Some of you may have heard about the proposed Swansea Bay ‘tidal lagoon’ currently in planning stages.
The proposal aims to seek consent to build a giant 9.5km rock wall in the cresent shaped bay off Swansea to enclose 11.5km of tidal area for the purpose of Electricity generation from giant turbines housed with the sluices of the construction.
The development will be the first of its kind in the U.K and as The Severn estuary holds the second highest tidal range in the world, this tidal range offers significant potential for the extraction of renewable energy through the construction of the tidal lagoon.
An exciting opportunity for Wales and Swansea ……?
The companies vision is to see this sustainable and abundant tidal resource help the UK towards greater energy security. It can help the transition to a low carbon future and lower costs of electricity while providing regenerative, economic and recreational benefits to local communities.
It would of course be of great benefit for Watersports aficionados across the south wales region and further afield.
If you need persuading just think where the Watersports of the 2012 Olympics were held – Portland harbour a similar construction but not made to harness Tidal energy.
Sailing, Windsurfing, kitesurfing, Powerboating, swimming, stand up paddling, rowing and a special events structure could make Swansea’s Tidal lagoon a fantastic asset for the city.
Stand up Paddle boarding in this lagoon would be given the benefit of protected water from the elements such as wind and waves , meaning the racing element of the sport could be further developed.
It is only a matter of time before SUP – stand up paddle boarding is considered by the Olympic committee.
SUP is accessible to so many people and having a giant lagoon not effected by tide would mean a fantastic training facility for athletes keen to further their progression in the sport.
However as Swansea and Gower’s first approved and registered SUP school and instructor, ‘started in 2008’ I do see greedy eyes falling upon this project and fear it could slip into the wrong hands to companies who don’t see the development of the sport of SUP in the right direction.
Stand up paddle boarding is growing very quickly in the U.K and the sport’s overall responsibility is currently managed by various groups who have no claim to a National Governing Body status.
I can only hope that if this lagoon proposal is granted that the ‘sport programme’ set up by tidal lagoon swansea bay is represented fairly and that local water sport businesses are included and involved in the decision process.
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