Written by Annalise Bolt | Jun 6th, 2023
“It will be a mecca for surfing in western Sydney,” URBNSURF CEO Damon Tudor says.
His massive wave park is slowly taking shape in Olympic Park, about 20 kilometres away from the coast.
When it opens, hopefully in autumn next year, it will be New South Wales‘ first wave generated park, which can host more than 1000 surfers a day in a giant manmade lagoon.
“It’s almost two hectares in size, 20,000 square metres, pretty much the size of a cricket ground,” Tudor said. There will be plenty of space to grab a bite or drink and watch the waves roll in.
The park will boast an upmarket terrace restaurant and bar, as well as a more casual kiosk downstairs.
There will also be a sprawling outdoor space, which can host more than 2000 people for live music and sporting events.
“The view will be just phenomenal with waves breaking left and right,” Tudor said.
“We’ll have a health and wellness centre, a surf academy, a number of multi-function spaces as well as cabanas, a kids’ playground.”
It follows in Melbourne’s footsteps where URBNSURF, located next to Tullamarine Airport, attracts surfers from around Australia.
Surf legends Kelly Slater, Layne Beachley and Mick Fanning have all visited.
Construction has been underway since 2021, but last year’s rain as well as supply chain issues have delayed the project by about a year.
“We are at a really exciting stage,” Tudor said. “We are out of the ground, the foundations have been poured, building is happening.”
A crucial piece of the puzzle has just arrived in 40 containers from Spain – the wave generator. Installation is about to begin and will take three months to complete.
“Imagine putting together a giant meccano set that creates waves,” said Tudor.
The Wavegarden technology, which is also used at URBNSURF Melbourne, aims to closely imitate ocean swell.
“You’ve got everything from a half a metre, small cruiser-style wave, through to a two-metre-tall barrelling wave,” Tudor said.
“So you’ve got massive diversity for all kinds of surfers … You’re talking 16 second rides on the main wave, it’s significant, and you’re probably getting about 12 rides an hour for each individual.”
The site was once a carpark and before that used as a fill site to dispose of material during the construction of the Olympic stadium.
The future light rail, which will run from Parramatta CBD to Olympic Park,
“Given the size of Sydney and where the park is located, it just opens up access for everyone,” Tudor said.
