Huge water attraction and beach bar to open in the middle of an overlooked European city
A BRAND new water attraction claiming to be the “world’s first” is set to open in the middle of a European city this year and will offer a variety of water sports that normally can only be done in the sea.
Surfing probably isn’t the first activity people think of when considering how to spend a day in Rotterdam.
However, from this summer, it’s going to be an option for visitors to the Dutch city, following the arrival of the RiF010 surf pool, which is set to open in July.
The surf pools provide a swimming pool with a wave machine and a specially shaped bottom where the waves break, creating ideal conditions for surfing.
RiF010 describes itself as the “world’s first” city surf pool, but aims to build on the success of other similar attractions that have opened elsewhere.
A press release states: “RIF010 is a world first surf pool in the middle of a city!
“From July onwards, you will be able to come to us to surf or bodyboard on perfect waves.”
The company said that there is an increasing interest in surfing, adding that surf pools have been appearing in more and more places in recent years.
They hope to make the most of that increase in popularity when they launch their pool this year, which they believe is the first to open in the middle of a city.
Surfing won’t be the only activity on offer when it opens either, with paddleboarding and scuba diving sessions also taking place in one of the two pools that will be on the site.
One pool will be a place for beginners to learn, while the second will be for more experienced surfers to make use of.
The wave machine is adjustable so if there are only advanced surfers in the water, the waves can then be cranked up.
Additionally, there will be a track for cycling and a circuit for canoeing, for those interested in other sports.
People interested in relaxing will be catered for too, as there’ll be a restaurant and surf bar with a terrace opening in a beach house that is being built next to the pool.
The house will also have changing rooms with warm showers for anyone taking a dip.
The attraction adds further reason to visit Rotterdam, which is an often overlooked city in the Netherlands.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
Its old town, Delfshaven, especially is worth a visit, with well preserved architecture that tourists aren’t yet flocking to.
Holland.com said: “The Middelland district in Delfshaven also has a rich architectural history with beautiful buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in their original state – a rare sight in Rotterdam.
“The area has not yet been ‘discovered’ and that’s why it is so special. It’s the perfect place to experience modern city life with an authentic Rotterdam vibe.”
Other more established tourist sights include the markthal, a colourful indoor market with food stalls and restaurants serving street food from all over the world.
Elsewhere, visitors also seek out the city’s famous Kubuswoningen, a collection of 39 yellow cube houses, designed by architect Piet Blom.
Live the World explained: “The yellow homes stand out in the centre of Rotterdam because of their colourful character and because they are tilted by a 45 degrees angle.
“You really couldn’t miss them if you tried.”
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