The Wave, the world’s pioneering inland surfing lake located on the outskirts of Bristol, has abruptly closed its doors as of Thursday, June 26, 2025, leaving surfers and visitors stunned and bookings cancelled without warning. The closure was announced just a day prior on social media, with customers informed via email, and the facility’s website currently offline, displaying error messages or ‘lost’ notices.
This sudden shutdown has been attributed primarily to financial turmoil linked to the bankruptcy of a director from one of its funding partners, JAR Wave, rather than any operational shortcomings or lack of customer interest. Majority owners Sullivan Street Partners, who invested £27 million into The Wave in 2023, have stated that the closure stems from a "financial technicality" completely unrelated to their stake or the park’s commercial performance.
Since its grand opening in 2019, The Wave has been a celebrated beacon for British surfing, heralded as the first publicly accessible Wavegarden Cove facility. It cost approximately £26 million to build and took nearly nine years to complete, involving the filling of the lake with 26 million litres of water. The venue is powered sustainably through a vast solar array and battery storage system, which reportedly generates more energy than the park consumes annually.
Over the past six years, The Wave has welcomed over 400,000 visitors and facilitated nearly 650,000 surf sessions, producing close to 10 million waves. It has become a beloved community asset, known for its inclusive approach, having enabled around 400 para surfers to enjoy the sport regularly. The park has also hosted prestigious events such as the National Para Surfing Championships and the Blue Earth Summit, both slated to return in 2025. Its environmental and social credentials were recognized in August 2024 when it became the first wave park to achieve B Corp certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and community impact.
Despite the closure, The Wave Group has lined up a refinancing plan tied to exciting developments in London, which it claims would allow all creditors to be repaid in full within a week. The owners have expressed their intention to continue operating the Bristol park, though their offers to resolve the financial dispute have reportedly been ignored by JAR Wave. Instead, JAR Wave has chosen to appoint administrators for the Bristol operating company, escalating the situation.
Founder Nick Hounsfield, who was terminated as a director from The Wave on May 5, 2025, had been instrumental in the park’s creation and development. The abrupt closure came as a shock to many, especially given that just a day before, The Wave had promoted an upcoming surf festival scheduled for July 12 and 13, 2025. This only deepened the confusion and disappointment among the surfing community and local supporters.
The Wave’s CEO, Hazel Geary, emphasized that the decision to close was not due to operational failures or a drop in customer demand, but rather a "financial technicality completely unrelated to commercial matters." She clarified that despite repeated offers of support and full repayment to JAR Wave to resolve their financial issues, the creditor has instead opted to attempt control of the business, leading to the current impasse.
The closure has had immediate ripple effects on scheduled events, including the cancellation of Cerebra’s Relay Your Way charity session, which was due to be held at the site on June 26, 2025, as part of its UK-wide tour. The charity expressed regret but remained focused on ensuring inclusive and accessible experiences for the children involved.
Community members and surfing enthusiasts have expressed their sadness and frustration. The Wave has been more than just a surf park; it has served as a hub for physical and mental well-being, connecting people with nature and promoting an active lifestyle. Its innovative wave technology, capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour, catered to surfers of all skill levels—from beginners enjoying gentle swells to veterans tackling fast, hollow waves.
The park’s environmental commitment was also notable. Its extensive solar panel installation and battery storage system not only powered the waves but did so in an eco-friendly manner, aligning with growing calls for sustainable recreational facilities.
Sullivan Street Partners, in their statements, have apologized unreservedly for any upset caused by the closure and expressed hope that the situation can be resolved swiftly. They highlighted that the refinancing plan, which includes funding for a new London development, would ensure all creditors are paid in full and that operations at The Wave could resume.
As of now, the future of The Wave remains uncertain, pending the resolution of the financial dispute with JAR Wave. The surfing community, local residents, and environmental advocates alike watch closely, hoping that this innovative and cherished inland surf destination can reopen and continue to inspire for years to come.
