The Wave: World-Class Surf Lake

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The Wave is an inland surf park in Bristol where everyone can surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. It brings surfing, nature and health benefits to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. 

It is normally expected that in order to experience the thrill of ‘riding the wave’ or surfing, you would have to find the requisite beach. Technology however, is helping to provide the thrill in unexpected locations that also enable a wider audience to experience the sport.

© The Wave, Bristol

Having taken nine years from planning to completion, the surfing lagoon is powered by 100% renewable electricity, enabling surfing all year round, independent of weather and the tides.

Whilst The Wave isn’t the first artificial surfing lake, its Wavegarden Cove technology does make it a world-first, providing up to 1,000 waves per hour – around a wave every 10 seconds – and generating heights between 0.5 m and 2 m. It is the first destination of its kind in England and offers six surfing zones for up to 80 users at one time.

© The Wave, Bristol 

© Andy Hosking

The facility includes a clubhouse, camping grounds, woodland walks and sensory gardens.

Long Lasting Corrosion Protection for Bristol Surf Lake

The works involved support steelwork for the main viewing and spectator’s pier which stretches 125 m into the surfing cove. After manufacture, all elements were galvanized prior to installation to provide the necessary surface protection required for such environments. The galvanised steel was erected onto a concrete spine wall, assembled at ground level and lifted in sections to minimise working at height.

Photographs © Global Shots,  Andy Hosking and Engineering Fabrication Limited

More info here: https://eflcardiff.co.uk/blog/efl-projects/bristol/the-wave-bristol/