UWE Bristol to explore the power of open water swimming at upcoming event with The Wave founder Nick Hounsfield
An inspiring tale of grit and resilience will be told to audiences at the first Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS) event of 2025 from UWE Bristol, as it welcomes Nick Hounsfield, founder of the first inland surfing destination in the UK, The Wave.
Taking place on Wednesday 26 March 2025, 18:00 - 21:00, at the Arnolfini, this is the first of a series of free BDAS events from UWE Bristol that provide an opportunity to hear unique perspectives and insights from change makers, activists, entrepreneurs, and people who have achieved amazing things in Bristol and beyond.
Guests will hear first-hand the personal story that led Nick to create The Wave, a 26-million litre artificial wave pool powered by solar energy, that has supported 400,000 wave chasers and para-surfers in regular surf sessions since its opening in 2019.
The Wave brings the physical and mental health benefits of water, waves and nature to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Hosting the event will be Maggy Blagrove, an experienced open water swimmer and coach, and director and founder of Open Minds Active, an organisation dedicated to making swim-based activities accessible across Bristol.
Together, Nick and Maggy will explore their mutual passion for water, share stories of determination and overcoming barriers, and discuss the increasing evidence of the real power of blue health.
Attendance is free but booking is required here.
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