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Cardiff has a new indoor surfing machine, which has opened today at Cardiff’s International White Water centre.

The FlowRider machine is one of only a handful in the UK, and will allow Cardiff residents to surf indoors.

It is also hoped the £2m wave machine will bring an extra 18,000 annual visitors to Cardiff Bay.

The Cardiff indoor surfing machine creates a standing wave by pumping thousands of gallons of water at an incline and can be enjoyed by complete novices to board sport enthusiasts.

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Cardiff-based European long-boarding champion Elliot Dudley said: “I think it’ll be great for Cardiff and will attract visitors from all over the country. It’ll also give local surfers something to do on flat days.”

Ryan Thomas, 24, who has represented Wales in surfing for the past eight years, said: “I think it’s great for Cardiff, it gives people a chance to learn some of the basics of surfing in a warm and safe environment.

“It will definitely encourage people to get into surfing. Many people from cities like Cardiff often would like to try surfing but don’t get the chance.”

The Cardiff indoor surfing centre will be formally opened at 11am.

There is no age restriction but users need to be at least 3ft 6in tall to ride a bodyboard and 4ft 4in to stand up and ride.

Each session costs £25 per person for an hour and a half. Training and equipment is provided.