Works commence on Australia's third LatiTube standing surf wave simulator

Work has begun on what will be Australia's third LatiTube standing surf wave simulator at the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (RALC) in Sydney.

The $3.5 million project, which is expected to be operational by May 2014, will make the RALC the first community aquatic centre in New South Wales 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 underutilised land at the Victoria Road side of the aquatic centre, the LatiTube will be in a covered outdoor space for year-round surfing, enhanced by landscaped surrounds.

Welcoming the start of construction, RALC Manager Paul Hartmann explained "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 prototype can change the shape and the type of wave the operator wants to ride.

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 the LatiTube in action.

Click here to contact Swimplex Aquatics via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

Images show LatiTubes at Wet'n'Wild Sydney (top) and the South Hedland Aquatic Centre (below).

2nd December 2013 - WET’N'WILD SYDNEY SET TO LAUNCH AUSTRALIA’S SECOND AND LARGEST LATITUBE STANDING SURF WAVE SIMULATOR

17th June 2013 - SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE FINALLY OPENS

26th April 2013 - STAFF TRAINING BEGINS AT SOUTH HEDLAND AQUATIC CENTRE’S LATITUBE SURF SIMULATOR

6th April 2011 - STANDING SURF WAVE SIMULATOR A REALITY