Madrid and Birmingham are set to become Europe’s leading urban surfing destinations with the arrival of two massive wave parks.
These state-of-the-art projects, developed by Stoneweg InfraSport in partnership with Teras Capital, will bring year-round surfing to two major cities far from the ocean.
Madrid: Europe’s Largest Wave Park
Madrid will soon boast Europe’s largest wave park, with the highly anticipated Gemswell Surf Madrid set to open in the summer of 2026. Developed in partnership with Atlético de Madrid, the futuristic surf park will be located next to the club’s upcoming Metropolitano Sports City, reinforcing the Spanish capital as a global destination for both sports and leisure.
With a €50 million investment, the high-tech surf park aims to attract over 500,000 visitors annually, offering an experience unlike anything else in Europe. The 23,000 m² central lagoon will be the heart of the complex, featuring cutting-edge Wavegarden Cove technology that allows surfers to ride 20 different types of waves, with heights reaching up to two meters.
The lagoon will be divided into two sections to accommodate different skill levels:
- Bay Zone – Designed for beginners and casual surfers, offering gentle, rolling waves.
- Reef Zone – A high-energy section tailored for experienced surfers, featuring more powerful, technical waves.
With a maximum capacity of 120 surfers per session, the experience will allow for 60-minute slots, ensuring an exclusive and controlled environment for wave riders.
Beyond Surfing: A Complete Sports & Leisure Hub
More than just a surf destination, Gemswell Surf Madrid will offer a comprehensive urban sports and entertainment experience. The project includes:
- A 700 m² skatepark, catering to skaters and BMX riders.
- A surf school, providing professional training and coaching for all levels.
- Beach bars and relaxation areas, creating a coastal atmosphere in the heart of Madrid.
- Fitness and wellness zones, including areas for yoga, pilates, and functional training.
- A 3,000 m² dining and entertainment complex, featuring a variety of restaurants, cafes, and rooftop bars.
- A 1,000 m² concert and event space, designed for live performances and private gatherings.
A Wave of Sustainability
In addition to offering Europe’s largest artificial beach, the surf park will also be a model of eco-friendly innovation. The Wavegarden Cove system is recognized as one of the most energy-efficient wave technologies available, consuming just 1 kWh per wave. The system is engineered to recover and reuse energy, minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability.
Discussions are also underway to explore water recycling initiatives, using excess water from Metropolitano Sports City to optimize resource efficiency.
With its strategic location, world-class wave technology, and immersive experience, Gemswell Surf Madrid is set to redefine urban surfing in Europe. When it opens in summer 2026, it will be a game-changer for surf enthusiasts and a major attraction for Madrid’s thriving sports tourism scene.
Birmingham: The UK’s Largest Wave Park
Birmingham will soon host the UK’s largest surf park, located in Coleshill. This project, backed by a £50 million investment, will transform the city into one of Europe’s premier urban surf destinations.
The wave park will feature a 5.4-acre Wavegarden Cove lagoon capable of producing 1,000 waves per hour of varying sizes and shapes. It is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors annually and will include a surf academy, equipment rentals, coworking-friendly dining spaces, and additional recreational facilities such as hot tubs, a playground, and a pump track for biking.
A Pan-European Urban Surfing Expansion
Madrid and Birmingham are just the beginning. Stoneweg InfraSport, which specializes in developing urban surf destinations, is already exploring a third project in Málaga, Spain. The strategy aims to bring sustainable, high-performance surf parks to major European cities with limited access to natural waves.
These parks use energy-efficient wave technology, recovering and reusing energy from the wave-making process to minimize environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability, combined with prime urban locations, makes them appealing to both surfing enthusiasts and city dwellers looking for an immersive leisure experience.
With these game-changing projects, Madrid and Birmingham are set to ride the wave of urban surfing innovation, bringing the thrill of the ocean to the heart of two of Europe’s biggest cities.
