Bournemouth surf reef: Your questions answered

Jon Land, Dash 24, 13 Dec 2007

Bournemouth Surf Reef in Boscombe will be one of four artificial reefs worldwide: Narrowneck, Queensland; Cables, Western Australia and Mt.Maunganui, New Zealand.

The reef in Bournemouth will be located to the east of Boscombe Pier (about 2.5 kilometres from Bournemouth Pier) and the submerged reef will take up approximately one hectare (the size of a football pitch) which will be 225 metres from the shoreline.

The reef mimics the effects of a natural reef and will be built from large geo-textile bags pumped hard with sand.

The sandbags weigh up to 2,500 tonnes and biggest are up to 70m long, 2m high and 6m wide, so once they are in place nothing will move them!

How does an artificial reef work?

It is important to remember that an artificial surf reef does not create waves, it amplifies the surf already there. The reef will act as a ramp, pushing waves upwards, doubling in size, and shaping them into good-quality surfing waves. Doubling the height of the surf will also mean that the number of good surfing days will double. The reef at Boscombe is designed to provide a grade 5 wave on a day with good swell which is in the challenging range (Hawaii Pipeline is a grade 8).

The reef will make three waves – waves on the reef and two more good banks inshore on the beach.

In calm weather, such as July or August, the reef will create a ‘lagoon’ along the shoreline.

What will happen now?

A bathymetric survey will take place to re-measure the seabed floor which will determine the final position of the reef.

Specialist geo-textile (ecologically inert) bags will be ordered from Queensland, Australia, along with webbing material, the area of a football-pitch, from New Zealand.

Construction will take place out to sea and so it is entirely dependant on calm sea conditions. This has been factored into the construction timetable.

What will the effect be on marine life and/or coastal erosion?

It is likely that marine life will thrive on the reef and there will be no damaging effects to the beach. Bournemouth Borough Council is working closely with Bournemouth University and marine biologists at Bournemouth’s Oceanarium to monitor marine life. Experts predict the reef itself is likely to become a busy habitat over time, with marine creatures colonising its surfaces and taking shelter within it, developing into a haven for wildlife that would not otherwise exist on a flat seabed.

Although the reason for building the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help with coastal defences. The delay in processing the licence for the surf reef was due to the Marine and Fisheries Agency extensive consultation and research to ensure the reef would not have a negative impact on coastal erosion.

How long will it be before surfers can try out the reef?

As soon as it is completed, which we anticipate will be in Autumn 2008.

Is the surf reef for everyone?

No, the reef will be 225 metres out to sea from the promenade, and so surfers will need to be physically fit and competent to even ride out to the reef. Surfers will be out of their depth and the waves may be challenging. Beginners are recommended to take the advice of regulated surf schools to find out the best places to surf along Bournemouth coast. The RNLI will provide safety cover on the reef 364 days of the year. It will be free to surf the reef.

Dr Kerry Black, designer of the reef, explained: “Boscombe is a really great place to live and the redevelopment is turning the town into a fantastic place to visit – surfing, windsurfing, redevelopment of the foreshore and the pier will make it a great place to come and relax.

"The surfing conditions mean you won’t have to travel so far to get a great wave, and with the growth and interest in the sport the UK’s surfers can enjoy a great time in a great environment with the challenge to get a great wave!

"Knock on positive effects for the tourism have been amazing and really grounded the town.  There’s publicity and a buzz for the whole community to feel alive and vibrant – clearly broader than just surfers, it’s a lifestyle.”

Paul Clarke from the Bournemouth Surfing Centre, said: “The reef spells a boom time for the area: “Surfing first hit our beaches in the 1960’s and today Bournemouth has the third largest population of surfers in the country.

"For the 10,000 locals and a catchment that includes London, the reef promises to be a huge attraction, the nearest thing to an Atlantic roller this side of Cornwall.

"The reef will not only boost the area’s already thriving tourist industry but will encourage other watersports such as diving, windsurfing and provide a habitat for greater biodiversity”.

See full article at Dash 24