Adventure Parc Snowdonia has announced its immediate closure after opening doors just eight years ago.
Home to the UK’s first inland surfing attraction, it hosted some of the worlds best professional surfers.
However, the venue has said it was a “sad reality” that the costs of running the waves have become too high due to repairs and loss of business.
It comes as major construction on Scotland’s first inland surf attraction is under way and is expected to make Edinburgh the home of Europe’s biggest artificial wave centre using the same technology as Surf Snowdonia.
Lost Shore Surf Resort, operated by Tartan Leisure, is due to open in 2024 after securing the rights to Spanish company Wavegarden’s “world-beating” tech.
A spokesperson for Surf Snowdonia said: “We’re sad to share that Adventure Parc Snowdonia will be closing its doors.
“This summer season has been particularly challenging due to persistent issues with our wave machine, resulting in revenues far below what we had anticipated.
“As the summer season comes to an end, it is with deep regret that we announce layoffs affecting both seasonal and some permanent staff.
“We are extremely disheartened that we are having to let go of exceptional team members yet again. Despite the success that we’ve enjoyed since our launch in 2015, the groundbreaking innovation our wave machine represented, and the fun and adventure enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world – recent issues have been financially draining through downtime, repairs, and lost business.
“Even more concerning is the toll it continues to take on our reputation among our guests, employees, the surfing community, and other stakeholders who have been loyal advocates since the beginning.
“In the upcoming months, we will be re-evaluating our future plans for the Parc ahead of the 2024 season.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the immense support we have received from our community, including our employees, guests, social media followers, local surf clubs, and media outlets.
“We earnestly request those in the adventure sector to consider our talented and committed team for any future job opportunities.”
The surf lagoon received £4m from the Welsh Government ahead of it’s opening in 2015. The Garden Inn Snowdonia, a hotel situated on the site as well as Wave Garden Spa will remain open.
The venue became popular with surfers around the globe, and sparked a trend that led to a competitor business entitled The Wave opening in Bristol in 2019.
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