Experienced windsurfers will be the first allowed to use the bay

The move is being seen as a significant development in the expansion of the bay.

There are plans to open up the 200-hectare lake for a range of sporting and recreational activity.

Sailing and boating have already proved popular, and a water activities centre is being built which will offer rowing and canoeing lessons.

The bay has already proved itself as a good venue for windsurfing.

For the past two years, it has hosted a national universities windsurfing competition.

Organisers of the two-day event described the bay as a "world class" location.

Michael Davies, Cardiff Harbour Authority's leisure manager, said: the bay's reputation was growing.

Experienced surfers

"Cardiff Bay is a first-class non-tidal location on the city's doorstep," he said. "It is convenient and accessible."

Only windsurfers with at least a season's experience and able to use a harness will be able to use the bay.

Less experienced windsurfers will be allowed to do so "as soon as practicable", Mr Davies said.

Scott Harrison, of Cardiff windsurfing company Rat Rigs, took part in earlier trials on the bay.

"I am really excited about it and I can't wait for it to go live," he said.

"It is a huge boost for the sport. Experienced wind surfers will use the bay when wind conditions preclude the use of most of our beaches, and intermediates will be able to get the key skills they need."