Introduction: A Dream on the Outskirts of Bristol
On a typical summer day, the outskirts of Bristol would hum with the unique energy of The Wave, a state-of-the-art inland surfing lake that had, since 2019, become a beacon for surfers and adventure-seekers from across the UK and beyond. The air would be filled with the sound of rolling waves—up to a thousand an hour—punctuated by laughter, shouts of encouragement, and the rhythmic thrum of surfboards slicing through water. But on a recent Thursday morning, that vibrant scene was replaced by an unsettling quiet. Signs outside the facility read simply: “Closed due to circumstances beyond our control.” Bookings were abruptly cancelled, and the once-busy website was largely inaccessible.
The closure sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider world of surfing, not least because The Wave was more than just a business—it was a symbol of innovation, inclusivity, and the power of dreams realized. Yet, as news trickled out, it became clear that the cause of this sudden silence was not a lack of passion or operational failure, but a complex and unfortunate financial dispute involving its majority owners and a bankrupt funding partner.
The Birth of The Wave: A Vision Realized
To understand the gravity of this closure, one must first appreciate what The Wave represented. Conceived in the mid-2010s, The Wave was the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurs and surfing enthusiasts who wanted to bring the joy and challenge of surfing to an inland location, far from the unpredictable swells of the coast. After years of planning, investment, and construction, the £26 million facility opened its doors in 2019, immediately capturing the imagination of the public.
The Wave was not just a technical marvel—capable of generating up to 1,000 perfectly formed waves every hour—it was also a testament to sustainable design. Powered by a cutting-edge solar array and battery storage system, the site consistently generated more energy than it consumed, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious recreation. The facility quickly became a hub for both novice and experienced surfers, offering gentle swells for beginners and fast, hollow waves for seasoned veterans.
Over the next five years, The Wave would welcome more than 400,000 visitors, including 400 para surfers who found a new sense of freedom and accomplishment in its accessible waters. The Wave was not just a business; it was a community, a training ground, and a source of pride for Bristol and the wider region.
The High Tide: Five Years of Success
The first five years of The Wave’s existence were marked by a series of milestones and celebrations. In October 2024, the facility marked its fifth anniversary with an evening of live music, surfing demonstrations, and heartfelt speeches from staff, surfers, and local dignitaries. The event was a celebration not only of The Wave’s commercial success but also of its impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Families came to learn to surf together, schools brought students for lessons in both sport and sustainability, and para surfers found a welcoming and supportive environment. The Wave’s commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship won it accolades and a loyal following. For many, The Wave was more than just a place to surf—it was a place to connect, to learn, and to grow.
The Financial Undercurrents: Trouble Beneath the Surface
Despite its apparent success, The Wave was not immune to the financial complexities that often accompany ambitious projects. The facility was owned by The Wave Group, with Sullivan Street Partners as the majority stakeholders. In 2023, Sullivan Street Partners had invested a further £27 million into the venture, signaling their confidence in its future. However, the financial structure of The Wave involved multiple partners, including JAR Wave, a funding partner whose stability would soon come into question.
In early 2025, trouble began to brew beneath the surface. One of the directors of JAR Wave declared bankruptcy, a development that set off a chain reaction of financial and legal complications. Although the operational side of The Wave remained strong—with robust visitor numbers and a dedicated staff—the financial underpinnings of the business became increasingly unstable.
The Breaking Point: Closure and Confusion
On that fateful Thursday in June 2025, the situation reached a breaking point. With the bankruptcy of the JAR Wave director casting a shadow over the facility’s finances, Sullivan Street Partners made the difficult decision to close The Wave with immediate effect. Bookings were cancelled, the website was rendered largely inoperable, and staff were left in limbo.
The closure was not only a logistical nightmare but also an emotional blow to the community. Surfers who had travelled from afar were turned away at the gates, while local families and regular visitors expressed shock and disappointment. The abruptness of the closure fueled speculation and concern, with many wondering whether The Wave would ever reopen.
The Official Response: Apologies and Promises
In the days following the closure, Sullivan Street Partners released a statement seeking to clarify the situation. “The Wave Group team apologises unreservedly for any upset caused and is doing its best to ensure the situation can be remedied,” the statement read. The owners emphasized that the closure was not due to any operational failure or lack of customer demand, but rather a “financial technicality completely unrelated to commercial matters.”
Hazel Geary, CEO of The Wave, echoed this sentiment in a public address. “This decision has not been driven by operational failure or lack of customer demand—but for a financial technicality completely unrelated to commercial matters,” she explained. Geary’s words were intended to reassure the public that The Wave’s core business remained strong, and that the closure was a temporary setback rather than a sign of deeper problems.
Sullivan Street Partners also revealed that they were working on a refinancing deal, tied to their “exciting London developments,” which would allow all creditors to be repaid in full within a week. They expressed hope that the park could resume operations soon, offering a glimmer of hope to the many people affected by the closure.
The Human Impact: Stories from the Community
For the thousands of people who had come to rely on The Wave as a source of recreation, inspiration, and community, the closure was deeply felt. Local surf instructors found themselves suddenly out of work, while families who had planned summer outings were forced to make alternative arrangements. For para surfers, many of whom had found a unique sense of belonging at The Wave, the closure was especially painful.
“I’ve been coming here every week for the last two years,” said Sarah, a para surfer from Bristol. “It’s not just about the waves—it’s about the friendships, the support, and the sense of achievement. I really hope they can sort this out.”
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