Portugal will have, for the first time, an artificial wave pool thought from root to surf. The infrastructure has already begun to be built in the municipality of Óbidos, on a land with more than five hectares, and should be completed in 2026. The project, promoted by Surfers Cove, has an investment of 25 million euros and aims to gather tourism, technological innovation and sports practice, with an adjusted offer to beginners, high competition athletes and even Olympic teams.
According to the founders, the pool will be able to produce up to a thousand waves per hour and receive up to 40 surfers simultaneously, with variations of intensity, shape and rhythm that allow technical training and leisure sessions. The technology will be provided by the company Wavegarden, a reference in the sector, and will put Portugal on the international map of artificial waves.
Surf Park With All Included
In addition to the pool, it is expected to create a four -star tourist village, with 56 T0, T1 and T2 apartments, of which 16 are already approved licensing. The first phase of the project, scheduled to be operational in 2026, will include 55 accommodation and a main building with gym, surf gym, shops and restoration.
According to TSF, the project was designed to think about the days when the sea does not collaborate, even in a country like Portugal, known for its world -class spots, such as Northern Beach, Nazaré. The idea is to ensure that, regardless of weather conditions, it will always be possible to train, practice and improve maneuvers.
Olympic support and specialized training
Marcelo Martins, coach and former competition surfer, will lead the surf academy integrated in the park. The space will be prepared to receive practitioners of all levels and will also have connection to the Portuguese Surf Federation and the Olympic Committee, allowing regular training for federated and high performance athletes.
According to his own, this will be a place of excellence to prepare competitions and integrate young talents into a progressive training plan. The structure may also be reserved exclusively for Olympic teams, as in similar parks in Switzerland and other countries.
Sessions from sunrise to sunset
Manuel Vasconcelos, one of the prosecutors, states that one of the surpluses will be the possibility of surfing at any time of the day, including at night. “We will have lights and conditions for sessions until midnight, every day,” he says. The official recalls that when the sea is flat, having guaranteed and programmed waves, is a luxury with huge tourist and sports potential.
A, with 40 years of experience in the sector, is one of the partners involved in the project and will be responsible for one of the 58 surf stores that the space should integrate.
Official ceremony scheduled for autumn
Although construction work is already underway, the official launch ceremony is scheduled for September or October. According to prosecutors, this is a project awaited for several years by Portuguese and foreign surfers, who seek more stable and consistent training infrastructures.
The park, when completed, will position itself as a European reference, joining a restricted group of less than 15 similar structures around the world. Óbidos, known for his historic village, will also have a place in the history of surfing.
Also read:
