As Melbourne again goes into lockdown, old restrictions getting newly enforced, surfers were hoping URBNSURF could stay open.

And it wasn't just citybound surfers anxious for a good outcome, but also those on the Mornington Pensinsula hoping the Tulla Tub could share the load.

But it ain't to be, as of tomorrow the park will be temporarily closed, barely three weeks after re-opening.

A quick call to Rupert Partridge, URBNSURF Brand & Marketing Manager, and his tone - usually chipper, now flat - betrays his disappointment.

"We were checking the news on the hour, every hour," says Rupe of the last three days, "and each update we'd ask ourselves, 'But what does this mean for us?'"

Despite thinking through every workaround solution, jigging this way and that, there was no avoiding the outcome. "The safety of our guests and crew is number one, so we’ve gotta abide by the restrictions and temporarily close again."

The staff who've been rehired, retrained, now have no work. A lone ray of light has been the response from their mainstay community who booked up all possible sessions when the threat of lockdown loomed ("They all wanted to get some last sessions in," explains Rupert), but who've also been supportive of the centre across social media and in person.

"It's disappointing," says Rupert, "but we’re all in this together now and we're optimistic about re-opening soon. Some of the messages of support we’ve received from our members and community have really helped”.

With the turnstyles closed, the crew plan to make use of the time finishing off the fitout for their Three Blue Ducks restaurant, and working on new waves. “We used the last break to develop our new Expert and Cruiser wave settings, which people loved, so we’ll work on improving the wave menu again,” says Rupert

The full press release is below:

Due to the worsening coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, URBNSURF Melbourne will temporarily close from Thursday, 9 July 2020.

Yesterday the Victorian Premier announced that Stage 3 “Stay At Home” restrictions will be reinstated across metropolitan Melbourne from 11.59pm tonight (being Wednesday, 8 July 2020) for a period of six weeks. URBNSURF Melbourne is located within the Hume local government area, and as such, our operations are subject to these reinstated restrictions. Thankfully, we have not been notified of any cases of COVID-19 within the park.

As the situation develops, and we receive further advice regarding our re-opening, we’ll keep you updated via this page, our email newsletter The Forecast (which you can subscribe to above), and our Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Once it’s safe to do so, we’ll be stoked to welcome you back so you can #surfmore perfect waves with us.

To our members

We have paused your monthly billing cycle, your current entitlements will remain valid, and we will extend the duration of your membership for the period of time that we’re closed. If you’re booked in for a session on or after 9 July, we’ll provide you with a credit for your bookings, to use once we re-open.

To our multipack holders

Your current entitlements will remain valid, and we will extend the duration of your multipack validity for the period of time we’re closed. If you’re booked in for a session on or after 9 July, we’ll provide you with a credit for your bookings, to use once we re-open.

To our guests

If you’re booked in for a session on or after 9 July, we’ll provide you with a credit for your bookings, to use once we re-open. 

For the time being, our surf sessions, surf lessons and spectator passes are not available for purchase beyond 8 July 2020, however our memberships, multipacks and gift cards remain on sale.

In the coming days, you’ll receive an email from our friendly CX crew regarding a credit for your booking(s). If you haven’t heard from us by Friday, 17 July, or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We appreciate your patience in us responding to you, as we’re currently receiving a high volume of emails and calls.

We encourage our members, guests and crew to stay safe, strictly observe the reinstated Stage 3 restrictions, continue practicing social distancing and good hygiene, and to get tested if you have symptoms.

Once again, I’d like to thank our loyal members, guests, partners and fans. Without your support, we just wouldn’t have the level of stoke that exists within URBNSURF, and not being able to connect with you all in person is heartbreaking for myself and the team. We want to reassure you that you are all top of mind in every decision we make in this amazing business, and can’t wait to have you back surfing with us soon.

Please stay safe, look after yourselves, and keep the stoke alive!

Damon Tudor, CEO, URBNSURF Group