I found a place to go surfing in Moscow…well, kinda…
I was reading an article about how Muscovites manage to stay warm during the incredibly cold Russian winter, and it mentioned that families with a few extra rubles to spare can spend a day at Moscow’s indoor water park frolicking in the wave pool and the controlled temperature of 86 degrees.
What? Moscow has an indoor water park? Now that would have been nice to know last summer…
Apparently, it’s called “Transvaal Akvapark” and it features, among other things, a Flow Rider. A Flow Rider is a machine that gives inlanders the chance to sample surfing without having to make the trek to California or Hawaii. Unfortunately, Transvaal’s Flow Rider only allows for body boarding – not real surfing, but I’m sure the Russians get a kick out of it just the same (and really, you gotta start out on the sponge boards).
From what I gathered from the website, Transvaal wants to hold a “surfing competition” of some sort…I’m willing to fly back and show the Russians how we do it out here in California. It would make a good story for Surfer magazine, I swear.
From Lucy:
I’m starting my Russian degree this September and am totally obsessed with the place, so finding your blog/pictures was awesome!
I’m curious, did you go to the “Transvaal Akvapark”? I noticed your blog was written on the 8th February 2004 and I googled it – because it looked cool – and the roof collapsed killing 24 people on the 15 February 2004.
http://www.totalpoolchemicals.co.uk/weblinks/russian_roof.htm
As I said, I’m just curious. Slightly morbid curiosity getting the better of me!
I love your blog, you need to go to Russia again soon :] this blog has kept me entertained, and away from my homework, for a good few hours!
From Lindsay:
Nope, never actually made it to the waterpark.
Thanks for stopping by, and glad you enjoyed the blog. And I totally agree I need to go back to Russia soon as well!