The Wave Bristol Surfing and Camping A Review

At the weekend the boys were invited to The Wave Bristol. To try out a surfing beginner lesson in the wave pool. This was the first time that either of them had tried surfing so you can imagine the excitement. Especially Harry who loves the water. Needless to say, they had a brilliant time and are already wanting to have another surf session. We turned our visit into a weekend break by staying at The Wave Camp and this is what we thought. 

AD – We were invited to review The Wave Bristol and The Wave Camp for the purpose of this review

What is the The Wave Bristol

The Wave is an inland surfing destination, a ‘slice of the ocean’. Which opened in Bristol in November 2019 by founder Nick Hounsfield. It brings the joy of surfing and the benefits of being in and around water (blue health). To people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. With classes and sessions designed for children stepping on a board for the first time, to advanced surfers looking to hone their techniques. 

The artificial wave was the first destination of its kind to open in the world and is powered by Wavegarden Cove technology. The innovative tech provides up to 1,000 waves of varying sizes and shapes an hour. With heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost 2m, there is something for everyone. Every aspect of the experience, from perfect waves and supportive coaching, to tried and tested wetsuits and boards, has been designed to ensure that surfing really is fun for all. 

The Wave Camp – Arrival and Check-in

Ahead of our stay, we had several emails telling us what to expect when we arrived. Check-in was at 4 pm, but you could arrange an earlier check-in if you need to. This is especially useful if you have surf lessons booked. You can arrive in advance of check-in but you can not access the tent until this time. 

When you arrive you can drive down from the main car park to close to the safari tents. The main car park to the The Wave is a 950m walk, so being able to take your things down is useful. There are signs directing you where to go and then you find yourself at the shack on the righthand side of the main entrance to The Wave Bristol. This is where you check in and pick up a trolley to take your things to your tent. It is also very straightforward. There is no parking near the tents so you do need to take your car back up to the main car park. There is a chalkboard at the shack which has key opening times on for breakfast and dinner in the water temperature.

The Wave Camp – Our Safari Tent and Amenities

The Camp at The Wave opened in 2021 and offers family-friendly accommodation as well as shared dorms. It is just a short walk from the shore of the surfing lake and other amenities with plenty of space between the tents. All of the safari tents are on stilts and there is a wooden raised pathway between them all. The tents are located in a circle pattern. Our tent was the first one you came to which was handy. Although all 25 tents had people staying in them when we visited we did not have trouble finding a trolley. Check-out was at 10 am which worked well for us, although you do need to remember to give yourself enough time to grab the car from the car park and then walk back down once you have put it back. 

The Safari Tent

Our Safari Tent slept up to eight, which meant it had a double bed and two sets of two bunk beds. It was divided up into three canvas rooms. If you want privacy then all you need to do is zip up the doors. 

The main living area takes up the rest of the tent and is a really good size. There is a comfortable sofa in front of a log burner which can also be used as a sofa bed. Then on the other side a small kitchenette area and a large table which seats six easily. One side is a bench seat and there are also two small stalls which could be pulled up to the ends for larger parties. There is running hot water and a small fridge. As well as a small gas hob with two burners with everything you need for self-catering. We made breakfast and found everything we needed. 

Unlike other glamping tents we have stayed in, it is nice that the log burner is not required for cooking. Giving much more flexibility with the top hobs. Out the front of the tent, there is a large decking area with seating. 

One thing we were not keen on is that the toilet is not plumbed in like others we have been to. The Portaloo is only meant for number ones, although there was a plumbed sink. If you need to go for a number two then the shower block is just a short walk away and reserved for guests of The Wave Camp.

The play areas

Also within the Wave park there is a play area next to the restaurant. Harry in particular enjoyed the climbing obstacles and swings. There is also a sand pit and boules court both of which are a big draw for the little ones. It is a popular choice especially for siblings waiting while their brother or sister has a lesson. With lots of seating around the area, parents can enjoy a drink and soak up the sun. 

As well as the play area to the right of the lake there is a small skate ramp. The half pipe was popular during our stay with both scooters and skateboards. Although it is a little tucked away we daren’t not show the boys who would have been upset we did not bring theirs with them. 

Food at The Wave Bristol

Of course, you can bring your own since there are a lot of picnic tables around the wave pool. However, I was pleased to find that there was a restaurant and bar. Having something so close meant that although we could have cooked in our Safari Tent we had dinner in the restaurant. We also had lunch the following day after meeting up with a friend who lives locally. The menu changes throughout the day and they open early at 7.30 am if you would rather buy your bacon butty than make one.  Also useful for an early morning coffee or tea if you forget the teabags!

Dinner

There is seating inside, and outside under glass and you can take your food down to the play area. We sat in the conservatory area for dinner which came complete with giant Jenga that the boys enjoyed plating. With the glass windows open and a gentle breeze blowing in, you could have been forgiven for thinking that you were abroad somewhere. We all had burgers of some description served with fries. There was also the option for dirty fries, fish and chips or ham and eggs. The kid’s meal was well priced at £8. There is also a bar stocking a large number of beers and ciders, wines and spirits to wash the great food down. Charlie particularly enjoyed his vegetable smoothie.

Lunch or Brunch

We also had lunch the following day after the boys had tried out their beginner surf lesson. I can definitely recommend the avocado and poached eggs. It was delicious. Brunch is served all the way through until 4.30 pm. But they also have a lunch menu which is made up of mainly sandwiches although they all looked delicious. If I am honest I was not expecting much from the food but it was very good hence the reason we stayed longer. 

The Boys Beginners Session

As soon as the boys knew they were going to try surfing they were so excited to catch their first wave. When you arrive you head towards the lake check in which is signposted and on the right of the lake. Here you sign in electronically before picking up a wetsuit. The person we spoke to helped to identify the best rip curl wetsuit size for Charlie who ended up with a 14 since the 12 (he is 11) was several inches too short in the leg. 

Onland lesson

Their beginner session is made up of two parts, as the lesson includes board hire you pick up a board and rash vest. All the beginners have a green rash vest so they are easy to spot. The different levels have different colours, so the intermediate session had yellow for example and the coaches are in red. Everyone learns on a foam board, the boys had 7ft boards, although the adults have a bigger board of up to 9ft. Once you have collected the board you get half an hour on land learning how it works and the best manoeruve to allow you to stand up. After this, you hit the fresh water.

In the water

The boys had around an hour in the water, maybe even slightly longer and were worn out by the time they came out. It seems like a long time so I am not surprised but their smiles said it all they had such a great time. Charlie would paddle out to some markers and sit and wait for a good wave to bring him to shore. Although he didn’t manage to stand up he managed to catch the biggest waves out of the two of them. Harry on the other hand would be closer to the shore catching the small waves. Towards the end of the lesson, the coaches would take him out a bit further so he had a longer run and he managed to stand up several times before losing his balance. But he loved it. The joy on his face as he fell in.

Top Tips for a stay at The Wave Bristol

• Watch the safety video – you will be sent a safety video and waiver before arriving at The Wave Camp. The video explains how you should move in and out of the water and some safety precautions. Although the coaches go over these again the boys and I watched the video a couple of times to ensure they knew where they could go and where they shouldn’t.
• You can bring your own board – if you have your own board then you can bring it. However it is worth checking in advance to ensure it is the right type as the coaches explained to us that ideally for the beginner and intermediate you want foam board when taking lessons. 
• Lockers and changing facilities – There are lots of little wooden changing cubicles. We had no problem finding one before and after the boy’s lesson. Quite large it easily fitted both of them in there. And me when I was helping them with their wetsuits. There are also plenty of lockers which are code-operated and simple to use.

Things to do close by 

Located on the north side of Bristol City Centre, in Easter Compton in South Gloucestershire. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon at check-in for the Wave Camp and enjoyed an afternoon by the water relaxing as the boys played. However, if you want to extend your trip then Bristol Zoo is just around the corner. Or you could go into the city centre and visit the SS Great Britain, where you can climb the rigging for an extra fee. If you are looking for free things to do then you could take part in the Banksy art trail or time your visit with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta which is held in August. 

The Wave Bristol was the perfect place for the kids to try surfing for the first time. They have caught the bug and can not wait to go back for a second time. 

 

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