Breaking another surfing world record Surf Snowdonia, the world's first inland lagoon offering the longest man-made surfable waves on the planet, has just opened in Wales.
Built on a former industrial site in the Conwy Valley, close to the Snowdonia mountains, the man-made fresh water lagoon allows year-round, outdoor surfing with guaranteed 150m long waves irrespective of the weather. This is made possible by the park’s innovative Wavegarden technology which allows the lagoon to simultaneously generate 2m, 1.2m and 0.7m waves, thus accommodating everyone from complete novices to experienced surfers.
In-line with the traditional eco-friendly surfing ethos, the park also has impeccable environmental credentials, being built from 85% recycled stone, 400 tonnes of recycled steel, cast iron and copper and 25,000 cubic metres of other material left by the site’s previous occupants.
In addition, Surf Snowdonia boasts a permanent team of surf coaches led by Welsh surf champion Jo Dennison. This gives both children and adults the perfect opportunity to experience surfing for the first time in a safe environment and without the disappointment of arriving at the coast to find a perfectly calm sea.
However, for parents and partners who aren’t quite ready to don their wetsuits just yet, Surf Snowdonia also offers a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Smaller children can test their mettle in the Crash & Splash obstacle lagoon or spend time in the soft play area while older siblings learn to surf.
Adult visitors, on the other hand, can take advantage of Surf Snowdonia’s retail spaces, coffee shops and surf-side bar - complete with a glass fronted viewing gallery so you can keep an eye on your child or partner’s surfing progress. Wetsuits, boards and other equipment are available to hire and, for those coming from further afield, overnight accommodation is also on offer.
Surf Snowdonia is open now with lessons starting at £20, visit surfsnowdonia.co.uk for more information.