Americans looking for family surf holidays may wish to look at Orland"s Skyplex, where American Wave Machines and Wallack Holdings will be opening the Sky Surf Park by 2018.
A big surf park in the sky
This is no small feat, as the attraction will be 10 stories up, and provide visitors with a casual beach look, where enjoyment and education will go hand in hand. Three surf machines will be present, creating different types of waves to serve all skill levels, from family amateurs to those looking for overhead barrels. The venue will further offer interscholastic surf packages and host surf contests, making sure beginners can learn the fundamentals of surf.
The Surfstream technology invented by American Wave Machines provides multiple choices of waves in a single machine, allowing all aforementioned options to take place in ideal conditions.
But the city council still must approve the construction of the complex. Earlier this month, another proposal was rejected, that included a 570-foot tower with observation deck and roller coaster, so when the Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission conveys for the next time in December, it's their vote that will ultimately decide if this new attraction will be built or not.
Of course, if you're looking for family surf vacations, you can always try the classic option of spending your time near the beach. Surf is one of the most popular sports in the world and a main driver in tourism. For you and your family, this means your location of choice will have safety measures in place to ensure the best possible experience to your family.
But where to go?
Family Surf Holidays around Portugal and Europe
Mexico or Hawaii are obvious choices for those in the American continent, not to mention sunny California or Florida, but why not try Europe?
The old continent has history, cuisine, nature and, of course, plenty of surfspost for your family surf holidays. For the beginners, San Sebastian in Spain, Biarritz in France or Lagos in Portugal, are places you must visit.
Portugal, though, is certainly Europe's advocate for family surf holidays. From the south, with Lagos or Sagres, to the north at Porto and beyond, the small country is widely known for it's amazing surfspots in Peniche, or Ericeira, recurring hosts of WSL events, but it's also known for the giant waves of Nazaré. In fact, it was at Nazaré that Garrett MacNamara grabbed the world record for the biggest wave and the biggest wave of 2015, awarded to German surfer Sebastian Steudtner, was also surfed at Nazaré.
It doesn't matter what your skill levels are. Surf schools in Portugal serve all types of surfers and can offer you a very inclusive, smooth, experience. Just check out all your options around Peniche, Ericeira and Lourinhã, which have become hallmarks of the country's offering of family surf holidays. Schools and surf camps know well how to please their guests, and you'll walk out wanting to come back very soon.
Nothing against artificial waves, of course, but why miss out on the opportunity to surf real waves in some of Europe's best and most beautiful surfspots?
