Here is an image of the Boscombe surf reef from Wednesday morning 6am.

Its great to see it finally working, although it wasn’t perfect it was definately good enough to show the potential.

Roll on the next swell.

Over the last two days the Bournemouth Echo has reported stories that question whether or not the Boscombe reef is a good thing.

The stories focus on the fact that lots of effort has gone into improving Boscombe sea front but the issues with crime, poor quality house etc still remain as a real issue just a short walk from the beach.

The story has sparked of a serious debate on the Bournemouth Echo website that is well worth a read.
Personally, for obvious reasons I am all for the reef and I think the development of the reef is a brave, innovative move for the council to take. However after hearing that one of my business associates was stabbed over the weekend in Boscombe I fully agree that the council, businesses and residents of Boscombe must pull together and put a plan in action that will attempt to improve the whole of Boscombe.

To read the stories and the relevant comments please click here:

Story 1 – Is the reef good for Boscombe

Story 2 – Follow up story which includes people’s opinions.

Please feel free to comment because all us at BournemouthSurf.com would love to hear your thoughts.

Boscombe has once again stole the headlines again with the competition it is running for members of the public to design disabled friendly beach huts.

The competition has been tasked with creating modern, accessible replacements for the traditional shacks.

Members of public have been able to vote on over 160 scale models and final verdict is expected today.

To read more please click here.

According to http://www.surfersvillage.com Bournemouth will be hosting 1st stage of a 3 stage Rip Curl Girls tour.
Organisers are hopeful the event which is scheduled to take place on 28th June will be held on the artificial reef.

Full story: http://www.surfersvillage.com is below.
Tass Swallow : photo Jason Feast

Rip Curl Girls Tour

Stop No 4 of 10 on 2009 UK PST
Bournemouth UK
28 June 2009

Rip Curl Sponsor the biggest Women’s Event on the 2009

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 8 June, 2009 : – - The Rip Curl Girls Tour will this year feature a series of Women’s surfing contests in England and Wales. Three of these events; Bournemouth, Croyde and St Ives will combine to make a two star event on the Women’s UK Pro Surf Tour, with £1,000 prize money available. The surfer who accumulates the most points over these three competitions will win the only two star women’s event on the UK Pro Surf tour

In addition to the Pro events each venue will host a Newbie event. If the girls have not competed in a surf contest before they will have the opportunity to compete for the first time against surfers with the same experience as themselves. The finalists of these events will be put in the draw against the top Pro Surfers in the UK along with winning prizes from Rip Curl and the other sponsors.
The first event will take place at Bournemouth 28th June, at the location of the UK’s first artificial reef. There will be many activities taking place throughout the day to entertain the competitors. World Champion Stephanie Gilmore of Australia will be in attendance giving advice and supporting the development of the sport for Women.

The second stop on the Rip Curl Girls Tour will be Llanglennith on the Gower Peninsula, 23rd July. This event will not be part of the Pro Tour Series, due to the expected number of Newbie entries for the first timer’s competition. For the last 3 years over 200 female surfers have taken the opportunity to attend this event.

Stop three is at Croyde Beach, North Devon. Widely recognised as one of the best beach breaks in the country. It will give the best surfers a good opportunity to show their skills in quality surf.

The final stop is Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, situated below the Tate Gallery; Porthmeor is possibly one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall. In addition to the First time and Pro Event there will be a Women’s Longboard Event, the only Women’s Longboard event on the UK Pro Surf Tour. At this event we will crown the winner of the Rip Curl Girls Tour and give away £1,000 prize money.

Bournemouth 28th June
Llanglennith Wales 23rd July
Croyde Devon 26th July
St Ives Cornwall 28th 29th July