Surf’s up: London is getting a £40m surfing venue
London may become the first capital city in the world to boast an inland surfing venue, thanks to a project announced today by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA).
LVRA and inland surfing company The Wave have unveiled plans for a £40m surfing destination called The Wave London next to the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Edmonton.
The project would allow people of all ages and abilities to try their hand at surfing. The venue’s technology generates up to 1,000 waves per hour, varying in height from 50cm to almost two metres.
Shaun Dawson, chief executive of LVRPA, said: “These proposals have the potential to create a stunning new regional leisure hub bringing health, fitness, sport and outdoor activities to millions of people along with many new jobs.
“A generation ago we built what was then Europe’s largest leisure centre. Now we hope to bring inland surfing here to create an outstanding new leisure destination for the capital and the region.”
LVRA and The Wave are working together to develop a planning application for the site, which it hopes will be built on 100 acres of land in Lee Valley Regional Park.
In addition to the surfing lake, the centre could feature a skateboarding centre, cycle trails and glamping accommodation.
The companies said they are engaging with local communities and carrying out site analysis. The existing lake in the north of the complex will not be affected by the project.
The project comes as surfing grows in popularity. The sport will feature for the first time at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. The Wave is opening its first inland surfing venue in Bristol next year.
Founder Nick Hounsfield said: “Surfing is an incredible sport which has proven health benefits – both physically and mentally.
“The Wave London would give people the chance to try surfing and experience these benefits in an urban environment.”