Inland surfing idea came from 'deathbed promise'

The founder of the world's first inland surfing lake said the idea was born out of a deathbed promise to his father.

Five years ago, Nick Hounsfield officially opened The Wave in Bristol, a 26-million litre artificial wave pool powered by solar energy.

After his father died from surgery complications, Mr Hounsfield vowed to "do something big in his honour" involving their greatest passions - surfing and healthcare.

The result was "the jewel in the crown of the region", he said, offering a place for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The salty water has run through Mr Hounsfield's veins since first picking up a surfboard at five years old, while holidaying in Cornwall.

"Being in and around water is my happy place," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's very evocative to me, and it's something I constantly hanker for.

"If ever I struggle in life, you'll probably find me by the sea or by the water, just trying to put some perspective on things."

It was only when tragedy struck that the 51-year-old channelled his grief into positive action.

His father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery in a bid to extend his life, but the procedure went "horribly wrong", Mr Hounsfield said.

"Ultimately, it meant that he died on the operating table," he contined.

"We went to say goodbye to him before the machines were switched off, and I made a promise to him that I wanted to do something big in his honour.

"[It would be] something that pulled together all the things that we're both proud of, that we both love. We're really similar characters and wanted the same things in life."

The entrepreneur, who has a background in osteopathy, saw his father's death as an opportunity to "reframe healthcare in a different way".

"If we could drop a slice of ocean in the middle of the countryside and surround it with this health and wellbeing agenda, then it could have the impact that I wanted to see in this world," he said.

With only £500 in his savings account, he began to plan.

Over the next two years, Mr Hounsfield pitched the idea to more than 230 sceptical investors before the £27m project eventually took off.

He worked with architects and designers to make the space completely accessible in a bid to "break down barriers" in the sport.

Since 2019, The Wave has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors and enabled 400 para-surfers to take regular surf sessions.

"Seeing people of all ages, all backgrounds, and all abilities getting out of the water with a smile on their face spurs me on, you just know that you have impacted their health," he said.

"Everything I do workwise, I give my heart and soul to. When you build something with intention, that's where the beauty emerges."

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