About the Reef

Bournemouth Surf Reef in Boscombe is one of four artificial reefs worldwide: Narrowneck, Queensland; Cables, Western Australia and Mt.Maunganui, 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 football pitch) which is 225 metres from the shoreline. The reef mimics the effects of a natural reef and is built from large geo-textile bags pumped hard with sand.

Boscombe Pier

The sandbags weigh up to 2,500 tonnes and biggest are up to 70m long, 2m high and 6m wide.

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 acts 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.

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:

a geo-mat to minimise the structure sinking into the sea
overlain by a huge web of specially sewn material that looks like large seat belts
on top of which are placed the bags

These were tied together so that they could be lifted and placed on the seabed as one large element. A crane folded this into a ‘concertina’, before being loaded onto a barge where it was transported to the site.

Prior to the placing of the first set of bags, temporary anchors were set around the perimeter of the surf reef site. These were used for locating and securing the five bag elements during the fill process. Each reef element was placed on a barge, transported to the site, lowered, and attached to a set of anchors by divers. The barge was slid out from underneath while the positioning webbing was tensioned from the barge, to ensure the reef sat uniformly and in the right position. The bags were then pumped in strict sequence with sand fed from a sand pump located on the beach, taking sand stockpiled previously. The sequence was 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. The sequence previously described was followed again. When the filling phase was completed, divers removed the location straps attached to the anchors, and the temporary anchors.

The video below shows footage of the reef development.

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.

Is the surf reef for everyone?

No, the reef is 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 provides safety cover on the reef 364 days of the year. It is free to surf the reef.

Dr Kerry Black, 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 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.”

How was the reef funded?

Bournemouth Borough Council raised the Boscombe Spa Regeneration Project funds through the sale of an under-used seafront car park. This land was purchased by Barratt Homes and is being used for the luxury Honeycombe Beach complex.

What is the economic value of the reef?

A 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 will 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. A recent survey in Cornwall revealed that surfers spend 8% more than other holidaymakers.

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 has 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 coastal 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.

Click here to watch a video of Dr Black being interviewed about the surf reef.

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