sport
GIVE US A WAVE
Just over three years since opening its doors, Cardiff International White Water have launched a brand new indoor surfing school. Gareth Ludkin jumps on board for a trial run.
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ndoor surfing draws inspiration and easy comparison with a range of different board sports. In a number of ways it is also far more versatile than traditional surfing. As with skateboarding, there’ s plenty of space for creativity and invention, and with the constant wave, shallow depth and cushioned surface making it easy to dream up new tricks, wipe-out and try again within seconds, it’ s an endlessly enjoyable and addictive activity. As was demonstrated by our instructors at the start of my maiden session, there’ s plenty of space for an impressive range of rolls, twists, board releases and more, and many of the tricks are perfectly achievable within just one session. The accessibility of the sport makes it an exciting activity for all ages and abilities and I was excited to have a go myself. An ingenious invention which fires thousands of gallons of water up a short slope to create a constantly flowing torrent of water for riders to bodyboard, surf and pull all manner of tricks and manoeuvres in a controlled and safe environment, the FlowRider can be used on-demand and all through the year. Before we were allowed to impress the instructors with our own tricks, we were introduced to the basics of bodyboarding on the wave – the easiest and arguably most enjoyable element of the FlowRider experience. Manoeuvring left and right, forwards and backwards with arms, and using our legs as a rudder, it was surprisingly easy to get going against the flow of water. Before long we were thrusting our boards out in front of us and watching it return as we drifted up the wave and grabbed hold again to perform the next trick. Confidence was high, and as we pushed ourselves a little more, producing some stylish carving, side rolls and aborted forward rolls, the wipe-outs became more frequent. We then learnt to clamber onto our knees and control the board with no hands. A little tricky and a lot harder to master, this took time, but everyone was ably having a go. 360s( both intentional and not) were achieved, and it was great to see everyone dropping confidently into the top of the powerful wave within 30 minutes of starting. Even the most nervous of the group were beaming from ear to ear as they managed to use the wave to their advantage and control their movements with ease. Of course we didn’ t want to stop there, and after the failure of a few more tricks, it was time to try standing up on the purpose made surfboards. It’ s certainly a weird sensation having the torrent of water coming
towards you, and it was by no means easy getting going whilst standing on the board. However, a few of us( however shakily) managed to get going, and with a little longer and a few more goes each squeezed into the 90-minute session, we’ d all of been standing up a little while longer. Whilst it’ s a little unfair to compare the two, the experience of indoor surfing doesn’ t quite match the thrill of catching a real wave at sea, but having said this, the versatility of the centre is fantastic fun and the accessibility of the activity makes it a perfect entry level for anyone who wants to develop a taste for surfing, enjoy an adrenalin thrill with friends, or refine some techniques when conditions are unfavourable at sea. From my first experience, indoor surfing is extremely easy to get started, but a welcome challenge to master, with room for creativity and improvement. There’ s plenty of excuse to come back again and perfect the forward roll. And for all but the hardiest, it certainly beats a cold and wet January on Porthcawl beach.
Indoor Surfing, Cardiff International White Water, Cardiff Bay. Tickets: £ 25. Info: 029 2082 9970 / www. ciww. com
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