spanish firm to replicate tidal movements.

The APG Architecture designs for the proposed site in Easter Compton near Bristol, were strongly backed by South Gloucestershire Council, which voted nine to one in favour, with one abstention, at last week’s planning meeting.

The Wave concept video. from Wave Films on Vimeo.

The team behind the project wants to provide an experience which brings surfing, nature and education together. It is intended to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be outdoors, exercise, have fun and get in touch with nature. Around the lake will be a natural swimming lake and multifunctional gardens including; activity garden, barefoot trails, sensory garden, healing garden, culinary garden, herb gardens and foraging areas.

“This is the culmination of three years’ very hard work and we are very excited that South Gloucestershire Council has chosen to give it the go ahead,” said co-founder of The Wave, Nick Hounsfield.

“We believe that The Wave will have a hugely positive impact on people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in the local area, Bristol and further afield.”

The new site – set to open in Q2/Q3 2015 – is among a number of exciting outdoor developments planned for the southwest region. Proposals have been put forward for a massive tidal lagoon off nearby Swansea Bay, which would help create an international watersport centre and an oyster hatchery, while authorities in north Wales recently approved similar plans for an inland surfing lake in Snowden.