"This is heaven, this is hell, who cares, who can tell?" Christy Moore may have been singing about Lisdoonvarna but these words kept recycling around in the black hole that is my head as I caught up on news about the new "Surfdome" that's scheduled for construction way up in London town in 2008.

The Surfdome will incorporate a 75-metre long pool that uses high tech wave generators to product surf, it is claimed, up to eight feet high. Apparently, unlike similar machines that appeared in the 80s these waves actually break and surfers will be able to ride a single wave for some considerable distance.

"Imagine a place where you could surf quality waves anytime of the day, 365 days a year. The waves of your choice with rides over 200ft long and up to 8ft high left breaking, right breaking, barreling or peeling all available at the push of a button."

That seductive first sentence would have any wave rider sit up & take notice but the promise of surfing nirvana is quickly followed by the offer of "...a place where the water is warm, lifestyle is relaxed and the shopping, restaurants and bars will supply non-stop entertainment alongside unbelievable surf sessions."

Somebody's reflection that hell is just ceaseless pleasure endlessly "enjoyed" has some resonance here, me thinks. That heady mix of chlorinated water, thumping overdubbed muzack, retail outlets at every turn and having to pay 20 - 30 for the "experience" is not for this Beach Bum but each to their own.

I'm fortunate enough to live within a few minutes' drive of some wonderful beaches and have the luxury of being able to experience the real deal. I guess these indoor surf shows hold out some hope of compensation for the landlocked surfer.

Of course, this development in London follows on from many similar projects around the world and reflects the explosion of interest in "surf culture" in the UK that has developed over the last few years. The concept of surfing indoors isn't a new one. Way back in 1969 the world's first shot at indoor surfing popped up in Tempe, Arizona.

Larger variations of the theme like Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon, the Seagaia Ocean Dome in Japan, Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania have actually hosted "surfing" competitions and have played their part in stoking the surf craze - and elevating the sponsor's visibility.

The Kiwi company, ASR Ltd (the very necessary abbreviation for Amalgamates, Solutions & Research) in cahoots with Surfdome are leading

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