Urbnsurf announced today the appointment of seven-time world champion and current Chair of Surfing Australia, Layne Beachley to the board of directors. The champ is joined by the former CEO of Impact Investing Nigel Allfrey.

The move comes after both Beachley and Allfrey participated in Urbnsurf’s raising of $55million in capital to fund the group’s next wave pool in Sydney. The surf park just west of Sydney’s CBD is set to break ground later this month.

“We are thrilled to have Layne and Nigel onboard to help propel the group and work cohesively with our other board members on the business and specifically the Sydney project,” said Urbnsurf CEO Damon Tudor. “(The surf park) will be accessible by over two million Sydney residents in under 30 minutes.”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions and forced closures, the privately owned Australian company has seen a continuing strong appetite for surfing with Urbnsurf’s Melbourne park selling over 200,000 sessions to date.

‘“We are excited to finally be delivering on our vision of being a multi-park operator,” added Tudor. “The potential for the Sydney facility is substantial and these new appointments bolster Urbnsurf’s industry knowledge and expertise, particularly in the world of surfing.”

The lagoon is similar in size to the Sydney Cricket Ground and located at the Hill Road facility. Scheduled to open in early 2023, it is expected to attract up to 300,000 guests each year.

Beachley and Allfrey join the existing board which comprises Simon Bayley, Chair, who successfully completed the development of Urbnsurf Melbourne, David Wakeley, former CEO of Virgin Money and Alex Hone, Managing Partner, Realside Financial Group.

Damon Tudor talks extensively about Urbnsurf’s expansion in the WavePoolMag Podcast here.