Surf lagoon SHUT
Mechanical failure closes surf centre until 2016
68 workers lose jobs as Surf Snowdonia closes for winter
SURF Snowdonia is closing early for winter after the latest mechanical failure at the surfing lagoon. The closure is effective immediately and means 60 seasonal staff have had their contracts ended early while eight permanent workers have been made redundant.
The world’s first inland surfing facility, which generates the longest manmade waves on the planet, opened to great acclaim on August 1 this year.
But the Wavegarden technology facility in Dolgarrog, Conwy Valley, has since been affected by a number of mechanical faults and has had to close on three separate occasions. The most recent breakdown is due to a serious failure of the main drive mechanism of the wave generating machinery.
Engineers from Wavegarden estimate it will take a minimum of three months to repair.
Martin Ainscough, chairman of the Ainscough Group which owns Surf Snowdonia, said: “This is a very disappointing day for us all at Surf Snowdonia, and we know it’s especially difficult for our excellent staff and for all the people who have booked to come surfing with us.
“We are in the process of notifying all customers who have booked sessions and we will refund all payments.
“During the winter closure period we will be making further investment in order to improve the surf lagoon and broaden our offer.
“By spring 2016 we hope to open for our first full season with an improved offer. We also hope to re-employ many of the excellent people who have worked with us this season.”