Burkitts Reef

Burkitt’s Reef is an artificial surfing reef created by enhancing local bathymetry to improve the quality of the surf. While the changes did not create a world-class surf spot, the project is generally considered a success. Prior to the renovations, the right-hand point break was cursed with multiple obtruding boulders and a deep gutter that split the wave into two unconnected sections. After the renovations, the wave offered a smooth peeling lip with some barrel action, according to Andrew Pitt at SurfingRamps.com.au.

Design and Construction

The project started in 1982 when Greg Redgard, a member of the local Bargara Boardriders Association, asked the government for permission to break down the hazardous boulders and remove discarded railroad tracks from the break area. The government rejected his first application. But Greg was persistent and, with the help of community lobbying, Beach Protection Authority of Queensland and the Burnett Shire Council approved his request.

The objective of the renovation was to smooth the existing bathymetry and provide a longer wave. Greg and a handful of other volunteers used common sense and surf experience as the primary inputs to the design efforts. They did not use do any modeling or scaled tests prior to construction.

The on-site crew completed the renovation over two days (8 hours total) in February 1997. Using a large Kobelco hydraulic excavator at low tide, the on-site crew broke down at least 12 large boulders and relocated them to gaps in the reef where the wave would break at higher tides. This created a smoother grade seafloor with less “surface irregularity” according to Andrew Pitt.

The project team never measured the volume of rock relocated, but estimates put it around 300 cubic meters. The 2.5m tide swings made the work relatively easy.

The total cost of the project, including approvals, was around $10,000 AUD. Redgard, the Bargara Boardriders Association and local business funded the project.

Results

According to Pitt, video (which we have not been able to obtain) that shows the wave before and after renovations make it clear that the project was a success. When the swell arrives from the right angle at a higher tide, the wave offers a consistent peeling face that occasionally barrels.

Prior to renovations, the surf spot was surfable a hand full of days every year, according to Pitt. Since renovations, the number of surfable days per year is closer to 30. It never gets too big, but it does get overhead roughly four times per year, according to Pitt.

The lack of boulders and shallow spots also makes the surf spot safer for surfers and the boards they ride.

Sources: Andrew Pitt at Surfingramps.com.au, Review of Existing Multi-Functional Artificial Reefs (Jackson and Corbett 2007)