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Bournemouth
Bournemouth, once saddled with the reputation of a blue-rinse paradise,
is in the process of reinventing itself as a kind of south coast Ibiza.
With a host of belting nightclubs and a multitude of cool and trendy
bars to go to beforehand, all within easy walking distance of each
other, Bournemouth's nightlife is top drawer.
Since the 1960's surfers have been catching the best waves on the South
Coast at Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier, Southbourne Beach, Highcliffe
and Kimmeridge Bay. Bournemouth Bay has always been known as a safe
surfing location and for its clean beaches.
 The
best waves for surfing are driven by low pressure systems in the North
Atlantic, these push swells on the South Coast. Wind blown waves can be
created within a few hours in this area by fresh westerly, southerly or
south easterly winds. Besides the cutting edge performance of short
surfboards, the surf offers many ways to catch waves, from simply
swimming in the waves bodysurfing, through bodyboarding, to riding long
Malibu surfboards.
The latest development here is news of a proposal by Wessex Surf Club
and backed by Bournemouth Borough Council to build an artificial reef
200m offshore to transform the pattern and height of incoming waves.
Similar schemes have been approved in L.A. and Australia but don't hold
your breath, even if things go well, the 10ft wide sand filled bags that
make up the reef will not be in position until the winter of 2006. Click
here for more details
Our Guide to Bournemouth's Best Breaks
Pick these spots out from a map or if you want to check out conditions
try ringing our Surf Report Information Line on (01202) 434344 or go to
our Surf Report web page which is updated EVERYDAY and with a longer 3-4
day forecast.
1. Boscombe Pier -
On a high tide in pretty much any wind and with the right swell Boscombe
goes off. It provides nice wedgy shorey peaks which can be heavy and
hold their shape. Lefts and rights on most southerly swells. The Pier
provides shelter from strong SW winds but can be a little crowded at the
weekends.
2. Bournemouth Pier -
Works the same as Boscombe but with longer rides. The most popular peak
is on the East of the Pier. Offshore winds follow through the Bourne
Valley for very hollow waves, but this is rare. Again, sheltered from
gales but can get crowded.
3. Southbourne -
Most of the time it's a mellow beginners to intermediate wave, but on
large swell it's a notorious shore dump known to break boards and limbs!
It works mainly on a SW swell but easterly swells can produce long,
clean rides. On solid swells outer banks begin to work on an old sea
wall about 400m from shore. No shelter from SW gales and not for the
faint hearted.
4. Highcliffe -
This is a sandy beach break which produces long rides on a good SW
groundswell but blows out easily. Ideal for beginners except at high
tide when backwash from cliffs can be exciting.
5. Kimmeridge Bay -
There are three breaks here, all of which work on a SW groundswell with
no winds or gentle offshores. Broad Beach breaks over a granite reef and
is very fast and powerful with A-frame peaks breaking in very shallow
water - not for the inexperienced. The Ledges is a smaller, fun wave
breaking at intervals from the beach on ridges of rock. Again shallow
water and can get crowded in good conditions. The Bay is a long ride
from the beach into a horseshoe-shaped bay. A slower wave, but still
fun.
Artificial Reef
Spontaneous applause from members of the public and local residents
broke out at a packed Bournemouth Cabinet meeting as Councillors gave
the go-ahead to exciting plans for Europe's first artificial surf reef,
at Boscombe.
A Planning application for the remainder of the surfing-themed leisure
scheme at Boscombe Spa could be submitted within days.
Despite having to be drastically changed following the listing of the
Pier entrance building last December, the £8million regeneration still
includes the top priorities of local people, when surveyed in 2003.
These include:
* an £800,000 surf reef
* a restaurant with panoramic views - in the revamped and refurbished
Overstrand building
* a revitalised and reopened Boscombe Pier
* improved landscaping, lighting and street furniture - including a
piazza and open air events space
* no amusement arcade.
The new scheme also includes 42 'super chalets' for purchase and hire, a
Heritage Display, surfing tuition and themed retail, public art and
sculpture, and improved changing / toilet facilities.
Members of the public turned out in force to hear the debate, and the
only public deputation received at the meeting was in support of the
reef, from the Wessex Surf Club. Taking place just a stones throw from
the site, at the Chine Hotel Boscombe, Councillors and residents heard a
number of presentations specifically about the surf reef - on its
construction, its environmental impact, how it works, and safety issues
for bathers and surfers. Professor Kerry Black, the worlds leading
expert on artificial reefs, Dr David Harlow, coastal protection
professional, the Council's Head of Tourism Mark Smith and the RNLI's
Beach Safety expert Matt Horton all addressed the meeting in
presentations lasting some 45 minutes.
Cllr Rob Copeland, Cabinet Member and local Ward Councillor said, "I am
absolutely delighted that we have been able to approve the surf reef
tonight, and give the go-ahead for the planning application on the rest
of the scheme to be submitted. We are delivering what extensive public
consultation has told us that people want, and tonight the economic
benefits to the local area have been made very clear to us - this is
nothing but excellent news for Bosocmbe, and for Bournemouth."
Leader of the Council Cllr Richard Smith praised the scheme for being an
innovative way of "allowing local people and visitors to enjoy our
assets and take part in healthy activities."
Continuing the extensive public information and consultation campaign
that has supported the scheme throughout, eight road shows in the
Boscombe area are now planned to support the planning process, give
local people key facts and information, and give those with a view the
opportunity to comment. These will take place on 12th, 13th, 23rd, 24th
and 25th May at the Sovereign Centre, and 26th, 27th and 28th May at
Boscombe Pier.
Back in 2003, the Council spent time and money carrying out one of the
most comprehensive public consultations ever undertaken by Bournemouth
Council.
This included:
* Surveying 1,200 residents from across the Town
* Plus an additional 1,100 randomly selected people from Boscombe
* Numerous presentations to local groups and organisations
* In-depth discussion groups with parents, older people and residents.
The top priorities of residents, as identified by this consultation, are
all accommodated in the Boscombe scheme.
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