Is indoor surfing safe?
Swansea has Wales’ first indoor surfing machine but it caused controversy when surfer Gwen Spurlock was injured after taking part in a demonstration of the machine at a launch event in 2008. She had to have a series of operations to her brain but has now returned to competitions.
Bay Leisure, who run The LC where the machine is based have since taken extra safety precautions.
Of the Cardiff centre Stu Bentley from the Welsh Surfing Federation says, “I haven’t seen any details on it yet but the safety issues are something that needs to be looked at.”
Thanks to elrentaplats for the surfing photo.
It is hoped the new attraction will boost the economy
Plans for a £2 million indoor surf centre in Cardiff Bay have been given the go ahead.
Based at Cardiff International White Water (CIWW), The Surf Rider will have an 1.5m high wave that can be ridden by up to eight people at once. It is due to open in 2013.
Nigel Howells, executive council member for Sport, Culture and Leisure said: “We estimate the new facility will attract an additional 18,000 users to CIWW, which will of course lead to a boost for other businesses.”
South Wales’ coast is a popular outdoor surfing destination and Stu Bentley from the Welsh Surfing Federation says you can’t beat real waves. “When you’re in the sea you’ve got the natural elements moving in different ways,” says Stu.
Is indoor surfing safe?
Swansea has Wales’ first indoor surfing machine but it caused controversy when surfer Gwen Spurlock was injured after taking part in a demonstration of the machine at a launch event in 2008. She had to have a series of operations to her brain but has now returned to competitions.
Bay Leisure, who run The LC where the machine is based have since taken extra safety precautions.
Of the Cardiff centre Stu Bentley from the Welsh Surfing Federation says, “I haven’t seen any details on it yet but the safety issues are something that needs to be looked at.”
Thanks to elrentaplats for the surfing photo.