Everything You Need To Know

Changes at the wave

Why was The Wave closed?
The Wave sadly had to close for a few days as it went into administration. The good news is that we reopened on Tuesday 1st July, 6.30am.

Has The Wave got new owners?
Yes The Wave does have new owners and is a great place with a positive future – it is fabulous to have the waves rolling again.

Who are the new owners?
The company has been acquired as a part of a financial restructure by a group of investors, who have asked Julian Topham to step into the role of CEO. He is also Chair of Surfing England and a surfer.

When will it reopen?

It is open already! We can’t wait to see you!

Can I come on site or surf?

Yes. Waves started rolling from Tuesday 1st July, 7am.

Is The Camp at The Wave open?

Yes, The Camp will be open from today, 1 July.

What does this mean for employees (The Wavemakers)?
The new owners are working alongside the Wavemakers, who have been amazing in working flat out to get the waves rolling again.

What does this mean for surfers / visitors who were due to visit while it has been shut?
We will be in touch soon regarding rebooking surf or stays in The Camp that we have had to cancel. The team is working to get things back to where we want things to be, but we know there may be a delay in getting back to everyone and we thank you for your patience on this. If you would like to log your enquiry please email hello@wavebristol.com

Can I rebook for a later date?
We will be in touch soon regarding rebooking your visit – the team is working really hard to get things back up and running, but we know there may be a delay in getting back to everyone and we thank you for your patience on this.

I had a surf booking – how do I get a refund?
At the current time we are working hard to get The Wave up and running again, but we will be in touch as soon as we are able to with details on how to rebook your cancelled surf session. Please bear with us.

I had a camp booking – how do I get a refund?
Thank you for your patience, we will be in touch as soon as we are able to with details on this.

I can’t access my bundle – will I get it back?

We will be in touch as soon as we are able to with information on this.

I can’t access my membership surfs – what has happened?

We will be in touch as soon as we are able to with information on this.

I have not heard from my previous enquiry, when will I hear?
We no longer have access to previous support tickets – please can you resubmit via hello@wavebristol.com. We are working to get all aspects of The Wave up and running fully, and we will be in touch as soon as we are able to with details on any membership enquiries.

If you would like to get in contact with us then please email hello@wavebristol.com

We really appreciate your patience, the team is doing everything it can to get back to normal.  We will be in touch with everyone as soon as we can.  Huge thanks from us all.

The surf experience

How big is the surf lake?
Our lake is measures approximately 180 metres in length by 200 metres wide at the shoreline. That’s around the size of four football pitches!

What is the layout of the surf lake?
The lake is divided into four different surfing areas. These include the advanced reef area in the lake and the beginner bay area. All designed with the abilities of the surfers in mind, as well as their safety and enjoyment.

Do you need to be an experienced surfer?
We can accommodate brand new beginner surfers through to advanced surfers simultaneously on our waves. A performance pathway exists for guests to progress through the areas of the surf lake commencing in the beginner areas, and improving their skills until they are ready to take on the advanced waves.

Is the water cold?
Our lake isn’t heated, you can check our water temperature on the website. Rest assured, if you’re coming during the Winter or on a cold day, we provide you with a really warm and thick winter wetsuit plus optional gloves, hood and boots so you won’t get cold. It is a very active and intense exercise experience and therefore people only notice the cold when they first get in the water. We also have hot showers for after your surf so don’t forget your towel!

What are the different wave heights and ride lengths?
The waves range from 0.5 to almost 2 metres with an average length or ride ranging from 35m to 85m depending on the wave and skill of the surfer. The average duration of a ride is 10-13 seconds.

Is it easier to learn to surf at The Wave compared to the ocean?
Beginners experience can be a speedier rate of learning at The Wave compared to the ocean. The predictability of the waves generated, the length of rides, and the removal of other distractions allows beginners to focus on technique, while enjoying close supervision from our team of Wavemakers. Advanced surfers should also expect to see a quick development in their surfing thanks to the consistency of the waves.

I’m experienced, will it be too easy?
Progression in surfing depends on practicing and how regularly you surf and the number of waves you get to ride. Unlike other sports, surfing requires the right weather conditions, in daylight hours, at a time and place you are free to surf. The Wave takes away all these variances so surfers can surf as regularly as they choose, at a time to suit them on safe and consistent waves. The Wave is a brilliant training ground to improve your surfing with on consistent waves with specialist training and coaching available.

The types of wave

What types of waves are generated?
The surf lake is capable of generating a variety of waves, from gentle, spilling beginner waves, right through to high-performance barrelling waves up to nearly 2m tall. The size and speed of waves in the surf lake can be varied, making it suitable for all abilities from beginner to advanced.

Are the waves always the same size and type?
Waves in the surf lake are generated by moving water over a shallow profile that causes a wave to form, and then fold on itself. Just like an ocean swell becomes a breaking wave when it moves over a reef or sandy beach. In the case of The Wave, water is moved by our Wavegarden Cove technology located inside the central pier of the lake.

Is the wave powerful?

The waves have a variety of powers and varies in strength and height between our beginner and advanced waves. The beauty of the Wavegarden Cove technology is that energy is constantly passed into the wave through the movement of the wave generator as it completes a cycle. This ensures that waves have consistent power, shape, height and speed through the full ride.

Sustainability and the environment

How much water is used in the surf lake?
The net evaporation rate for the surf lake will differ from year to year, but on average the annual water requirement is equivalent to that used to maintain a high quality grassed sports ground of a similar size (and only about 6% of what is used to irrigate golf courses per annum).

Is The Wave technology noisy?
The operation the surf lake creates the natural sound of peeling waves, which has minimal overall auditory impact.

How much energy is needed to generate waves?
The generator is the most energy efficient surfing wave generator available. The Wave requires about the same amount of energy per annum as would typically be used by a small, indoor aquatic centre.

Safety

Is surfing at The Wave safe?
Surfing under normal conditions is typically a very safe activity. The Wave is designed with safety as a fundamental priority. At The Wave most of the hazards of sea surfing are either avoided, managed or minimised to greatly improve surfer safety. The use of Wavemakers specifically trained in the surf lake environment and our monitoring systems further enhance surfer safety.

I’ve never surfed before – is it safe for me?
Absolutely! The Wave is a safe surfing environment perfect for people of all ages, fitness and skill levels, and is ideal for introducing the sport of surfing to those who do not have access to waves. It is also a fantastic environment for people with disabilities.

How do you keep surfers safe?
The wave generating device is located beneath a pier which physically separates the surfer from the device. The pier is shrouded in a barrier that guests cannot penetrate, but allows water to pass through, and has no effect on the size, quality or shape of the wave. We deliver a safety briefing to all guests and make specific recommendations to keep you safe, including a guide on how to finish your waves well.

Weather
Can I surf in the rain?
Yes. You’re going to get wet either way…

What if there is thunder and lightning?
In the event of lightning or other major weather occurrences, we will ask everyone in the lake to leave to ensure the safety of everyone. If you session is cut short, we will provide a refund based on how long you were in the water. However, a session which lasts 45 minutes or more is considered complete and no refund will be given.

Site Information

Are dogs allowed on site?
Unfortunately we are not able to allow dogs or other pets at The Wave, with the exception of Service or Assistance dogs.

Blue Badge Parking

Blue badge holders can be issued with a disabled parking pass upon arrival at the Gatehouse. Parking spots do not need to be pre-booked.

Lost Property

We will do what we can to reunite you with your lost items, however please be aware that we cannot be held responsible for items lost at The Wave or The Camp. If we find an item we will log it and hold it for 6 weeks, if it is not requested we donate it to a local Homeless Shelter, Charity or The Wave Project. Please note that we do not keep the following items; water bottles, underwear and towels due to Health & Safety. If you have left your Driving Licence in The Board Room they will store it securely.

We are not able to contact everyone who has left items with us due to the adminstration costs involved and we are also not able to post items out at present. We are more than happy however to assist you in organising a courier collection. If you have lost an item please email us at hello@wavebristol.com with details of the item, where it was lost and the date as this will help us to locate it, if we have it.