You’ll never guess the newest surfing hotspot!
The last giant wave to rock the tiny Welsh village of Dolgarrog struck in 1925, when two overflowing dams gave way, sending a wall of boulder-strewn water down the hillside and killing 16 people.
Now it is a different kind of wave making an impact, with the opening of a first-of-its-kind inland surfing lagoon that promises the longest man-made breakers in the world.
The Stg12 million ($A25 million) surf park is set to revolutionise the sport, using a Spanish-designed plough and pulley system that runs underwater along a central mesh-encased pier to create a wave a minute crashing back and forth at up to two metres high.
It is also one of the growing number of unusual activities around Snowdonia National Park in north Wales harnessing the landscape to revitalise a region hit hard by the decline in mining and industry.
“A giant wave destroyed this place, and a giant wave is going to make us,” said local potter Owen Philip.
The one-road village, with a little over 300 residents and just three shops, is an unlikely surfers’ paradise – not least because Snowdonia receives the most rainfall of any part of Britain.
But Steve Davies, a former army colonel and managing director of the Surf Snowdonia centre, said it was in part the “craziness” of the project that attracted him.
The lagoon itself was built on an aluminium works that closed in 2007 with the loss of 200 jobs, after 100 years of operation. Davies said cleaning up the contaminated land cost nearly Stg2 million.
The surf centre employs 110 people, including 34 from the valley area, with 13 from the village itself. But the surfing instructors and lifeguards come from as far afield as Australia, Germany and Spain.
“It helps to internationalise it, to emphasise that this is a major destination for UK plc,” said Davies, who hopes to attract 75,000 visitors a year.
Outdoor activity tourism is worth about Stg481 million a year to Wales, creating more than 8200 jobs, according to a report compiled for the Welsh government, which is promoting 2016 as the Welsh “Year of Adventure”.
As well as hiking, climbing and mountain biking, Snowdonia is home to Zip World, which offers the longest and fastest zipline in Europe and a surreal network of underground trampolines built in an old slate mine.
“There is real momentum in north Wales for adventure tourism,” said the businessman responsible, former Royal Marine Sean Taylor, who is expecting a Stg9 million to Stg10 million turnover this year, with a Stg4.5 million net profit.
Town councillor Mandy Williams-Davies emphasised how important it was the money should stay in the community.
The mine closures had caused a “loss of identity and direction”, she said, but new enterprises are reclaiming the landscape and giving young people a renewed sense of pride.
“Coming from an area that is constantly being described as deprived is really a heavy weight for young people to carry, but now if they explain where they come from they can say it proudly, they have a story to tell,” she said.
Surf Snowdonia could further rewrite the north Wales story, by helping propel surfing – already shortlisted for the Tokyo Games in 2020 – into the Olympics.
Casper Steinfath, 21, a two-time stand up paddle surfing world champion and International Surfing Association vice president, said the guaranteed and consistent waves meant competitors would have a “level playing field”.
An hour-long session on the advanced two-metre wave costs up to Stg45 and critics have suggested the lagoon could add to the commercialisation of the sport, undermining surfing’s free spirit.
But sitting in the waterside restaurant with a window on the barrelling waves, Steinfath disagreed.
“It will share the stoke,” he said, referring to the buzz of surfing.
“We all get this vibration from surfing that’s magical, whether it’s out in the ocean or here at the lagoon, it’s the same sensation.”
Many locals also appear “stoked”, by the prospect of new business in town – and the chance to ride a wave themselves.
“I’m going to have a go; I was a dinghy sailor when I was a lad,” said the 68-year-old Philip, who stopped on his bicycle to watch the surfers alongside other curious locals.
“And there will be 75,000 tourists waiting on my doorstep. I’m going to make a bloody fortune.”
Image: The Surfboard Man
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!