Whilst strolling through my favourite internet sites I found this on Springwise Two articles on how Extreme sports are taking over, and how some savvy entreprenuers are trying to provide for this fast growing market right here in the U.K
Who knew? London has 60,000 surfers, according to the British Surfing Association, a fraction of the roughly half million enthusiasts throughout the UK. Up till now British surfers basically had two options: don wet suits and brave the crowds at Cornwall and other close-to-home spots or hop a flight to catch the waves abroad.
But a GBP 20m outdoor wave machine along the Thames set to open in 2011 could create an urban surfers’ paradise in East London. The attraction is part of a huge planned sports complex called Venture Xtreme that will also include rock and ice climbing walls, mountain bike and skateboard courses, what’s touted as the world’s longest artificial cave system and a vertical wind tunnel that simulates a skydiver’s freefall
The world of extreme sports, also commonly called adventure sports or lifestyle sports, is growing at an almost unbelievable rate.
The Times in 2003[1] reported that “this ever growing world of extreme sports enthusiasts represents a global market worth in excess of £6 billion.†Growth is occurring at a bewildering speed in all sectors fuelling associated growth in the fashion industry and tourism.
Venture Xtreme Silvertown Quay LONDON
Silvertown Quays is a truly innovative, fully consented, large scale mixed use development with 5,000 residential units, hotels, retail, and other commercial uses. The development centres around ‘Biota’, a stunning Terry Farrell designed aquarium and a unique surf centre, the first project of its kind in the world, designed by Baca Architects. Silvertown Quays is being developed on a 24 Hectare Dockland Site to the south of Victoria Dock in the East End of London.
This unique project brings together a stunning mix of truly innovative and exciting destination attractions creating a new heart for the Royal Docks. The Venture Xtreme surf centre will spectacularly animate a large part of the former pontoon docks, bringing the water to life in an exciting and dynamic way.
Check out the website at venture-Xtreme
Also of interest is a Florida extreme sports store called Adrenalina has gone to the next level by bringing the excitement of its surfing products right into its shopping mall space. Enter the FlowRider: an in-store surfing simulator that creates an artificial wave using highly-pressurized water. Beginners and experts alike get to try out wakeboards (mini surfboards) right in the store. As they balance on boards held aloft by an endless barrage of water, other customers in the store can watch their antics from behind floor-to-ceiling windows.
