Overview
Ironically enough, this year's been one gnarly ride for Urbnsurf Melbourne. After months of anticipation, Australia's first surf park finally made its grand debut in January, but was forced to take a hiatus from March thanks to the pandemic. The venue then managed to reopen for a few short weeks in June, before restrictions returned and shuttered operations again. Now, four quiet months on, Urbnsurf is gearing up for its long-awaited return, announcing it'll fire up the waves once more starting from this Wednesday, October 21.
While the park won't be open in all its glory just yet, it's kicking things off by taking up to 30 surfing guests per hour, on each side of its two-hectare surfing lagoon. Spectator visits are on hold for a little while longer, as is the return of amenities like the kids' playground, lagoon-side hot tubs and that new eatery from the Three Blue Ducks crew.
Of course, there'll be a few new rules to follow, in keeping with the Victorian Government's COVID-safe guidelines. Expect caps on numbers for lessons and surf sessions, boosted sanitation procedures, density limits on all indoor areas and enforced social distancing measures. Masks must be worn whenever you're not surfing and visitors need to live or work within 25 kilometres of the park.
Courtesy Urbnsurf and Ed Sloane
On the calendar, you'll find two new sessions joining the classic intermediate and advanced options of before. There's the Cruiser Sessions, aimed at novice riders looking for some pointbreak-style waves, and the Expert Sessions, serving up heavier barrels best tackled by experienced surfers. And if you're taking it easy, try the Play In The Bay whitewater sessions or sign up for a lesson.
There'll be more events and surfing options to follow, as metropolitan Melbourne's restrictions continue to ease.
Find Urbnsurf from Wednesday, October 21, near Melbourne Airport. It's open from 6am–10pm daily in spring, with slightly varied hours during the first week back. You can book in for surf sessions and surf lessons via the park's website.
Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Adam Gibson.