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 beeen 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 unitl 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 Europes 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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