New York, NY, July 30, 2015 – Surf Snowdonia in Wales is celebrating the August 1st launch of its much anticipated, world's first Wavegarden surfing lagoon.  Located in the village of Dolgarrog within the Conwy Valley of North Wales, Surf Snowdonia uses revolutionary technology to deliver the longest manmade surfable waves on the planet. Created as a mass appeal concept for guests of all ages and skills, the innovative park is one of Wales' many world-class adventure options, as 2016 is poised to be the country's 'Year of Adventure.'

Following an ambitious 13-month construction schedule, the US$13.3M facility's surf lagoon produces consistent, perfectly formed barreling waves up to 6.5 ft. high peeling for up to 492 ft. The waves are generated at the push of a button, using 100 percent rainwater from Snowdonia Mountain, at a rate of one wave per minute. Up to 52 surfers can use the 984 ft. lagoon simultaneously. Want to learn how to hang ten? Surf Snowdonia's Surf Academy offers two-hour lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels for ages five and up.

Other Surf Snowdonia draws include the TV-show-style obstacle course activity zone.  Built on an area of water the size of two Olympic swimming pools, the Crash and Splash Lagoon is a watery assault course to push agility, balance and determination to the limits – with spectacular splashdowns expected. In addition, the activity lagoon features “The Blob.” Like a giant floating seesaw, one person sits on the huge (15 foot), partially inflated air bag in the water, before another jumps to it from a platform above catapulting their friend high into the air – and then the water.

Other on-site activities are in the works including bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surf kayaking, surf yoga, surf fitness and early morning swim sessions.  Surf Snowdonia will also play host to events, competitions and surf demos, giving the public access to the world's top surfers.

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About Surf Snowdonia:

Surf Snowdonia is a revolutionary outdoor adventure destination in the Conwy Valley in North Wales.  The unique concept behind Surf Snowdonia has been developed over the last ten years by Wavegarden: a group of hydrological, civil and mechanical engineers who also happen to be passionate surfers. Based in northern Spain, Wavegarden is the global leader in the design and manufacture of wave generation systems.

Surf Snowdonia can be credited with cleaning up the site of a former aluminum factory. Its developers removed over 100 years' of heavy industrial waste, and recycled 400 tons of steel, cast iron and copper during construction. The facility will create over 60 direct jobs and anticipates more than 75,000 visitors per year.  For more information visit: http://www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk/.

About Snowdonia National Park:

Snowdonia National Park is one of three designated national parks in Wales, home to just over 26,000 people. The region is named for Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales, at 3,560 feet. The park covers 823-square miles and includes nine mountain ranges and 23 miles of coastline. Visitors to Snowdonia enjoy its rivers, lakes, forests and waterfalls, which provide for diverse activities such as hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking. In fact, Lonely Planet has declared climbing Mount Snowdon one of the world's greatest adventures. In addition to traditional active experiences, Snowdonia boasts exciting new adventures like Bounce Below, the underground trampoline park; Zip World, where visitors can ride the longest and fastest zip line in the Europe; and now the newly opened Surf Snowdonia.  Soft adventure seekers will find scenic coastal walks, easy forest trails, historic steam train rides and visits to quaint mountain villages such as Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert, Dolgellau.

About Visit Wales:

Visit Wales is the New York-based government tourism office for Wales, one of four countries that make up the United Kingdom. A land with 641 castles, 870 miles of walkable coastline, three national parks and award-winning cuisine, Wales offers travelers a variety of activities and different landscapes to explore. The country's Celtic history and ancient language make it a distinctive British destination. For more information on Wales travel, visit www.visitwales.com/americas.

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Contact: Spring O'Brien

Lauren Kaufman: (212) 402-1611 / laurenk@spring-obrien.com

Ashlee White: (212) 402-1620 / ashleew@spring-obrien.com

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