The Haifa Municipality inaugurated this morning (Wednesday, 9.4.25) the new water sports center it built at the surfers' beach in the Bat Galim neighborhood. The festive ceremony was held in the presence of the mayor, Yona Yahav, a representative of "Mifal HaPais", the municipal administration, and a large audience of enthusiasts of various water sports.
The new center, located in the heart of one of the city's popular surfing beaches, is intended to be a warm home for the extensive water sports community of Haifa and the surrounding area. Among the excited participants at the ceremony were SUP surfers, professional and amateur divers, as well as many wind and kite surfers, who expressed great joy at the establishment of the new center.
Mayor Yona Yahav: "A holiday for water sports in Haifa"
The mayor, Yona Yahav, gave an emotional speech at the ceremony, saying:
This project is a significant milestone for our city. The connection between the sea and water sports, and the water community center, to the extent that we turn it into one, is the order of the day and I remember when we built the promenade here, I secretly took the contractor and told him to build me this extension here, so he told me: What for? I told him I have no idea, but when it's done, we'll decide what we do with it. Look where it's come to. Utilizing all this space under the road is genius in my opinion and it's a good thing that it's like that. This project wouldn't have come to fruition without cooperation with Mifal HaPais, and I repeat it a hundred times that Mifal HaPais is exceptional. Today, we believe that Mifal HaPais will continue to invest in us, to support the promotion of sports, culture and education, and we are doing it in a big way.
Avihu Hahn – the one who convinced the Haifa Municipality to raise the budget for building the club, together with Hila Laufer:
Advanced facilities and diverse services for the marine community
The new center offers a wide range of advanced services and facilities for the well-being of athletes. There will be a surfing and water sports equipment store on site, offering the latest and most professional equipment. In addition, surfers will have access to spacious and safe storage areas for windsurfers, kitesurfers, kayaks and SUP boards, which will significantly facilitate the maintenance of equipment and access to the beach.
The advanced diving center that was established there will also operate on site. The center will allow divers easy and safe access to the spectacular diving sites near the coast, and will offer diving courses and guided activities with the aim of exposing the general public to the rich and unique underwater world of the area.
Irit Ben Menachem (Mafal HaPais): This is a significant contribution to the advancement of the community and sports
Tzachi Terno (Haifa Municipality): This club will hold popular and competitive activities and leverage the surfing community and marine activities in the city.
A culinary experience facing the sea: a cafe-restaurant in the complex
Alongside the sporting activities, the new center also offers a relaxed and pleasant entertainment experience. A spectacular café-restaurant will be built in the complex, overlooking the breathtaking sea view and Haifa's famous sunsets. The place is expected to become a social gathering spot for athletes and visitors alike.
The new center is expected to be a significant attraction for water sports enthusiasts and tourists, and will strengthen Haifa's position as a leading coastal city in Israel.
[Place for a photo/video of surfers/divers in action in the coastal area]
Will a sports center for private dinghies be established?
470, 420. Laser
I wonder how the center will function after such a long wait for this desirable location in Haifa.
time will tell
In response to Yael R.
The previous mayor (Kalish) systematically eliminated every project that existed during Yahav's last term.
Nahal HaGiborim Park, the seafront project, stratification and renovation of road infrastructure, and more….
So why don't we continue everything you mentioned now?
It only took 8 years to establish a small ski center.
You understand. 8 years.. The most shameful municipality and they come to take pictures.
They posted the promise to build a surf center on signs in 2017. It took a fucking 8 years!!!
The main thing is that it was built, everything else is obvious... it could remain desolate and neglected for another 8 years...