EXCLUSIVE images have been revealed showing how a new wakeboarding facility and inflatable ‘ninja warrior’ course in Rhyl would look if given the go-ahead.
Proposals to construct a lake/pool to support a wakeboarding facility – which will have a tapas bar and ale bar – on the former Sun Centre site, next to East Parade Car Park, have been submitted to Denbighshire County Council by Simon Jones of Pro Kitesurfing.
The new development is being described as the “first wakeboarding facility in Europe to be by the sea”.
Artist impression / concept art. Picture: Courtesy of Simon Jones
If all goes to plan, Mr Jones is hoping he can open the centre as early as August 2020.
Speaking to the Journal, Mr Jones said: “We will utilise the power of a machine to pull individuals from one end of the lake to the other. On a wakeboard or kneeboard, perfect technology for any family or disabled person to enjoy. At the moment we are weather dependent with our kitesurfing, but with this we’ll be able to teach all the board skills needed to be an independent kiter or a future champion wakeboarder.
“The development will not affect the sea view in anyway.
“There will be a also ninja warrior site. This will be totally different concept to the TAG Active in SC2, one that you can bounce off, climb and slide down into sea water. “Every student will have to wear a wetsuit and helmet to feel warm and safe while enjoying themselves. We will be working closely with the council, helping each other to enable Rhyl to be recognised as the best sporting activity region around.”
Its nearest similar competitor will be Surf Snowdonia.
Artist impression / concept art. Picture: Courtesy of Simon Jones
Mr Jones said the plans for the new wakeboarding facility have been in the works for more than a year.
The facility will boast a million gallon lake, which will be sea water, and 78 metres in length and 56 metres wide.
Mr Jones, originally of Birmingham, was keen to stress the development, which will cater for all abilities and children and adults as alike, is not set to affect the sea view in anyway.
Noise is also set to be at a minimum - ‘the same volume as a vacuum cleaner’.
“This new venture means everything,” Simon said.
“We love what we do and have been able to bring happiness to people is very satisfying.
“This new Wake Park, we believe, it will be one the locals will be proud of an yet another asset to Rhyl and North Wales.
“We feel that it could be recognised nationally as a must visit attraction.
Artist impression / concept art. Picture: Courtesy of Simon Jones
“This can only bring in a healthy lifestyle for local tourists... SC2 one day then PKS Wake Park the next - amazing.”
Mr Jones is hoping that attraction - such as the new Wake Park, SC2 and Snowdonia Adventure Park - will all work in conjunction with each other, in terms of promotion.
“We are not competition, we are assets to each other and North Wales,” he said.
“If you look at the areas around Surf Snowdonia the house prices have doubled in the last four year, so there is no reason locals couldn’t benefit from similar inflations here in Rhyl.
Artist impression / concept art. Picture: Courtesy of Simon Jones
“I think we have definitely got one of the best beaches in the world in Rhyl. It is criminal that more people don’t use it.
“Everybody on the council has been really great. The adventure course will be for swimming, fitness, jumping in and out of the water and I want to get the schools involved.
“It will be affordable and the big one for me, is that the wakeboarding will also be for people with disabilities
“I want to do this once and right.”
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