World first standing surf simulator for Coffs Harbour

A surf themed waterpark incorporating waterslides, a wave simulator and a surf museum has been proposed for a redeveloped Coffs Harbour Showground.

Swimplex Aquatics Director Geoff Leaver has submitted the concept proposal for the 'Surf'n'Slide' Park to the Land and Property Management Authority, which recently exhibited a future land use strategy for part of the Showground.

Coffs Harbour-based Leaver told the Coffs Coast Advocate "Coffs Harbour needs a new attraction to add life and soul to the town."

Leaver's proposal incorporates an updated version of Coffs Harbourâs popular Aquajet, with multiple waterslide rides; a lazy river complete with a wave action section for inflatable tube riding; a childrenâs large lagoon pool with slides and water activity features; a bumper boat pool to boost winter patronage; a bandstand for live entertainment; a cafe with alfresco seating; a licensed bar; snack outlets; a surf and souvenir shop and a surf school.

The park will also include the 'Latitube', which Swimplex has been developing as the world's "first standing wave real surf simulation device" while Scott Dillon's Legends Surf Museum could also relocate from Sapphire to the attraction.

Leaver adds "the Aquajet demonstrated that a 'pocket' water park was viable and that was when the population was half the size it is now.

"Adding to this need is showcasing home-grown inventions and finding a new location for the surfing museum. It all meshes together as an innovative concept.

"Our research and design department is about to release to the world the first standing wave real surf simulation device.

"The release will be the culmination of eight years of development by the investor and three years by Swimplex as his licensee and will focus world attention on Coffs Harbour.

"The city will be the logical location to showcase the product and its ongoing evolution."

Leaver added that the future of the Legends Surf Museum in its present location looked bleak and Scoot Dillon was already fielding offers from Western Australia to take most of his priceless exhibits.

Coffs Harbour had lost the Aquajet when it left to make way for new enterprises, Leaver stated, adding "its demise was a sad blow for Coffs Harbour and a bitter loss which is still felt to this day."

He believes that the planned attraction "will have the potential to make Coffs Harbour the surfing capital of Australia and possibly the world.

"Our research reveals that surfing tours have become very popular among backpackers. At least one coach a day passes through Coffs Harbour and the park would make Coffs Harbour a natural destination and stopover, and could open up budget accommodation possibilities in other areas of the showground.

"The proposed Surf'n'Slide Park is not a Gold Coast-style theme park. It is a pocket attraction designed specifically to meet the needs of Coffs Harbour its residents and its visitors."

Leaver believes said the north-west corner of the Coffs Harbour Showground fronting the Pacific Highway would be the ideal venue for the proposal with 10,000 metres2 of flat ground currently unused with the exception of occasional events like circuses and the weekend used car sales, all of which could be accommodated elsewhere.

Swimplex Aquatics was responsible for the recent $5 million redevelopment of the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Swimming Pool.

Swimplex Aquatics can be contacted on 1300 796 759, E: sales@swimplex.com.au, www.swimplex.com.au