Oh, the emotional game that is running a surf park in 2020. Since welcoming the public, Urbnsurf has spent more time closed than open. The company has had to shut its doors not once, but twice. Now, in this latest round of COVID dodgeball, the pride of Melbourne surfing will host surfers once again.

“Urbnsurf Melbourne is stoked to reopen on Wednesday, October 21st, with extensive measures in place to ensure a COVID-safe surfing paradise,” the company said. “While Coronavirus restrictions are in place, we have shortened our booking calendar to four weeks in advance for guests.”

A spokesperson said the wave pool will start off with limited hours, then open up full days from 6am-10pm beginning Sunday, October 25th onwards with night surfing available.

The full upcoming Urbnsurf schedule at the moment is as follows:
On Wednesday, October 21st: From 6am-10am, and 4pm-9pm.
On Thursday, October 22nd: From 6am-10am, and 4pm-9pm.
On Friday, October 23rd (Grand Final Public Holiday): From 6am-10pm.
On Saturday, October 24th (Grand Final): From 6am-7pm.

​Hours will include full surf days at The Point, Play In The Bay offerings, and learn to surf courses. Wave levels include the new Cruiser setting, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert.

COVID Safety Measures in Place

“We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation in Melbourne closely, including the progress of Victoria’s roadmap to reopening,” the company said. “Thankfully to date we have not been notified of any cases at the park – however, we remain vigilant, and have introduced new measures to ensure the safety of our guests.”

Urbnsurf said all guests and crew must wear masks except when surfing. Sneeze guards have been installed in all guest-facing areas (including Check-In, Surf Rental, and the Surf Academy) to further limit the spread, and hand sanitizer is available at various locations around the park. Pre-surf safety briefings will be conducted in smaller groups, with guests required to enter and exit the water at different times to reduce contact.

Maximum guest limits have been imposed for all indoor areas as signed around the park. The change rooms and hot tubs remain closed until restrictions ease further, however outdoor hot and cold showers remain open. The retail store, Lagoon Supply Co., also remains closed.

The surf park says that additional cleaning and sanitation procedures have been implemented throughout the park, including enhanced sterilization of Surf Rental wetsuits, boards, and surf hardware between uses.

Tips if you plan on surfing soon: Book your session online and download the safety waiver and submit using your mobile device (Urbnsurf will help in the process.) Also if you have a wristband from your last session, keep using it to save on plastic and to save $5 on the issue of a new one. Wear a mask (as required by law in Victoria) and practice social distancing while at the park, including in the lineup, and abide by the maximum guest limits for all indoor areas.

For a full list of precautions and to book your session check the Urbnsurf site here.