Surf reef launches in haste

The surf reef was launched this week, although you may not have noticed.
After weeks of waiting, the council seized the opportunity the moment the swell was creating waves over the £2.68m structure.
Councillors raced to the beach to hastily conduct an opening ceremony in front of no one except a handful of reporters.
Bodyboarders dutifully demonstrated its usefulness but many surfers expressed concern and disappointment over the high speed and lack of longevity of waves coming over the giant sandbags.
One board rider said it was almost impossible for stand-up surfers to catch a wave there, although it was great for the most experienced body boarders.
Another body boarder said he had been caught out on the reef and ended up being thrown around under the water, hitting the reef several times.
Despite the concerns, plenty of people seem to be enjoying the new addition. Boscomites are also grateful that the construction site has finally disappeared from the beach.

Rip Curl Girls Tour arrives in Boscombe

The Rip Curl Girls Tour arrived in Boscombe late last night night for a weekend of girls-only surf lessons and Hawaiian-themed activities.
Among the entourage was Steph Gilmore, twice World Championship Tour champion, who signed merchandise at Urban Reef beach bar and offered tips to the would-be surfers.
The month-long tour is aimed at promoting surfing among women and will also make stops at Llanglennith, Croyde and St Ives.

Surf contest postponed

This weekend's South Coast Surf Championships have been postponed.
Contest director Paul Clarke, of Bournemouth Surfing Centre, said: "It looks like nice weather but no surf this weekend, so we've postponed the competition for a week."
The competition, which has been running since the 1960s, was due to be held in Boscombe this Saturday and Sunday.
David Somerville, of event sponsor A1 Surf, said: "The contest will be postponed until the following weekend sadly due to a lack of waves for this weekend."
He added: "We are really pleased to be able to sponsor the South Coast Championships. We feel it's very important to support the surfing community through events and are really looking forward to the weekend."
The first heats will take place at 8am on both days with a presentation at around 3.30pm on Sunday.
Saturday's contest will be mainly shortbaord heats and quarter finals.
Sunday's events include the shortboard and longboard finals.

Boscombe surf reef

The first section of an artificial surf reef was laid near Boscombe Pier at the end of August. The reef, designed to improve conditions for surfers, is the first of its kind in the northern hemisphere. This video, by www.hallmarkproductions.com, shows how it is made.
Work has been delayed by strong winds and heavy swells so engineers have amended the plans by dividing the second section of the reef in two. This should allow them to complete the next stage sooner, instead of waiting for several consecutive days of good weather.