The Wave, an inland surfing destination in Bristol, UK, has been sold to new owners after suddenly closing on Thursday (26 June).
Via the BBC, The Wave has been sold to a company called Sea Level Wave Company Ltd, The Wave’s CEO Hazel Geary announced on Friday.
The surfing attraction closed abruptly on Thursday and cancelled bookings after being placed into technical insolvency.
In a new blog post, The Wave said it has been acquired “as a part of a financial restructure by a group of investors”.
This group has asked Julian Topham to step into the role of interim CEO. Topham founded and runs the Boardmasters surf festival and the Vision Nine entertainment business.
Topham, who is also the chair of Surfing England, said in a statement: “I have known about The Wave since it was just an idea, and have surfed it many times since it opened in 2019.
“I have worked in the surf industry for 25+ years and in my view The Wave is an extremely important part of the UK surf community and has the ability to grow and support a diverse and inclusive surfing community.
“I want to ensure it stays that way, and thrives, for the long term.”
The Wave announces interim CEO
Negotiations regarding the immediate future of the The Wave are ongoing, with no word on a reopening date yet.
Topham said: “We appreciate there has been huge uncertainty in the last week, for so many people, especially our wonderful Wavemaker staff, customers, and partners, so a big thank you for your understanding.
“There will be a short period of transition as a company changes hands and we get up to speed, but we are doing everything we can to make this as smooth and as fast as possible, and get The Wave open again.”
Images courtesy of The Wave
