European pro surfers Reubyn Ash, Jayce Robinson, Gearoid McDaid, Vincent Duvignac, Ben and Lucas Skinner, and Kai and Hans Odriozola were amongst the lucky few invited to test out the wide variety of Reef waves in the world’s first Wavegarden Cove at The Wave in Bristol, England.

Designed specifically for experienced surfers, The Reef areas offer many different types of right and left hand waves on opposing sides of the central pier. Wavegarden’s machine operator dished up approximately 15-20 different wave types for the pros to ride and enjoy; a menu that includes waves with open-face shoulders ideal for down the line top turns and carves through to heaving barrels. 

“Put it this way, if lived next door to this place, I would surf here everyday and maybe I would never go back in the ocean,” said Reubyn Ash. “The waves are that good.”

Bros Before Pros: First Riders session it first

The ‘First Riders’ took to the first public waves to mark the official launch of The Wave in Bristol.

The group of 20 First Riders, were selected from over 350 nominations to ride the very first public waves in Bristol this morning. There were people from all walks of life in the line-up, an 11 year old boy who lost all four limbs through meningitis, Olympic medallist Jenny Jones, environmental campaigners, ordinary people who have overcome adversity, charity founders, a brilliant school teacher and her pupils, equality champions and British surfing legends.

“What a day! It’s amazing to finally be able to show people what we have created and I’m unbelievably proud of our team who have got us to this point,” said Founder Nick Hounsfield. “Seeing our First Riders today has made all the hard work well and truly worth it. I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to be part of this, as well as excited about the potential we have to bring greater health and happiness to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.”

The Wavegarden Cove technology provides up to 1,000 waves of varying sizes and shapes an hour – around a wave every 10 seconds. Heights start at 50cm and peak at 1.8m. 

“The 180m surfing lake is at its heart, but The Wave is not just about surfing. It’s about sharing incredible experiences with anyone who wants to enjoy them, in a naturally healthy space. It’s about improving health and wellbeing, helping people feel like the best version of themselves and having a shedload of fun in the process!” said The Wave.

“As well as the surfing lake, there’s a Clubhouse serving food & drinks and a surf shop,  As the site develops it will also offer beautiful gardens, meadowland, woodland and family-friendly camping, opening in spring 2020. “

The Wave in Numbers: 

• A £25 million project
• 9 years in the making 
• The 75 acre site includes a 180m surfing lake, Clubhouse,  surf shop, cafe and bar, gardens, woodland and meadowland 
• 25 safari tents opening next spring
• 16,000 trees and 570m of new hedgerow will be planted on the site, along with 13.5 acres of wildflowermeadowland 
• The Wavegarden Cove technology, powering The Wave, has the ability to produce up to 1.000 waves an hour – around a wave every 10 seconds.
• Wave heights  start at 50cm and peak at 1.8m
• 26 million litres of water fill the lake
• To date, The Wave has created over 90 jobs
• One further site, The Wave London, is planned for Lee Valley Regional Park in 2023

The Wave is located in a rural site on the edge of Bristol, close to the M5. It will be open year-round and a one-hour surf will cost £40-45 for an adult and £30-35 for a child, depending on the time of year and day of the week. A 1.5 hour surf session with coaching costs £55-60 for an adult and £45-50 for a child. All prices include a wetsuit, wetsuit boots and surfboards. There are dedicated areas of the lake for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.