Three Towns Forum

The Local => Local News & Discussion => Topic started by: Merddin Emrys on July 31, 2015, 08:20:38 am

Title: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on July 31, 2015, 08:20:38 am
Interesting to see the Surf Snowdonia project on BBC Breakfast, looks like it will be a great success!  Looking at their  website http://www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk (http://www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk) it is interesting to see about the cafe all up and running in no time at all. 100 new jobs created, should do wonders for Dolgarrog.  $good$    On the other hand we have the utter farce of the skip! &shake&
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 08:50:57 am
It's tempting to imagine Surf Snowdonia if it had been designed and created by CCBC (suggestions welcome :-).

Say what you like about the private sector but if the management's right they certainly get things done. Little bit disappointed that their website (as far as I could see) doesn't mention Llandudno.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Tom Davidson on July 31, 2015, 09:08:52 am
Surf Snowdonia does look mighty impressive. Colleagues have been a bit critical of the price.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 09:19:25 am
Yes;  I noticed they were pretty steep but I suppose they have to make the money in a relatively short period each year. Can't imagine there'll be too many queueing up between October and February - although I could be wrong. Hard-core enthusiasts will come whatever the weather, I suppose.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on July 31, 2015, 09:24:40 am
It's tempting to imagine Surf Snowdonia if it had been designed and created by CCBC (suggestions welcome :-).
Something like this, I imagine:
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 09:42:36 am
 _))* _))* _))* _))* _))*

I doff my hat, sir:-)))))))))
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Tom Davidson on July 31, 2015, 10:20:25 am
They'll definitely have to cut prices for winter to attract more customers In my humble opinion. It's a private business so I'm doubtful there will be any "Conwy Card" discount (speaking of which, I've heard b*gger all about that lately.)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on July 31, 2015, 10:42:41 am
I hear that the co-founder and CEO of Google, Larry Page, was at Surf Snowdonia yesterday.  $good$
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 10:49:01 am
Is there no end to these illegal immigrants?

 :(
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 10:58:12 am
Tom: about 22 years ago a group of local business leaders brought together by David Hughes under the auspices of the Llandudno Heritage Trust met at the George to discuss producing an advertising booklet for visitors in which would be many discount vouchers for local businesses. The group was very enthusiastic about the idea, and nothing more was ever done.

Some time (about 12 years) ago I suggested a scheme whereby the larger shops in Mostyn St would fund a delivery-to-hotel service for items bought while people were on holiday here. Each shop that offered the service would bag and tag each item, then pop them all in a storage area for collection. At around 1600 each day a van would make the rounds of those shops participating in the scheme, take all the items to a sorting point, then distribute them to the appropriate hotels. The scheme could even be run by a local Charity, which would cut the costs for the participators and help out the charity. Quite a few people expressed interest, and nothing was ever done.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: SteveH on July 31, 2015, 12:32:06 pm
[/i]
Say what you like about the private sector but if the management's right they certainly get things done. Little bit disappointed that their website (as far as I could see) doesn't mention Llandudno.

After a quick look at their site, ..........they can accommodate 144 people, I don't think they will be pushing alternatives this early........maybe it is up to the Llandudno Hotels to get together and offer a shuttle bus.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: FatAndy on July 31, 2015, 06:02:02 pm
Little bit disappointed that their website (as far as I could see) doesn't mention Llandudno.

Why should their website mention Llandudno?  I doubt very much that any of the websites for Llandudno's attractions mention Dolgarrog but I've never heard express disappointment at that.  Also it's a surf resort and Llandudno is hardly a place with any connection to surfing, other than the fact that most of it's visitors are old enough to remember the Beach Boys.  It briefly mentions a few "surf" resorts like Aberdaron and Rhosneigr which is fair enough given their target market.  If anything I'd like to see a bit more info on the Conwy Valley given that where it's located but ultimately their website is there for the purpose of promoting themselves and not their surroundings.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on July 31, 2015, 06:36:36 pm
Quote
Why should their website mention Llandudno?  Ultimately their website is there for the purpose of promoting themselves and not their surroundings.

Ah, but they are promoting their surroundings; just not Llandudno. Under "Info" it has "local Area" where they mention Snowdonia, extol the virtues of walking and climbing and mention Rhosneigr, Aberdaron, Porth Ceiriad "and a few hidden gems for those who like to avoid a crowd".

I'd personally have thought it made a lot of sense to at least mention Llandudno, with its wealth of shopping opportunities, accommodation and dare I say the odd beach? All those are added enticements to surfers, who might like something a little better than a log hut in which to stay and would also be informed of what's around.



Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: TheMedz on August 02, 2015, 04:55:31 pm
We paid a visit to Surf Snowdonia today and even in the rain it looked very impressive.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Hugo on August 02, 2015, 05:25:17 pm
Did you do any surfing there?       
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: TheMedz on August 02, 2015, 05:53:14 pm
No, but had I jumped into the water then the top photo would have been how it would have appeared without the wave machine on😀 We did however manage to get soaked as the waves lapped over the edge of the viewing platforms.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: SteveH on August 03, 2015, 06:52:03 pm
The opening of Surf Snowdonia on Saturday has seen the region further enhanced as a hotspot for extreme sports and outdoor activities.
The globally anticipated inland surf lagoon has been developed by Wavegarden at the village of Dolgarrog, in the Conwy Valley and will see surfers tackle full power 6ft waves.
The facility joins a number of existing attractions from Bear Grylls survival courses and paintballing to Zip World Titan and Zip World Velocity.
So if you are an adrenaline junkie, have a look at our list below and get ready for an experience of a lifetime...

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/9-north-wales-outdoor-adventures-9763174 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/9-north-wales-outdoor-adventures-9763174)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on August 05, 2015, 09:21:43 am
It's going to take a little investigation, but we suspect the noise the wave pool system makes when running sounds very similar to a jetliner's take off and landing. The noise - if it is the Surf centre - can be heard beyond Llanrwst - and clearly at Nebo, for instance.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on August 05, 2015, 09:31:44 am
We paid a visit to Surf Snowdonia yesterday afternoon. I didn't find it noisy at all.

The whole complex is still very much unfinished, with builders wandering around and the car park a muddy mess. Great facility, though, hope it is a success.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DVT on August 05, 2015, 09:44:04 am
Could the noise reported by Ian actually be the Swiss Air Force - they have (I was told last night) 12 planes (Pilatus PC-21s) at Valley and have been carrying out a lot of flights above the Cpnwy Valley.

Checking out flightradar24.com now and there's one been buzzing around a lot in the past hour or so ... done a lot in the Llanrwst to Cerrig-y-Drudion area ... link to website and look for planes with the code COL and two digits.

 (http://www.flightradar24.com/[/url)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on August 05, 2015, 09:56:17 am
Ah.  My better half thought it was a jet at first, and when I listened the sound seemed to be coming from Betws then shifted abruptly to Trefriw. Your explanation certainly makes sense, DVT. Thank you.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on August 05, 2015, 10:13:34 am
Got me thinking, now. Wonder why the Swiss airforce is training over here? It can't be that they're short of mountains over there. Now the Swiss navy - that I could understand...  WWW
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 05, 2015, 06:06:14 pm
We paid a visit this afternoon,  saw the wave and wow, amazing,  we have not seen  anything like it before. The place was as DaveR says still being finished off, but the place has a great buzz to it and was very busy. You can sit and watch the wave from inside the cafe, or on lots of seating outside. Everything looks well built, the buildings look good too! I found watching the wave was very interesting, must take a lot of energy to move so much water so quickly!
Should be wonderful for the local area with 110 jobs created!  I have no interest in surfing, but i did like watching this. Will I have a go on it? No way Pedro!☺  by the way Ian, we did not notice any noise.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on August 05, 2015, 06:53:02 pm
I'm sure the noise is the aircraft DVT mentioned.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 19, 2015, 11:04:41 am
Just seen this on Facebook.......

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL OUR CUSTOMERS**
We’re really sorry to announce that our surf lagoon will have to close for a number of days, effective immediately.
This unavoidable closure is due to a mechanical fault which became apparent earlier this morning. In order to carry out the necessary repairs our engineers need to drain the lagoon completely. The repair process will take a number of days and we will update you regularly as the situation becomes clearer.
All customers who have sessions booked on our surf lagoon will be offered a full refund or a credit on their Surf Snowdonia account, whichever they would prefer.
All other activities at Surf Snowdonia, including our Soft Play Shack, café bar, retail and coffee shops will continue to function as normal. Guests who have accommodation booked in our camping pods may still stay on site if they wish to.
We are really sorry for the disruption and disappointment that this unavoidable closure will cause to our visitors who had sessions booked in the coming days. We’d like to assure you that we are working very hard to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: SteveH on August 25, 2015, 11:48:35 am
Surf Snowdonia could be back open by Saturday
Surf Snowdonia could re-open by Saturday after initial dry testing proved a success.

The world first commercial inland surf lagoon opened in Dolgarrog, in the Conwy Valley on August 1 - attracting attention from around the world.
But the lagoon, which has created more than 100 jobs and expects 75,000 visitors a year, closed last week after a mechanical fault.
Since then engineers have been working around the clock to identify and repair the mechanical problem.

Today they started dry testing of the facility which has proved successful.
They now hope to start to re-fill the lagoon - developed by Wavegarden - on Wednesday with the fill due to be completed on Thursday afternoon when full testing will start.

They have also set aside Friday for tests before re-opening on Saturday if all goes well.
A spokeswoman said: “Our Wavegarden engineers have been hard at work this weekend and we’re pleased to announce we have made good progress on the repairs.
“We have been dry-testing today and these tests have gone well.
“The current plan is that testing will continue and then we hope to start to fill the lagoon on Wednesday, this will continue into Thursday when we hope to start further testing in the afternoon.
“We have also set aside Friday for testing because the last thing we want to do is rush this and again leave people disappointed.

“If all goes well then we hope to re-open the lagoon on Saturday.”
She added: “The lagoon is fully booked until the end of the school holidays so we are hoping we will be able to honour bookings from Saturday and then fit in those people who have missed out in slots in the coming weeks.
“Full refunds are also available.

“We are very grateful for everyone’s patience.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/surf-snowdonia-could-back-open-9920523 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/surf-snowdonia-could-back-open-9920523)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on September 24, 2015, 09:09:53 am
Surf Snowdonia closed again.  :(

Surf Snowdonia to close again after rip in lagoon liner
11:53, 22 SEP 2015 UPDATED 09:38, 23 SEP 2015
BY OWEN HUGHES

The world's first commercial surfing lagoon - which also closed in August following a mechanical failure - will shut again for two days


Surf Snowdonia is set close again after a rip in the lagoon liner that is causing water to leak.

The world's first commercial surfing lagoon - which also closed for 10 days in August following a mechanical fault - will this time shut for four days.

This will allow engineers to partially drain the lagoon to repair the tear in the liner at the giant surf lagoon which first opened in Dolgarrog, in the Conwy Valley on August 1.

It will close for four days from Wednesday, reopening on Sunday, September 27.

The facility has just hosted the world's top surfers at the Red Bull Unleashed event but Surf Snowdonia say it is unlikely it was caused by a surf board.

A spokeswoman said: "Surf Snowdonia regrets to announce that its surf lagoon will have to close.

"The closure is due to a tear in the lagoon liner which is allowing water to leak.

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-close-again-after-10107060 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-close-again-after-10107060)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Blongb on September 26, 2015, 12:19:00 pm
Stopped off yesterday to check the place out and the lagoon was in the process of being refilled, so hopefully all will be back to normal this week-end.  $good$
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on September 29, 2015, 07:45:56 am
We nipped over to the lagoon and it was filled and operating normally. It was our first visit and I was intrigued to see how the waves are generated.  As ME observes, the power needed to shift that amount of water must be fairly high.

A lot of the site is still in development but some of their approach is excellent.  Making the car park free to encourage viewing is a great idea, the relatively low prices in the cafe is good and the idea of opening before the rest of the site is finished makes a lot of sense.  The little 'pods' they have for resident visitors are basic but seem comfortable.

The location, finally, is stunning.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2015, 09:29:18 am
We visited Surf Snowdonia on Saturday morning and they were just finishing refilling the lagoon then. It's a great addition to the local attractions list, but I do wonder how they will ever get a return on their £12m investment.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Bri Roberts on September 29, 2015, 09:36:55 am
I suppose the answer may depend upon how much of the £12m is their own money.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on September 29, 2015, 10:03:04 am
I suppose the answer may depend upon how much of the £12m is their own money.
Very true, I believe the Welsh Government contributed £4m but then declined a further request for money made as recently as June:
http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/decisions/2015/jul-sep/business/eh1804/?lang=en (http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/decisions/2015/jul-sep/business/eh1804/?lang=en)

This is an interesting article about Surf Snowdonia's inception:
http://magicseaweed.com/news/the-wavegarden-at-surf-snowdonia-will-open-in-july/7154/ (http://magicseaweed.com/news/the-wavegarden-at-surf-snowdonia-will-open-in-july/7154/)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on September 29, 2015, 11:24:55 am
It's a remarkable achievement and a great place to while away an hour or so just watching.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 06, 2015, 05:17:10 pm
This is on Facebook, hope their financies can survive!

****TUESDAY UPDATE****
****DIWEDDARIAD DYDD MAWRTH 6/10/15****
Afternoon all - Prynhawn da pawb
We have some very disappointing news to update you with today.
We have taken the decision to close early for the winter season. The closure is effective immediately, and brings forward our planned winter closure by eight weeks.
Since we opened on the 1st August this year our Wavegarden technology has been affected by a number of mechanical faults. As a result we have been forced to temporarily close on three separate occasions.
Our most recent breakdown is due to a serious failure of the main drive mechanism of our wave generating machinery. Engineers from Wavegarden estimate that it will take a minimum of three months to repair.
This is a very disappointing day for us all at Surf Snowdonia, and we know it’s especially difficult for our excellent staff and for those of you who have booked to come surfing with us. We are in the process of notifying all our customers who have booked sessions and we will refund all payments in full.
During the winter closure period we will be making further investment in order to improve our surf lagoon and broaden our offer.
By spring of 2016 we hope to open for our first full season with an improved offer. We also hope to re-employ many of the excellent people who have worked with us this season.
We are absolutely committed to making Surf Snowdonia the fantastic success we know it can be, so watch this space.
Thanks for all of your support, it has been much appreciated.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on October 06, 2015, 06:10:33 pm
Quote
Our most recent breakdown is due to a serious failure of the main drive mechanism of our wave generating machinery.

It's very sad, but it does clearly show the risks in being a first.  Curious, though; the WaveGarden company says this is an extremely reliable method of wave creation and that the design of the sled was arrived at through years of work by 'highly qualified engineers'. For such a critical section to have broken seems dicey engineering, at best.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 06, 2015, 07:47:13 pm
As I said before a few weeks ago, moving that much water requires a lot of energy, must be a massive strain on parts of the machinery!
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on October 07, 2015, 08:46:01 am
Undoubtedly. But you'd have thought they'd have built it with that stress firmly in mind. I suppose it might have been a catastrophic failure, of course.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 07, 2015, 10:12:24 am
Perhaps the builders of the mechanism are still learning how strong it needs to be, I wonder if they have to pay compensation to Surf Snowdonia for loss of income? I hope they have better luck next year, it is a great asset to the area!
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on October 07, 2015, 03:36:43 pm
I've always been a bit sceptical as to how, even when operating at full capacity, it could make the profits needed to justify its £12m cost. I just can't see how the figures add up.

I also noticed when I last visited how brown the water looked, surely it should be filtered and cleaned?

Lots more about the technology here:
http://www.wavegarden.com/lang/en-us/economics/investment (http://www.wavegarden.com/lang/en-us/economics/investment)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Michael on October 07, 2015, 09:46:22 pm
  Get about a bit don't you Dave? Quote "on my last visit." So presumably that means you have been more than once---and its only been open a few weeks.  (I'm just a miserable jealous old git)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Merddin Emrys on October 07, 2015, 10:51:50 pm
I have been several times, never seen anything else like it!
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Ian on October 08, 2015, 07:14:47 am
We popped over and stayed for a couple of hours.  We spent a lot of time simply walking round the lagoon.  Fascinating place.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on October 08, 2015, 10:48:31 am
  Get about a bit don't you Dave? Quote "on my last visit." So presumably that means you have been more than once---and its only been open a few weeks.  (I'm just a miserable jealous old git)
:laugh: I've only been there twice, its a good stopoff point when travelling down the valley.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: DaveR on February 12, 2016, 09:38:46 am
Surf Snowdonia will be reopening in April. Let's hope it has a trouble-free year!

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-starts-fresh-recruitment-10877648 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-starts-fresh-recruitment-10877648)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Hugo on February 18, 2016, 11:06:16 pm
I went past there today and saw it for the first time and must admit that it was much better than I had ever expected. Let's hope everything runs more smoothly this year.
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Lyndylou on March 04, 2016, 01:17:03 pm
SURF SNOWDONIA  to open in two weeks March 19th 2016
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-open-crash--10990225 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/surf-snowdonia-open-crash--10990225)
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: Hugo on March 04, 2016, 02:43:26 pm
I hope that the weather improves by then or otherwise it's going to be very parky out on the surf
Title: Re: Surf Snowdonia
Post by: wrex on March 04, 2016, 04:28:43 pm
could be an icerink even