Overview
Ironically enough, this year's been another gnarly ride for Urbnsurf Melbourne. Australia's first surf park made its grand debut in January, 2020, but has endured a ping pong match of closures and reopenings ever since, thanks to the pandemic. Now, Urbnsurf is gearing up for what's hopefully its final return, announcing it'll fire up the waves once more starting from 7am this Saturday, October 23.
While the park won't be open in all its glory just yet, it's kicking things off by taking up to 25 surfers per hour, across its two-hectare surfing lagoon. For now, a total of 50 guests are allowed onsite at any one time. Private sessions, surf lessons and spectator passes are on hold until restrictions ease further in early November, as is the anticipated reopening of the Three Blue Ducks restaurant. Facilities including the day beds, cabanas and skate pad will also come later, expected once Victoria hits its 80 percent double-dose vaccination target.
Of course, there'll be a few new rules to follow from here on, in keeping with the Victorian Government's COVID-safe guidelines. Expect caps on numbers for lessons and surf sessions, mask rules as per current requirements, and proof of vaccination required for all guests over the age of 16.
Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane
When you do hit the surf, you'll find a handful of brand-new wave settings to put you through your paces and test that post-lockdown fitness, including a point break-style set-up dubbed Cruiser Turns. There'll be lots more events and surfing options to follow, as metropolitan Melbourne's restrictions continue to ease.
Find Urbnsurf from Saturday, October 23, near Melbourne Airport. It's usually open from 6am–10pm daily in spring and summer, with slightly varied hours during the first few weeks back. You can book in for surf sessions and surf lessons via the park's website.
Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Adam Gibson.