Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre's LatiTube surf wave simulator set to open

Images posted on the City of Ryde's Facebook page show that the installation of the LatiTube standing surf wave simulator at the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) is complete, with the attraction currently being tested in advance of its opening.

With landscaping work around the LatiTube seemingly all that needs to completed in advance of opening, a launch date for Australia's third LatiTube standing surf wave simulator is now eagerly anticipated.

The $3.5 million project will make the RALC the first community aquatic centre in NSW to offer the thrill of riding a surfboard all year. (Australia's other two LatiTube simulators are at South Hedland Aquatic Centre in Western Australia and Wet'n'Wild Sydney).

Situated on previously underutilised land at the Victoria Road side of the aquatic centre in the Sydney suburb of Ryde, the LatiTube is a covered outdoor space for year-round surfing.

Speaking at the start of construction, RALC Manager Paul Hartmann stated "this is an exciting and dynamic attraction that will greatly enhance the RALCs' appeal.

"The surf simulator can accommodate up to 48 riders an hour and will give riders an adrenaline rush like no other.

"Regardless of age or skill levels, the thrill of surfing a wave can be experienced by teenagers, children as young as seven and parents, in a self-contained and safe environment.

From a two metre tube to a half metre roller, first-time riders can safely ride the surf simulator without fear of wipeout. Seconds later, a rider with many years surfing experience, can feel the same size and power of a two metre barrel.

Developed by Coffs Harbour-based Swimplex Aquatics and inventor Steve Kriticos, the LatiTube captures the rush, velocity and intensity of a barrelling wave.

Unlike other simulators and wave pools, the Latitube pumps water over a flexible 20mm mat known as 'the curtain ride surface', which is similar in feel to a backyard trampoline.

Harnessing the energy of a 50,000-litre water pump, the attraction offers the ability for the shape and the type of wave to be changed by the the operator. Electronic settings can throw up left and right-handed barrels and pits ranging up to two metres high while the boardrider floats on water pumped through jets from a large water tank.

Click here to view images of the LatiTube's construction and testing on the City of Ryde's RALC Surf Attraction Progress page.

For more information on the LatiTube contact Swimplex Aquatics on 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.latitube.com

5th February 2014 - WORKS COMMENCE ON AUSTRALIA’S THIRD LATITUBE STANDING SURF WAVE SIMULATOR