CITYSURF
CHARLOTTE
Inspired by Wavegarden, CITY SURF-CHARLOTTE will be an innovative man-made surf facility, offering perfect waves designed and adapted for surfers of all levels and ages in a location beyond the ocean, bringing the beach home to Charlotte, NC. With the advancements in wave pool technology created by Wavegarden, we are now planning to transform Charlotte into a perfect surfing destination- blessed with consistent waves and a natural beach environment, guaranteed to feature highly on the must-visit lists of surfers, families, beach enthusiasts and spectators alike. CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE will be an attractive environment, for beginners- to top surfers, as well as for non-surfers; a place to enjoy not only surfing, with a number of leisure and entertainment options, as well as other water sport activities.
The Carolinas already have a strong reputation for beauty and recreation and we believe Charlotte is the right place. More than just creating another attraction park for extreme sports and families, we also believe in complimenting what is already here. We envision more than just another water park, but rather creating an environment that reflects the outstanding elements of our community. We want our facility to be a place that gives back, a place to come and be inspired and refreshed; a place where people of various back grounds speak the same language in terms of needing fun and recreation, and can do that together. Let CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE not only be an oasis for travelers from other states and nations, but also for our community.
We love the Queen City, and as such plan on making and maintaining the wave pool through green methods- with as minimal amount of impact on the environment as possible, also looking into ISO 1400 standards and certifications. With the implementation of new sustainable technology and growing acceptance and incentivization, this can be achieved with less effort than ever before in modern history.
About the Park
Our vision:
To share the beach experience and exhilaration of surfing perfect waves.
Wave pool capabilities
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Up to 1,000 ocean -like waves per hour, with a high user capacity from beginners through to advanced surfers, capable of providing each surfer Up to 60 waves per hour with Long open face rides.
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Easy to use control setting for a variety of wave condition settings, which may be changed in real time.
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Multiple surf areas perfect for all skill levels and ages, with 4 different areas (2 bays and 2 reefs) each offering waves of different size and power, specifically designed to provide every surfer with a unique wave riding experience.
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Natural and spacious setting, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming.
FAQ's
We have had very positive responses from planning and development entities in the region- and we take that as a great indicator, as well as the growing support from the number of people in the southeast who want the wave park in Charlotte. As we progress with with the project, we're receiving a range of questions, so we're updating you through a FAQ's page to help answer some of those questions.
Why Charlotte?
How will the waves be generated?
When would CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE open?
How much will it cost to surf?
Will the water be safe?
Will I have to pay to access the beach area?
Where in Charlotte will CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE be located?
Will I need to be experienced before I can surf?
Will CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE be open all year round?
Why Charlotte?
Why not Charlotte? With over 75 million visitors annually, sweet southern vibes, and beautiful landscape offered by North and South Carolina, we believe Charlotte is the right place at the right time. In addition to the millions in North and South Carolina currently active, there are millions more traveling here each year to experience the recreation that the Carolinas have to offer.
How will the waves be generated
Through a modular technology, patented by Wavegarden. Each module moves in a harmonious sequence to produce perfect swells, while continually injecting energy into the waves as they move forward. This groundbreaking technology replicates the exact water particle movement of ocean ground swells; there are no secondary waves that can negatively affect the quality of subsequent waves. With little energy lost in the transmission of forces from the machinery to the water, efficiency levels could not be any higher.
Wave shape and size can be adjusted at the push of a button, simply by changing the mode function on the control unit software. During routine maintenance, modules can easily be repaired or replaced without stopping or interfering with the operation of the facility.
When would CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE open
A project of this magnitude has several moving parts with significant tasks ahead of us to reach opening day. The completion of funding and partnering agreements, state and county approvals processes, and detailed technical and infrastructure design are the main items being addressed currently- but we’re up for the challenge. We are lock set on Charlotte and are working diligently to have the main items needed to begin construction by the beginning of 2021, with an opening in mid to late 2022.
How much will it cost to surf
As of now, pricing to surf is in the $45 per hour range (not including surf board and wet suit rental- if needed), but we are looking for ways to lower costs. Season pass tickets (currently on sale for $500) will cost $800-$1,500- with incentives. A lot of money will be put into this project and will need to be recouped within the first 5-7 years.
Will the water be safe
Yes! Not only will the water be safe, it will be healthy.With a growing concern about harmful bacteria in the water, water purification and a high salinity level is a HUGE part in the CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE concept. Our plan calls for the use of highly effective filtration systems designed to filter out pollutants and bacteria – making the water completely safe. As part of re-creating an ocean like experience, our design calls for a high salinity water level- as close to ocean like as possible- not only providing an environment which inhibits the growth of bacteria, but also is healthy for the skin.
Will I have to pay to access the beach area
No. There will be a small fee for parking, but access to the beach area, shops, and center walk for watching the surfers will be free and encouraged.
Where in Charlotte will CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE be located
We still don't know yet. We are looking at a few different locations within York, Lancaster, and Mecklenburg counties with easy on and off access to I-485/ I-77. One of the advantages of our region is number of different municipalities we are negotiating with to see which will be more favorable towards the business. Incentives are not the determining factor of where the site will be, but they are a major factor.
Will I need to be experienced before I can surf?
No. The wave pool will have various areas with wave sizes ranging from 2'-6' in height. Beginners are strongly encouraged to take surf lessons but can also be self taught on smaller waves or whitewash. There will be dedicated times where wave sizes will be turned down across the whole pool for specialized training/ accommodations. On a typical day there will be everything from expert surfers, to group classes, to family-friendly areas for smaller children or beginners.
Will CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE be open all year round?
Yes. Charlotte stays pretty warm throughout the year with a shorter cold time than many other areas in the US. For the cold season there will be wet suit rentals if needed.
Surf Snowdonia construction
The Campaign
A project of this magnitude is a huge undertaking.
Only within the last 3 years has the idea of creating a sustainable wave park that actually works become a tangible, operational reality- thanks to the fine people at Wavegarden. Though we are off to a great start, the industry is still very young which imposes challenges in itself. CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE is going to be a $15-20 million dollar project. In order to secure capital investment, confidence needs to be high, and as mentioned above, this has been the greatest challenge to date while negotiating over the Charlotte market. That is where the campaign comes in. We need you to show support, and never has this been as quick to assess and present as in the power of using crowdfunding.
Surf Snowdonia- Wales estimated bringing in 70,000 visitors their first full year- 2016. The amount they actually brought in was over 150,000. While 150,000 would be a huge success, we are estimating conservatively as they did- forecasting 80,000 visitors, with 50,000 of them being paying customers- on top of paying for parking. We believe 5,000 (10%) contributors is the number to get. 5,000 supporters eager enough to give $1 is the support we believe will convince our partners to move forward with.
First stages of construction at Surf Snowdonia- Wales
Ways You Can Contribute
1. The most important is the $1 contribution. The more contributors, the quicker we can make this happen.
2. Just as important as donating $1, we need you spread the word. Following us through social media, sharing with friends, and signing up for updates, will enable us to get the word out quicker and inform you of important updates and events. We will need you show up for certain events and meetings, so please follow us to stay updated.
3. The next level of support, which will also help spread the word faster in a more tangible way is purchasing the CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE T-shirt for $20. T-shirts are Gildan Ultra Cotton and will sport the CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE logo in back on a white background, or in white on a black background.
4. Season passes for the first season are at a discounted rate of $500. This level of support would obviously speak volumes, but is not expected at this stage of the campaign. As mentioned in the campaign, in the event CITY SURF- CHARLOTTE never materializes, season pass purchasers will be refunded the full amount.
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