Move over, Newquay and Croyde. Bournemouth is setting itself up as the
UK’s capital for surf-loving softies, with swish new hotels and bars –
and Europe’s first artificial surf reef. First seen Down Under,
artificial surf reefs have proved a huge success in places where waves
are not reliable enough to attract a regular surfing crowd. The £1.4
million reef is being constructed east of Boscombe pier in Bournemouth
Bay. It is made out of huge sausage-shaped sandbags that will be
lowered into a formation the size of a football pitch in about 20ft
(6m) of water, 800ft offshore. Enthusiasts can follow the project on
the web-cam set up by Sorted Surf Shop.
http://www.sortedsurfshop.co.uk
Once it is completed in September, the effects are likely to mimic
those of a natural reef, providing large, barrelling waves, a genuine
challenge for surfers. Boscombe has 77 good surfing days a year, but
the day I went wasn’t one of them – I spent a toe-chilling afternoon
looking for a ripple on a millpond sea and then gave up and checked
out the new interactive dive cage at the Oceanarium instead.
http://www.oceanarium.co.uk/
Mark Smith, head of Bournemouth Tourism, hopes that big waves will
prove irresistible to what he calls the “stockbroker surfers”. “They
leave the boardroom on a Friday, travel down to Bournemouth, grab a
surfboard and wetsuit and ride the waves to relax.” But these
high-class water-babies are unlikely to be happy with a weekend in a
down-at-heel B&B. And this is where Urban Beach comes in. The 12-room
hotel and bar is run by former Londoners Mark and Fiona Cribb, who
bought the Victorian property in 2005 and set about a dechintz before
reopening it as the hippest hotel in the area. Rooms are comfortable,
with neutral palettes accented by decorative touches – a chandelier
here, a silk throw there – huge beds and flat-screen TVs. Judging by
the smattering of expensive cars parked outside The Urban Beach Hotel,
it looks as if the renaissance of Bournemouth’s surf scene has already
begun. Jess stayed at Urban Beach which has B&B doubles from £90.
http://www.urbanbeachhotel.co.uk
The beautifully restored Victorian Opera House in Boscombe is open
with a vast array of events and artists. Alternatively, Exeter Road,
with its bars and funky crowd, is a quick cab ride away. The current
favourite is Sixty Million Postcards owned by DJ Jon Carter. Kloot and
1812 are also popular.
http://www.operahouse.co.uk
http://www.sixtymillionpostcards.com
In Boscombe, the neptune bar is a safe bet for a chilled-out beer. The
laid-back atmosphere epitomises the holiday feeling that stressed-out,
surf-seeking Londoners crave. And, as Neptune Bar regular, Gary, says:
“It’s great that I won’t need to spend my weekends driving all the way
to Cornwall. Boscombe is only a couple of hours from London, which
means less time in the car and more in the water.”
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/26/2694/Neptune/Boscombe
Check out Alex's Homestay & B&B which is very cheap and even cheaper
if you don't want breakfast! Doubles £30 without breakfast, £35 with
breakfast. (About a 15 minute walk from Boscombe Pier)
http://www.geocities.com/sounds_tickets/index.htm
Bournemouth Backpackers offers very cheap accommodation too starting
at £9 per person per night (low season). A hit for surfers and
windsurfing dudes.
http://www.bournemouthbackpackers.co.uk/
THE LONG AWAITED ARTIFICIAL REEF
The reef will act as a ramp, pu****ng waves upwards, doubling their
size and improving their quality for surfers. As a result, the number
of good surfing days will be doubled. Bournemouth already has an
established surfing community, but the reef will act as a draw for
visitors to the area, enhancing water s****ts on offer including
kite-surfing, windsurfing, wake-boarding, kayaking, SCUBA-diving,
sailing and skim-boarding. The licence to build the reef was granted
by the Marine and Fisheries Agency in December 2007. Weather
conditions permitting, the Council is on course to start construction
in Spring 2008, with the reef anticipated to be completed in time for
the October 2008 surf season.Specialist construction material for the
reef will be ordered, including the ecologically sound geo-textile
bags from Australia and the webbing base from New Zealand.
Roger Brown, Head of Leisure Services at Bournemouth Borough Council,
said: “The area of Bournemouth and Poole already has an excellent
reputation as a leading water s****ts destination, however the reef
will make surfing in the UK far more accessible.” Boscombe is
currently enjoying an £9million make-over. Wayne and Gerardine
Hemingway MBE, are creating super beach huts in the Overstrand
complex, on Boscombe promenade, which will offer all the mod-cons
expected by the 21st century surfer and holiday maker.
The surf reef and super beach huts will be accompanied by a surf
retail outlet, a surfing school and a glass-fronted restaurant
offering fantastic panoramic views of Bournemouth and the Solent.
There will also be a catering outlet selling good-quality food-to-go,
an RNLI beach lifeguard station, changing rooms, toilets and hot
showers, all contributing to the major transformation of Boscombe
seafront. As expected, many companies see the area as a sound
investment and are already vying for a space in this prime seafront
location. Please note – the surf reef will not generate waves, but
will amplify the existing surf. It has been re****ted that the reef
will create 13ft waves. This is not correct as the surf reef is
expected to double the size of the existing surf.
INFORMATION ON EUROPE’S FIRST ARTIFICIAL SURF REEF
ABOUT THE REEF
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 im****tant to remember that an artificial surf reef does not
create waves, it amplifies the surf already there. The reef will act
as a ramp, pu****ng 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 offering
safe, flat conditions for families and beach users.
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.
Building the Reef
The reef will be 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 onto a barge where it will be trans****ted to the
site.Prior to placing of the first set of bags, tem****ary anchors will
be set around the perimeter 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, trans****ted 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 pump located on the beach, taking sand stockpiled
previously. 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 tem****ary 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 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 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 s****t 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 waters****ts such as diving,
windsurfing and provide a habitat for greater biodiversity”. How much
does it cost?The construction cost of the reef is £1.4million.
Bournemouth Borough Council raised the £8 million 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. At time of writing 96 of the
169 flats, with prices ranging from £240,000 to £1,212,000, have
already been sold, before construction has been completed on the
majority of the flats. For more information please see
www.barratthomes.co.uk.
What is the economic value of the reef?
A Council Economic Impact *****sment has suggested that the reef will
provide direct income of up to £3million per annum. It will create an
image value of £10million p.a. 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. 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 do***ents 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.
The Bournemouth Surf Reef Details...
http://www.bournemouthsurfreef.co.uk/
Live cam here at A1 Surf...
http://www.a1surf.com/surfcheck-bournemouthcam.html
Boscombe Pier Beach Web Cam With Boscombe Surf Reef
Bournemouth Pier Beach Web Cam
http://www.sortedsurfshop.co.uk/weather.asp
Sorted Surf Shop (wetsuits, boards & more)
42 Sea Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BQ
Tel: +44 1202 399099 - U.K: 01202 399099
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Steps - Bournemouth Surf School
Surf Steps-Bournemouth Surf School is located 300m West of Boscombe
Pier, near the proposed site of the Boscombe Artificial Reef and is
operational from the end of February to the end of November. Practice
lesson £15.00.
Tel: +44 0800 043 7873 - U.K: 0800 043 SURF
Cell: +44 7856 686690 - U.K: 07856 686690
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Magicseaweed - Surf Re****ts, Web Cams & Videos
general@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
nice surfing pix here...
http://bournemouthsurfers.com/surfinguk/index.php
Bournemouth Surfing Centre
http://www.bournemouth-surfing.co.uk/
Tel: +44 1202 433544 - U.K: 01202 433544
sales@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Gary Knight's BH Website
Tel: +44 1202 394138 - 01202 394138
Gary: +44 7776 330486 - U.K: 07776 330486
Jess: +44 07967 923440
bh2o@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
- Classic VW Vans
Tel: +44 7979 726763 - U.K: 07979 726763
Gary - garytype2@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
's B&B Bournemouth Homestay (£15 daily £85 weekly)
Tel: +44 7875 364809 - U.K: 07875 364809
http://www.geocities.com/sounds_tickets/index.htm
Bournemouth Backpackers - Homestay - B&B
(from £9.00 daily in low season)
Tel: +44 1202 299491 - U.K: 01202 299491
http://www.bournemouthbackpackers.co.uk/
Brooklands Hotel (from £20 daily)
Tel: +44 1202 716352 - U.K: 01202 716352
www.bournemouth-hotels.com/bournemouth_hotels/listings/l0017.php
Bycliffe Guest House
41 St. Michaels Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5DP
Tel: +44 1202 552961 - U.K: 01202 552961
Cartrefle Guest House (£25 daily)
45 St. Michaels Rd Bournemouth BH2 5DP
Tel: +44 1202 297856 - U.K: 01202 297856?
Chelsea Hotel (£27 daily)
32 St. Swithuns Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3RH
Tel: +44 1202 290111 - U.K: 01202 290111
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.thechelseahotel.co.uk
Claremont Hotel (single from £25 per night)
89 St Michaels Road, Bournemouth BH2 5DR
Tel: +44 1202 290875 - U.K: 01202 290875
Clarendon Lodge (from £25 daily)
36 Crabton Close Road, Bournemouth BH51HN
Tel: +44 1202 396585 - U.K: 01202 396585
Coach House Cottage (Double/twin £65-£95)
5 Annerley Road, Bournemouth BH1 3PG
Tel: +44 1202 315067 - U.K: 01202 315067
Cransley Hotel (£35 pppn - Single sup £15 pppn)
11 Knyveton Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3QG
Tel: +44 1202 290067 - U.K: 01202 290067
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.cransley.com
Cremona Hotel Bournemouth (from £22.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 290035 - U.K: 01202 290035
http://www.cremona.co.uk/uk/default.asp
Crescent Royal Hotel (£22 pppn)
456 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 4BA
Tel: +44 1202 393200 - U.K: 01202 393200 or 07970 025722
crescentroyalhotel@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.crescentroyalhotel.co.uk
Denewood Hotel (from £25 p.p.p.n.)
40 Sea Road, Bournemouth BH5 1BQ
Tel: +44 1202 394493 - U.K: 01202 394493
http://www.denewood.co.uk/
Devon****re Guest House
40 St. Michaels Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5DY
Tel: +44 1202 291610 - U.K: 01202 291610?
Freshfields Hotel (£25 pppn - up to 3 per room)
55 Christchurch Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3PA
Tel: +44 1202 394023 - U.K: 01202 394023
Gervis Court Hotel (£25 pppn)
38 Gervis Road, Bournemouth BH1 3DH
Tel: +44 1202 556871 - 01202 556871
enquiries@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.gerviscourthotel.co.uk
Heathlands Hotel (£49.00 pppn - £59 with dinner)
12 Grove Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AY
Tel: +44 1202 589900 - U.K: 01202 589900
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.heathlandshotel.com
Homestay (from £30.00 p.p.p.n.)
22 West Borough, Bournemouth BH21 1NF
Tel: +44 1202 849015 - U.K: 01202 849015
www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/info.asp?id=25625
Hostel Inn
Tel: +44 1202 395285 - U.K: 01202 395285
(from £25.00 p.p.p.n. low season)
www.thehostelinn.co.uk/pageview3.asp?nav=1.Welcome&cust=180
Ingledene Guest House (from £20 p.p.p.n.)
18-20 Gardens View, Derby Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3QA
Tel: +44 1202 291914 - U.K: 01202 291914
ingledenehouse@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Guest House (£18 - £32 p.p.p.n.)
8 Gardens View, Bournemouth BH1 3QA
Tel: +44 1202 557260 - U.K: 01202 395285
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Langley Hotel (from £25 p.p.p.n.)
1 West Cliff Road, Bournemouth BH2 5ES
Tel: +44 1202 557349 - U.K: 01202 557349
Kingsley Hotel (from £28.00 p.p.p.n.)
20 Glen Road, Boscombe Manor, Bournemouth. BH5 1HR
Tel: +44 1202 398683 - U.K: 01202 398683
enquiries@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hurst Hotel - B&B
Tel: +44 1202 290136 - U.K: 01202 290136
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
COURT HOTEL (from £12.50 p.p.p.n.)
Tel : +44 -(0)1202- 553894 - U.K: 01202 553894
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hotel (Singles from £25, doubles from £50)
2 West Cliff Road, Bournemouth BH2 5EY
Tel: +44 1202 299645 - U.K: 01202 299645
http://www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/info.asp?id=25807
Mayfield - B&B
Tel: +44 1202 551839 - U.K: 01202 551839
(Special Offer B&B any 7nights £150.00 per person ensuite)
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lodge Hotel (£30 pppn)
4 St Johns Road, Bournemouth, BH5 1EL
Tel: +44 1202 395707 - U.K: 01202 395707
Newark Hotel (from £20.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 294989 - U.K: 01202 294989
http://www.thenewarkhotel.co.uk/
Newbury Hotel Bournemouth (from £22.50 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 297000 - U.K: 01202 297000
http://www.newburyhotel.net/
Norfolk Royale Hotel (telephone for prices)
Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6EN
Tel: +44 1202 551521 - U.K: 01202 551521
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hotel (from £50 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 551600 - U.K: 01202 551600
reservations@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.orchid-hotel.co.uk/
Parkside Guesthouse
24 Southcote Road, Bournemouth BH1 3SR
Tel: +44 1202 291923 - U.K: 01202 291923
Quality Hotel Bournemouth (£42 pppn)
47 Gervis Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3DD
Tel: +44 1202 316316 - U.K: 01202 316316
reservations@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.qualityhotelbournemouth.com
Rosscourt Hotel (£30 pppn)
6 St Johns Road, Bournemouth BH5 1EL
Tel: +44 1202 397537 - U.K: 01202 397537
enquiries@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.rosscourthotel.co.uk
Shoreline Bed and Breakfast (from £21.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 429654 - U.K: 01202 429654
http://www.bournemouth.uk.com/shoreline/
St. Michael's 'Friendly' Guest House (from £25.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 (0)1202 557386 - U.K: 01202 557386
http://www.stmichaelsfriendlyguesthouse.co.uk/
Travelodge (saver rooms from £19.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 871 984 6257 - U.K: 0871 984 6257
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/
Tudor Grange Hotel (£30 pppn - Single sup 50%)
31 Gervis Road, Bournemouth BH1 3EE
Tel: +44 1202 291472 - U.K: 01202 291472
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.tudorgrangehotel.co.uk
Urban Beach Hotel (Doubles from £90)
23 Argyll Road, Bournemouth. BH5 1EB
Tel: +44 1202 301509 - U.K: 01202 301509
reservations@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Garden Hotel (£30 pppn)
40 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH5 3PE
Tel: +44 1202 556700 - U.K: 01202 556700
info@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.thewatergardenhotel.com
Wenrose Bed and Breakfast (from £25.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: +44 1202 716325 - U.K: 01202 716352
www.bournemouth-hotels.com/bournemouth_hotels/listings/l0031.php
Westbrook (from £25.00 p.p.p.n.)
Tel: + 44 1202 761081 - U.K: 01202 761081
Westbrookhotel@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.westbrookhotel.co.uk/
Whateley Hall Hotel (£28 pppn - £10 single sup)
7 Florence Road, Bournemouth BH5 1HH
Tel: +44 1202 397749 - U.K: 01202 397749
whateleyhall.hotel@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.whateleyhall.co.uk
Woodcroft Tower Hotel (£39 pppn - £54 with dinner)
49 Gervis Road, Bournemouth BH1 3DE
Tel: +44 1202 558202 - U.K: 01202 558202
enquiries@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.woodcrofthotel.co.uk
Wrenwood Hotel (£26 pppn)
11 Florence Road, Bournemouth BH5 1HH
Tel: +44 1202 395806 - U.K: 01202 395086
bookings@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.wrenwood.co.uk
Flights...
Bournemouth International Air****t Limited
Dorset BH23 6SE
Tel: + 44 1202 364000 - U.K: 01202 364000
http://www.bournemouthair****t.com/bohweb.nsf
Gatwick Air****t
West Sus*** RH6 0NP
Tel: +44 870 000 2468 - U.K: 0870 000 2468
http://www.gatwickair****t.com/
Heathrow (BAA) Air****t
234 Bath Road. Hayes UB3 5AP
Tel: +44 870 000 0123 - U.K: 0870 000 0123
http://www.heathrowair****t.com/
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