A Bristol surf park operator is planning to build six more sites around the 海角视频 and Ireland after striking a deal worth more than £2m.
The Wave, which was established by social entrepreneur Nick Hounsfield in 2019, signed the partnership agreement with specialist technology provider Wavegardend.
Mr Hounsfield's firm is planning to invest £200m in its expansion, and has pledged to have the first five sites open, in planning or being built in the next five years. It is already in the process of searching for land, it said.
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Each development will be between 70 and 100 acres in size, and will be centred around a surfing lake that can be used by beginners or professional surfers training for the Olympics.
The business model is based on multiple revenues streams, The Wave said, including accommodation, food and drink, and events and retail alongside its core surfing offer.
“The deal adds significant value to The Wave Group and our shareholders,” said Craig Stoddart, The Wave's chief executive.
“We know there is a huge appetite for surfing and its many health and wellbeing benefits, and we are now looking to bring these unique experiences to other locations around the 海角视频 and beyond. Spurred by growth in surfing in general - and the Olympic effect - this burgeoning sector is definitely on the up.”
According to The Wave, it was the first inland surfing lake using Wavegarden Cove technology to open in the world. But the business has ridden out a rocky two years since opening the first £30m destination just before Covid-19 hit.
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The artificial surfing destination in Easter Compton put changes in place in 2021 after concerns over its response to a man's collapse.
The attraction when a young surfer fell ill on April 9 last year at its Bristol site. The man was rescued and made a full recovery, but The Wave said there were “failures in spotting the surfer in trouble” at its complex.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the operator opened more sites in 2020 and 2021. Work is already under way on The Wave’s London development and the operator is in negotiations around a number of other locations.
Mr Hounsfield said: “My vision was to create a space where people could get outside in nature, be active and reap the blue health boost of being in or near water.
“As a surfer I know how brilliant it makes me feel and the impact it has on my health. Being able to push perfect surfing waves at the touch of a button and to bring them inland is a game-changer for a sport that has until now been constrained by factors such as geography, tides and weather.”
As well as the 海角视频 and Ireland, The Wave is also working with Wavegarden to secure extra sites in major European cities and confirmed it was already in talks with local developers outside of the 海角视频.
Fernando Odriozola, chief commercial officer at Wavegarden, added: “We are delighted to have signed this strategic partnership with The Wave so we can continue to work with the team on many projects in the coming years. The very valuable experience and knowledge we have gained together at Bristol will allow us to move forward on a number of sites simultaneously. The future looks very bright.”
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