It’s an unlikely sight but surfers have flocked to suburban area near Melbourne Airport to test out the perfect man-made waves of an Australian-first surfing park.
Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth was among the surfers at the unveiling of URBNSURF on Thursday, when the first waves were officially surfed ahead of its summer opening.
The park, free of sharks, is a two-hectare surfing lagoon similar in size to the MCG and located at Tullamarine, right next to the airport.
It’s shaped like a huge baseball field and will produce “perfect” surfing waves with left and right breaks, from gentle breaks to big barrels.
Waves can be adjusted at the push of a button, utilising technology from engineering company Wavegarden.
URBNSURF founder Andrew Ross says the park has something to offer surfers of all abilities, from beginners to experts.
“Whether it’s learning how to stand up on a board for the first time, or pulling into to challenging barrels without having to travel for hours or be at the mercy of the elements,” he said.
“(It) is set to become a new hub for the Victorian surf community and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.”
Melbourne Airport’s chief of property Linc Horton said the park will be a great addition to the airport, and will be part of a broader elite sports precinct.
Top surfers Julian Wilson and Sally Fitzgibbons were among those to test out the waves on Thursday, along with surfers from Australia’s Tokyo Olympics team.
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Acting star and keen surfer Hemsworth was also spotted, enjoying some lunch from the venue, which will also offer indoor and alfresco dining with ethically-sourced food.
The park has partnered with Surfing Victoria, which will deliver ongoing training to URBNSURF’s coaches and staff, advise on its surfing academy and assist with advocacy.
It will officially open in January 2020.
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