AN ARTIFICIAL surfing lake in Almondsbury has taken its first step to completion with work having begun.

The Wave, a visionary project to build an inland surfing attraction, the first of its kind in Europe, was given full planning permission back in 2016, and has now announced work has begun after signing a contract with Spanish technology partner, Wavegarden, and secured financial backing from Jar Capital Ltd to fully fund the development.

Completion is expected by next year, with a testing period in the middle of 2019 and the attraction being fully opened to the public by the autumn, offering facilities suitable for anyone from children on a board for the first time to professionals training for the Olympics.

The project will be using Wavegarden’s cutting-edge ‘Cove’ wave-making technology to bring surfing to the region, generating up to 1,000 quality waves per hour, with heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost two-metres-high.

Founder, Nick Hounsfield said: “It has been a long, and at times frustrating, journey along the road to realising my dream of building a beautiful inland surfing destination.

“However we now have land and planning permission, financial backers, the right technology and an incredible team of experts working together to make the vision a reality.

“It is all systems go and we are now on site preparing for construction!”

As an inclusive destination, The Wave is being designed to be fully accessible to all and will give those with disabilities the opportunity to learn to surf, or improve their surfing, in a safe environment.

Praising the project, adaptive surfer Spike Kane said he “could not be more excited about the development of accessible, world class waves within the community.

“The Wave Bristol has a vision of barrier-free design that welcomes and accommodates absolutely everybody,” he said.

“I believe that it will be instrumental in the growth and development of adaptive surfing in the UK, Europe and beyond, and hope the approach the team is taking will amplify the need for inclusive, creative design and inspire others to follow suit. I know it will be a beacon of light for me!”

Bruce Daniel, chairman of Surfing England, added: “Surfing England in its role as the national governing body is hugely excited and supportive of the plans for The Wave.

“We see it as a facility that will promote the benefits and values of surfing to people across all sections of society.

“We hope the recent news that surfing is now an Olympic sport will draw more people into the surfing community, with The Wave as a prime example of the “Art of the Possible” for those in in-land areas. We look forward to working with and supporting The Wave over the forthcoming years”

Summing up Nick said: “Six years ago I was definitely unaware of what it actually takes to make a project like this a reality.

“The mountainous waves of paperwork that need negotiating, the countless set-backs, unexpected changes and the huge funding requirements. I certainly had no idea of the patience and tenacity needed to drive this venture forwards.

“It is an incredible feeling to say we are now on site and I would like to thank everyone who has believed in and supported the project over the last few years.”

For more information on The Wave visit thewave.com.