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The artificial surf reef to be constructed at Boscombe Seafront will be Europe’s first and is part of a larger redevelopment scheme to
regenerate and revitalise the area. The reef will give Boscombe beach its own identity, raise the profile of Boscombe and attract a large number
of visitors on an annual basis.
Click here to view a demonstration model of the Boscombe Surf Reef in action.
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Where will the artificial surf reef be located?
The artificial reef will be strategically located between the first two groynes to the east of Boscombe Pier, in front of the
Overstrand complex, giving a wonderful opportunity for watching from the café/restaurant as well as from the beach.
The actual size of the reef will take up approximately one hectare and will be sited approximately 225 metres off shore.
What is the surf reef actually built from?
The reef will be built from large sand-filled geo-textile bags – some up to 30m in length.
They are extremely strong and the likelihood of damage is very small. Even so, they will be covered by a long guarantee!
What is the timescale for its completion?
The plans for the surf reef were agreed in April 2005 as an integral part of the Boscombe Spa Village scheme.
Final design work will be undertaken during 2006 and the timetable is for the reef to be installed between May and September 2007.
As part of the preparation for installing the reef, we will be taking advantage of the beach replenishment scheme in
December 2007/ January 2008 to deposit extra sand across the beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. This sand will then be used to fill
the geo-textile bags that form the reef in May. The sand will be smoothed out across the beach and should not disrupt normal beach use.
What are its aims?
Boscombe Pier and its land-based facilities are currently very tired and in need of resurrection. A recent study has revealed that there are
currently 77 good surfing days per annum, although surfing currently takes place on 153 days, with a total of over 5,000 surf visits to Boscombe annually.
With the reef in place, the height of the waves along this part of the coast and the number of good surfing days will be doubled and will be more than
capable of hosting around 10,000 surf visits per annum.
A recent Council Economic Impact Assessment has suggested that the reef will create an image value of £10million
per annum resulting from a variety of publications and media interest on a national scale. It would generate a huge stimulus for
equipment retailing, surf training schools, accommodation, drink and food and would create an estimated 60 full-time and 30 part-time jobs.
Do surfers actually spend any money?
Yes, rather a lot! It costs around £500 just to get kitted out for surfing in the first place. Then there are the numerous positive
knock-on effects – tuition costs, accommodation and entertainment, which an economic assessment suggests will mean growth in
small businesses in the area to support surfers and spectators. A recent survey in Cornwall revealed that surfers actually spend 8%
more than other holidaymakers.
How much will the reef cost to build?
The design and construction cost of the surf reef is approximately £1.4 million. We are working
with Wessex Surf Club on an application to Sport England for contributory funding.
What environmental impact will the reef have?
The environmental implications are at worst, neutral. It’s likely that marine life will thrive on
the reef and there will be no damaging effects to the beach. Although our reason for building
the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help with coastal
defences. The detailed design study will fully answer this question and the results will inform
the application for a FEPA licence for the project. This licence is required for the placement of
materials or articles in tidal waters other than for the primary purpose of their disposal: in this
instance, the geo-textile bags that form the reef.
Will the reef require planning permission?
No. It does, however, need the consent of the Crown Estate, which has been agreed, in
principle, with negotiations now under way.
Source: Bournemouth Borough Council
The term "artificial reef" is really a misnomer since these artificial structures are not actually reefs. However, reefs have been
created for surfing purposes, with the world's first such man-made reef at Cables Beach, Perth, Western Australia. This reef was
constructed of large granite rocks placed in a pyramidal shape to form an appropriate breaking wave form that would suit surfers.
An artificial reef constructed of over 400 massive, geotextile bags (each one larger than a bus) filled with sand was constructed
in 2000 at Narrowneck on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. This artificial reef had two objectives: stabilizing beach
nourishment and improving surfing conditions.
Artificial surfing reefs typically resemble a "submerged breakwater", and proponents have suggested additional benefits beyond improving
surfing conditions. In Hawaii and California, long stretches of coast are subject to powerful waves that crash directly onshore. An artificial
reef situated 150-300 yards offshore would not only create surfing opportunities but, by dissipating wave energy before it strikes the shore,
create safer swimming areas and reduce coastal erosion.
Construction of artificial surfing reefs is a relatively new technology and, worldwide, nations as diverse as England and New Zealand
are discussing building their first projects. However, opposition from environmentalists has slowed approvals. Many environmentalists
argue against coastal modification on multiple grounds, including the notion that coastlines are best left in their natural state. In
part because of arguments for environmental protection, many nations have enacted extensive regulations restricting the alteration
of coastal ecosystems.
Source: Wikipedia
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