developing a different kind of centre , The North Mall is anchored by a lifestyle retail node that is centred around extreme sports .
Expo Explore “ eXpo Xplore ” is a large enclosed multi-purpose studio space with a state-of-the-art light and sound show that turns this end of the centre into a vibrant , pulsating venue used for beauty pageants , basketball , motor displays and huge parties - all aimed at providing entertainment and attracting the youth market . Central to “ eXpo Xplore ” is the world ’ s highest indoor “ Climbing Rock ” a 24m high sculptural pinnacle of simulated limestone which , when animated with vibrant lighting can be made to look like anything from lava flows to cascading water .
Climbing Rock - ddg The climbing rock at eXpo-Xplore is 24m high and the tallest climbing rock in an indoor setting in the world . Currently , REI store in Seattle , Washington ( USA ) has a climbing rock ( 19,8m high ). Another recently finished climbing wall at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland ( USA ) is 14,3m high .
The fibreglass skin of rock is formed into major rock like features . These include slabs , grooves , aretes , scoops , bulges , overlaps , sloping ledges , arches , vertical and overhanging walls . Some of these walls are capable of supporting extremely difficult competition-style routes , demanding enough to challenge the greatest climbers in the world . However , the clever design of this tower also provides the pure beginner and all other grades of climber with routes suitable for their own level of competence . Belay points located at various heights allow short single pitch routes , multi-pitch routes and sustained , stamina sapping
routes to be climbed . Descent from these belay points can either be made by abseil or by being lowered off by ground-based belayers . Top roping of beginners on the lower belay points will remove the risk of them being stuck high on the structure , frozen by fear of being too high . Other unique elements of this tower include the fully featured natural rock routes . These are in the form of soaring crack and pocket lines , overlapping flakes , tufa columns and delicate edge climbs .
The rock is utilised in the music and dance show and features unique special effects choreographed with the overall production . Advertising opportunities also exist for enterprising retailers or suppliers projected onto the rock surface .
Celebrating Surf Culture “ The Wavehouse ” is another world first situated adjacent to eXpo Xplore . This is the ultimate venue in extreme board sports comprising a Tony Hawk designed skate-park together with four artificial waves .
The uniqueness of this facility is that sports fanatics that surf , skate , sand and snowboard , skim , body and windsurf can battle it out on one competitive surface . It consists of two major point breaks that will create a wave of 2,5m with amazing consistency while two beach break waves will allow beginners to learn and enjoy the thrill .
The Wavehouse was conceived by an American surfer-inventor , Tom Lochteveld , and contains the world ’ s first “ Double Point Break ” powered by eight 200 horse power pumps set in a million litre reservoir . “ Durbinicus Rex or D-Rex ” produces two perfect 2,5m barrel waves which will challenge South Africa ’ s and the world ’ s finest surfers .
Gateway 75