Field Observations of Structure and Nearshore Changes following Construction of an Artificial Surf Reef

The first artificial surf reef in Europe has been constructed at Boscombe, UK (Figure 1). The structure is constructed in the nearshore zone with sand filled geotextile tubes and has been located adjacent to a regularly recharged managed beach. Local environmental concerns were highlighted at the pre-construction stage and this investigation was conducted to address these issues. Particular concerns were expressed which included the possible starvation of downdrift beaches, which might arise if a salient or tombolo formed following construction. Other concerns were identified that undermining or subsidence of the reef might occur due to its location above a dynamic nearshore bar system. This case study examines both structural changes to the reef and morphodynamic changes to the nearshore and beach zone.