Surfers Cove has announced its newest investor in Surf Parque Óbidos – Kanoa Igarashi. In a statement, developers said that Kanoa’s involvement will bring the surf park the prestige of a globally recognized and decorated surfer. Igarashi currently holds the seventh position on the WSL CT and resides in Ericeira, Portugal near the planned pool.

“I spend a lot of my time in Portugal and apart from the friends I have here, the waves in some areas of Portugal are epic,” said Kanoa. “That’s why when I heard that this Surf Park was going to be created, with Wavegarden’s technology, less than 30 minutes from my home, I couldn’t remain indifferent. I’m sure that Surf Parque Óbidos is going to be a very popular place for those who want to learn safely and train professionally at the highest level. It’s an excellent complement to the sea. It’s going to be another place for all surfers to socialize.”

Architect Frederico Valsassina is spearheading the master plan and architectural design for the Óbidos Surf Park, with construction slated to commence in 2024. The project has already secured the necessary share capital and bank financing, pending final approval for public support to greenlight construction.

The Óbidos Surf Park aims to bolster the Oeste, Peniche, and surf brands outlined by Turismo Centro de Portugal, integrating elite surfing locations like Supertubos Beach, Ericeira, and Nazaré.

Vice-President of Turismo Centro de Portugal, Anabela Teles, expressed interest in the project in February 2023, recognizing its innovative potential to enhance tourism offerings and attract significant national and international visitors, further solidifying the Centre of Portugal as a premier global surfing destination.

A soft opening is scheduled for March 2026, followed by a grand opening to both Portuguese and international visitors in July 2026. Further to the south, Surf City Lisbon is in development and will feature an Endless Surf wave pool as well as future-forward architecture.

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