dazzamuffin
Hot shot  
Member #: 46 Posts 54
Registered: 20-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: stoked
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| posted on 15-9-2002 at 18:38 |
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false reef at borth
i was chatting to a local at borth and he was saying that they were going to build a false reef at borth
does any one know any more about it
and what are the implications of the reef to our wind surfing
will it be like maui with there reefs or is it more for the still water jet skiers?
all the best dazzamuffin
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justal
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| posted on 15-9-2002 at 21:07 |
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Hi Darren,
They are 'thinking' about it and there have been chats and a few public meetings about the sheme (there was one this week), but nothing
is definate yet.
The local surfers wanted one thinking it would improve the conditions, so Borth Surf Club was pretty much set up to campaign for the
artificial reefs to be built. They got in contact with kerry Black who runs a company that designs and builds artificial reefs and
after visiting Borth (and going for a surf here) he decided that Borth and it surf could benefit from such a scheme...But then he would
say that as he wants to get the contract to build them.
Obviously the council wouldn't spend however many millions it costs to build these things just to improve the surf conditions, so the
surf club and other campaigners for the reefs are now looking at it from a sea defences point of view and saying that the reefs would
help reduce coastal erosion.
The environment Agency don't really sea coastal erosion as the primary threat to Borth, but are more worried about the risks of
flooding and would rather sea money being spent on flood defences than coastal erosion defences... The debate continues and I haven't
heard what happened at this weeks meeting yet.
As far as windsurfing goes...its likely that the reefs (if they were built) would be built further south along the beach than where we
normally windsurf so there would be little direct effect. Of course, further South there would be a lagoon formed which would have flat
water for about 100-200 metres and then a 'reef' where the waves would break. Pretty good for windsurfing then, but the reefs would
probably be exposed and dry at low tide (not quite so good). The surf would be improved, but you still need swell to make the waves
good for surfing and no matter how much you alter the sea floor topography, without the groundswell you won't get 'world class' waves.
As far as I am concerned it would improve the quality of the waves, but not the consistency.
I also think that everyone involved needs to think about the implications of such a scheme.. The reefs 'basically' work by placing
sandbags in the desired location and the sandbags then baffle sediment moving along the coast by longshore drift so building up an
artificial reef that eventually becomes maintained by natural processes. This has to affect the sediment dynamics of the bay and sand
build up in one location has to lead to another area becoming impoverished. With quite a few so called 'fragile' ecosystems in the area
(Ynslas Dunes, Aberdovey Estuary, Borth Bog etc.) there needs to be a proper unbiased Environmental Impact Assessment carried out...
Anyone who regularly visits Borth has to know that the sediment dynamics of the coast are complicated and unpredictable. This year has
proved this point, as in many areas sand has been removed to expose the fossil forest in areas of the beach where it hasn't been seen
before.
I'm all for the building of artificial reefs if it will improve the surfing and/or windsurfing conditions, but there would have to be
proof of significant improvements to outweigh the possible negative effects... Don't forget, one of those negatives effects would also
be increased publicity and more 'tourists' on the beach...We don't want it to get too busy!!
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
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Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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Joe
Pro 
Member #: 27 Posts 76
Registered: 1-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: hanging loose
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| posted on 16-9-2002 at 19:29 |
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I'm sure nothing like the building of an artificial reef will happen. This is something that costs millions. And who would be willing
to invest that? What return would there be for a potential investor? Better surfing conditions for a few individuals? Come on guys, you
can't be serious about that! 
Joe
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justal
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| posted on 16-9-2002 at 19:54 |
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You're right Joe, they aren't gonna spend millions just for the surfers, but they are likely to do something as far as sea defences
etc. go at Borth...The latest indications seem to suggest that they are more likely to build a big concrete breakwater type structure
that won't appeal at all to the surfers and windsurfers, but would appeal to the Jet skiers...
The councilers and other decision makers also seem to think that Borth could then have a marina and it would attract well-off sailing
types.
Of course such a structure costs more than artificial reefs, and nothing has been decided yet... I'll try to find out more about what
happened at last Friday's meeting.
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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Ben
Grommet
Member #: 56 Posts 8
Registered: 6-9-2002 Location: Borth Member Is Offline Mood: aroused
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| posted on 17-9-2002 at 09:21 |
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The figures thrown around at the meeting were, I believe, 10 million for the rock wall (this is what the council want), as opposed to
three million for the reef. There are a few options knocking about, but the money is already in place and they are going to do
something in the next five years. What would you guys rather have, a jet ski park or the reef?
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justal
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| posted on 17-9-2002 at 14:51 |
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I know...I know.... How about a reef made out of jet skiers!! Thats what i'd like to see. 
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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dazzamuffin
Hot shot
Member #: 46 Posts 54
Registered: 20-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: stoked
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| posted on 17-9-2002 at 22:47 |
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thank you for the explaination al
looks like its gonna be jet ski heaven
my wind surf gear is up for sale now its time to become a jet ski dude (NOT)
well theres still rosniger to go to if they do mess things up
later daz
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justal
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 06:49 |
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Rhosneigr might be OK for you, but I'm about to buy/build a house in Borth!!!
don't think it will affect the Golf Course Car park area though whatever they do.
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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paul
A Force-of-Nature ** 
Member #: 5 Posts 445
Registered: 24-7-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: Well Chuffed
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 12:19 |
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what is it with artifical reefs ? ? first newquay, then bournmouth now borth ? ?
sounds to be like consultants cashing in, or maybe I'm just a big sceptic ? ?
Home Page
http://www.nationalwindsurfingweek.org
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dazzamuffin
Hot shot
Member #: 46 Posts 54
Registered: 20-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: stoked
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 13:31 |
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there must be a big eu grant for them
al builds a house in borth great some where to stay every one
if they build a sea wall then it will stop the swells hitting the beach? surely this would affect the golf course area as well?
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dazzamuffin
Hot shot
Member #: 46 Posts 54
Registered: 20-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: stoked
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 13:31 |
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there must be a big eu grant for them
al builds a house in borth great some where to stay every one
if they build a sea wall then it will stop the swells hitting the beach? surely this would affect the golf course area as well?
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justanna
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 14:19 |
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Just before Al invites everyone to stay I think I should remind him that as he's getting a beach room to keep all his toys in, then as
long as he can find room for any windsuring pals in there as well they can stay....no sand in my new house!
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paul
A Force-of-Nature **
Member #: 5 Posts 445
Registered: 24-7-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: Well Chuffed
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 15:38 |
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but sand is so much nicer than carpet.....
cheaper too, just sweep out Al's van once a week
Home Page
http://www.nationalwindsurfingweek.org
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justal
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| posted on 18-9-2002 at 17:29 |
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First up... Doesn't everyone stay here anyway, even though the house isn't on the beach!!
Darren said: quote:
if they build a sea wall then it will stop the swells hitting the beach? surely this would affect the golf course
area as well?
I'm sure they won't be building the wall along the whole 3 miles of Borth!!! That would cost more than 10 million!... As far as I
assumed it would be more of a breakwater a couple of hundred yards offshore from the lifeboat station... So if thats where it is it
won't affect the Golf Course Car park area of the beach at all.
Ben...do you know what the actual plan is as far as the wall goes? I've kind of envisaged a breakwater parallel to the beach that forms
a small sort of 'harbour' behind it???
Sand for carpets??...perfect, except for one small problem...the cat would then use the WHOLE of the floor as a litter tray!
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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justanna
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| posted on 19-9-2002 at 07:56 |
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I think you've forgotten Al, if we build the house we can't afford carpets so maybe we'll have to go with the sand option!
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Ben
Grommet
Member #: 56 Posts 8
Registered: 6-9-2002 Location: Borth Member Is Offline Mood: aroused
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| posted on 19-9-2002 at 08:39 |
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You're right Al, as far as I understand it that's exactly what they're proposing to do. It might end up looking like the rock walls
down at Aberarth, which look pretty bloody awful. I think they're planning to extend it to the end of the houses. Another key issue is
the disruption to the village. The rock wall would obviously cause a lot of disruption, whereas the reef would be delivered by sea
(giant hinged boat). It'll be interesting to see what eventually happens. Personally I think it would be a shame to see the break at
the lifeboat station go.
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dazzamuffin
Hot shot
Member #: 46 Posts 54
Registered: 20-8-2002 Member Is Offline Mood: stoked
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| posted on 19-9-2002 at 19:41 |
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i thought when you said a sea wall that it would go out at right angles to the beach.
so are they looking at making borth in to a little fishing village with its little harbour.
hope not
much prefer the reef idea.
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justal
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| posted on 14-2-2003 at 09:55 |
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Looks as though momentum is gaining for the reef idea.
Kerry Black (the guy who runs the artificial surf-reef building company) was in Borth again last night and had a meeting with the local
surfers in the Friendship.
I couldn't make the meeting myself, but will try to find out what was said and let you know here. If anyone was there and can give us
the details first hand it would be appreciated.
I spoke to Richard last night who has helped organise the meetings with Kerry Black and he siad they were going to discuss what sort of
take off and what sort of wave we wanted!!! Cool hey!
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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justal
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| posted on 14-2-2003 at 16:51 |
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OK...I've managed to get some sketchy information about the Artificial Surf Reef at Borth.
Kerry Black the CEO of ASR LTD. was in Borth last night and has been commisioned to carry out a feasibilty study of the idea. He has 6
months to carry out this study, but hopefully we'll start seeing the results sometime in May. Kerry has been having meetings all day
today with the local authorities and other decision making bodies in the area as part of this study and should soon be carrying out
detailed coastal sediment dynamic and environmental impact assessment studies.
Obviously, I know nothing about the priorities of the decision makers on this. I'd like to think that they will be looking at the
cost/benefits of all psosible coastal management schemes from all angles, including actual costs, longevity of any scheme,
effectiveness, environmental and ecological implications, financial benefits to the area such as increased tourism, effects on the
local community etc etc... And of course just how good a wave they can create!!
So, hopefully, if Kerry Black can prove that the reef idea will provide a long-lasting, effective answer to coastal protection in
Borth, whilst having little impact on the local community both during and after its construction. And that it is the most cost
effective solution and will have the least effect on the local and regional environments and ecosystems...AND provide positive benefits
such as increased revenue for local businesses and an improved wave. Then it will get the go ahead...But of course, its a long and
convoluted road that such major planning decisions take.
I'll keep you posted when I know more.
For now.. Heres the link for ASR - Kerry Black's company
And I haven't been able to find much pertinent info from the local County Council yet, but I have found this document outlining the
Shoreline Management Plan It seems a little out of
date to me though as they only have 'No economic alternatives' listed for any Possible Alternate Policies....
If anyone can find any more up to date info from Ceredigion Council or any details of proposed plans then please post a link to them
here.
Al.
URL: Pixelwave Design - Website Design Wales
Shop: Website Templates
Personal Weblog: A Simple Life of Luxury in West Wales
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amos
Member
Member #: 144 Posts 1
Registered: 20-2-2003 Member Is Offline Mood:
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| posted on 20-2-2003 at 19:39 |
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reefs
I was at the meeting in the Friendship. The idea is to put a large sandbag as a sea defence/reef just offshore just up from the RNLI
slip. This way hopefully the natural reefs and cliff wont be affected nor the bit under the cliff which we need when its howling and us
surfers need a bit of shelter. The wave created may well be 100m long! Sounds excellent but when it came to discuss the type of wave,
people wanted more, much more than they could handle ...spitting, sick, thick lipped throwing waves ..oh yes we're all up for that
...then we wake up and realise only a few can even surf the peak at Trap!!!
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Pixelwave Web Design.
justal@forces-of-nature.co.uk