The developers of NLand Surf Park in Austin, Texas aren’t going to let the financial deaths of roller skating rinks, pay-to-skate skateboard parks, nor indoor ski domes slow down their plans to get the hordes on board with the grand opening of what they are calling the “America’s first surf park,” on October 7, 2016.
“This is an historic moment for surfers around the globe as our second Wavegarden facility is launched. Together, we have scaled this project to a level never before seen,” Wavegarden CEO Josema Odriozola said. “The NLand Training Center is a state-of-the-art surf school with a talented staff of surf coaches from around the world who offer accelerated training for surfers of all levels.”
For now they’ve gotten around a series of ordinances regarding water quality and filtering (according to a story in the Houston Chronicle) and all they have to do is get people to come surf. That may be the tough part because like it or not surfing is hard. Luckily, the park was built by Coors brewing heir Doug Coors.
Current rates to surf the “reef” waves are one hour for $90. Pretty cheap when compared to a trip to Tavarua. Mabye Mr. Coors has something here. Wonder what the “birthday party” package costs? It’s gotta be better than a trampline park, right? For the official word from Nland Surf, follow the jump.
NLAND SURF PARK OPENS OCTOBER 7, 2016
North America’s First Surf Park Welcomes Surfers from Around the World to Austin
AUSTIN, Texas – NLand Surf Park will open Friday, October 7, 2016. NLand, North America’s first surf park, offers world-class surfing in the heart of Texas Hill Country.
“As a surfer and an engineer, NLand has been a dream of mine for the past 20 years. We have had our share of challenges, but they are behind us and I look forward to sharing our waves with the world,” said Doug Coors, NLand’s founder.
The lagoon features waves for surfers of all levels: from head-high, open face waves with a 35-second ride for experts, challenging open face waves for passionate travel surfers and gentle white water waves for kids and beginners.
“This is an historic moment for surfers around the globe as our second Wavegarden facility is launched. Together, we have scaled this project to a level never before seen,” Wavegarden CEO Josema Odriozola said.
The NLand Training Center is a state-of-the-art surf school with a talented staff of surf coaches from around the world who offer accelerated training for surfers of all levels.
Today’s announcement comes after NLand reached an agreement with local and state officials over how to regulate the lagoon, a 14-acre body of water with more than 11 million gallons of rainwater collected from the property.
“NLand represents innovation in technology, sustainability and sport. While this innovation outpaced regulation, I am glad an agreement was reached as this project represents the best of Austin,” said Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gómez.
NLand has built a state-of-the-art water treatment system that utilizes bio-filtration, permanent media filtration, ozone and chlorine to treat the water. Independent testing shows the water quality meets or exceeds standards set by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. The lagoon is 100% self-sustaining, using a system that captures water from the property.
“My family has a rich history of water conservation and environmental stewardship. I am proud to continue that tradition of innovation and sustainability,” Coors said.
In addition to the waves, NLand is home to Blue Prairie, a locally-sourced scratch kitchen. NLand’s surf shop features high-end surf gear, including surfboards from Channel Islands, Lost and Stewart, along with a variety of the latest surf accessories.
During the warm-up period, NLand will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can book passes and learn more about adult and junior coaching at the NLand Training Center by visiting www.nlandsurfpark.com or by calling 512-806-1900.
###
About NLand
Founded by Doug Coors, an engineer and a surfer, NLand will be the only inland surfing destination of its kind in North America for surfers from novices to world-class competitors.
About Wavegarden
Founded in 2005, Wavegarden SL is an engineering company dedicated to the research, design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and promotion of wave generating systems and lagoons for surfing and other water sports. We remain true to our mission to share the incredible sensation of surfing perfect waves with everyone in the world, regardless of age, gender, level of experience, or geographical location. For more information, including videos, please visit www.wavegarden.com .
