The Surf Reef in Boscombe, Bournemouth has now been declared officially open. The Launch was held on 2nd November 2009 after months of delays!
Bournemouth Surf Reef in Boscombe is one of four artificial reefs worldwide: Narrowneck, Queensland; Cables, Western Austrailia and Mount Maunganui's, New Zealand.
The reef in Bournemouth is located to the east of Boscombe pier (about 2.5 kilometres from Bournemouth pier) and the submerged reef takes up approximately one hectare (the size of a fooltball pitch) which is 250 meters from the shoreline. The reef mimics the effects of a natural reef and is built from large geo-texile 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 creat 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 surf 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 and August, the reef will creat a 'lagoon' along the shoreline.
Building the Reef
The reef has been built in two layers: the bottom layer sitting on the sea bed consists of three elements, followed by a second layer of two elements that lies on top of the bottom bags.
The bottom layer elements consist of three individual sections:
1. a geo-mat to minimise the structure sinking into the sea
2. overlain by a huge web of specially sewn material that looks like large seat belts
3. on top of which are placed the bags
They are then tied together so that they can be lifted and placed on the seabed as one large element. A crane will fold this into a 'concertina', load it into a barge where it can be transported to the site.
Prior to the placing of the first set of bags, temporary anchors will be set arouns theperimeter of the surf reef site. They will be used for locating and securing the five bag elements during the fill process. Each reef element will be placed on a barge, transported to the site, lowered, and attached to a set of anchors by divers. The barge is slid out from underneath while the positioning webbing is tensioned from the barge, to ensure the reef sits uniformly and in the right position.The bags are then pumped in strict sequence with sand fed from a sand pipe located on the beach, taking sand stockpiled previosly. The sequence is repeated two more times for the bottom layer.
The top layer consists of two larger sets of bags secured to locating webbing without the geo-mat layer, as they will be sitting firmly on top of existing sand bags. The sequence previously described is followed again. When the filling phase has been completed, divers will remove the location straps attached to the anchors, and the contractor will remove the temporary anchors. The surf reef will be constructed and completed, but its results will only be noticeable once the surf arrives.
What will the effect be on marine life and /or costal erosion?
It is likely that marine life will thrive on the reef and there will be no damaging effects to 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 exsist on a flat seabed.
Although the reason for building the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help this costal defences. The delay in processing the licence for the surf reef was due to the Marine and Fisheries Agency extensive consultaion and research to ensure the reef would not have a negative impact on costal erosion.
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 adice 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 Kerryblack, designer of the reef says: "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, says: "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 area that includes London, the reef promises to be a huge attraction, the nearest thing to an Alantic roller this side of Cornwall. The reef will not only boost the area's already thiving tourist industry but will encourage other watersports such as diving, windsurfing and provide a habitat for greater biodiversity".
How much does it cost?
The construction cost of the reef has rose to £2.68million.
Who is Dr Kerry Black?
Dr Kerry Black is the managing director of ASR Ltd and the designer of the Boscombe surf reef. He is the Director of an Australian research institute and a top research scientist in the esteemed National Institute of Water and Atmosphere in New Zealand. He had published over 400 scientific documents and written or been the subject of hundreds of popular articles, television interviews and newspaper articles.He edited the world's first scientific journal issue on offshore reefs for costal protection and recreation (surf reefs).
Dr Kerry Black has travelled the entire Pacific Rim and measured 44 of the world's best surf breaks, to find out what makes a world-class wave and, ultimately, how to replicate it artificially.
