Overview
Landlocked surfers of Melbourne, rejoice — Australia's first surf park has announced its reopening date. And, if you're looking to catch some waves, it's a whole lot closer to the city than Torquay or the Peninsula.
After initially opening back in January this year, then closing in March due to COVID-19, Urbnsurf Melbourne will officially relaunch in Tullamarine, near the airport, just 16-kilometres north of the CBD, on Friday, June 19.
The two-hectare space is powering up to 1000 waves per hour — day and night — with the waves coming from an 85-metre pier running down the centre of the lagoon. A series of pistons located on the pier push the water to the left, then to the right, to create the waves. Being ability to create waves means that the park is built for both pros who are looking for steep, barrelling waves and novices looking for a safe place to get their start in the surf.
The waves are split into three sections: The Bays (beginner) with gentle rolling waves; The Point (intermediate) with 1-1.5 metre, mid-range turn waves; and The Point (advanced) with steep, long, barrelling waves up to two-metres-high with high-octane turns.
At Urbnsurf, founder Andrew Ross predicts most novices will stand on their board within an hour and ride across the green face within two. And not only will you get guaranteed waves — you won't be fighting for them. The park usually holds a maximum of 24 riders in The Bays and 18 on each side of The Point; however, in line with Victoria's current COVID-19 requirements, it'll be limiting numbers to 18 per area.
Courtesy Urbnsurf and Stu Gibson
Urbnsurf will also be implementing other changes in response to the coronavirus — such as 1.5-metre social distancing between all surfers, including during surf sessions; keeping The Surf Academy closed, which means there'll be no surf lessons for the time being; and also shutting indoor showers and change rooms. The park will only allow surfing guests in, too, so you won't be able to just head by to watch. And, it'll be suspending sales on spectator passes as well.
While the site's Surf Rental store and Lagoon Supply Co will reopen, they'll limit the number of people allowed inside at once, using the four-square-metre rule. Unsurprisingly, all hire surfboards and wetsuits will also be cleaned and sanitised between each use.
Find Urbnsurf from Friday, June 19, near Melbourne Airport. It's open from 6am–10pm in summer and 9am–6pm in winter. You can't book in yet for surf sessions and surf lessons, but, if you're keen, keep an eye on the park's website.
Images: Courtesy Urbnsurf, Ed Sloane and Stu Gibson.