Boscombe Surf Reef construction

Construction of the reef was completed as of 2nd November 2009. Here you can learn more about the process that had led to Europe's first artificial surf reef.

The barge is loaded

To monitor the progress and view regular updates of the reef, visit www.thesurfreef.co.uk. You can also follow the project on Twitter: www.twitter.com/boscombereef

The reef consists of two layers. The bottom layer, comprising of sections A & B (37 bags in total) was completed in 2008 and sits on Boscombe sea bed.

CGI of the reef

The top layer consists of sections C (10 bags) & D (8 bags) and will sit firmly on top of existing sand bags.  The top layer is currently being built when weather conditions are suitable i.e. there is no swell, wind and little tidal movement.

Geotextile bags

To build the top layer, each bag is deployed individually and harnessed by a team of expert divers to the webbing base, which has been placed over the bottom section. The bag is then pumped hard with sand. Then next bag will then be deployed, harnessed and pumped, and so on, until all 18 bags have been laid and filled. Section C bags get progressively bigger towards the centre of the reef, the largest being 70 metres long by 6 metres high, although they will actually form an oval shape when filled.

Work at Boscombe Beach