Detailed Design Starts on Albany Artificial Surf Reef
The artificial surf reef planned for Middleton Beach in Albany, Western Australia, took a big step forward this week when the city awarded Bluecoast Consulting Engineers the tender for detailed design.
Bluecoast is not new to artificial reef design or this project. They were involved in Palm Beach Reef design and in the Albany reef feasibility study conducted by Royal Haskoning. The feasability study included three initial design options. The Albany Artificial Surfing Reef Steering Group, a group formed by the City of Albany, selected the option informally known as the “Long Right”.
The Long Right option is designed to create a fun right-hand wave that appeals to beginner and intermediate surfers. On good days, the wave will run for about 120m. Given the local swell conditions, which are typically small and long-period, the waves on the reef will measure 0.8 – 1.3m on the face of the wave. The shape of wave will be similar to a fun point like Tea Trees in Noosa Heads, but on larger swells, Royal Haskoning and Bluecoast expect the wave to get more powerful and appeal toward more advanced surfers.
Bluecoast will continue the project by designing the details of the reef and testing the design in physical scale and computer modeling.
The Wave Energy Research Center a the University of Western Australia will peer review the design process, bringing world-class marine expertise to the project.
In the related press release, Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said:
“This is an important milestone for the long-awaited Middleton Beach artificial surf reef.
“The surf reef will be a real boon for Albany, offering yet another tourism drawcard and providing locals a more reliable surf break.
“It is fantastic to see the Wave Energy Research Centre involved in this project: our investment in the centre has brought world-leading marine scientists to Albany, and will help to ensure the surf reef is designed to fit Albany’s unique coastal conditions.”
The project has plenty of local support as well. The City of Albany conducted a survey in which 90% of local respondents said they support the reef.
Local surf clubs also support the creation of the reef. Albany Boardriders president Peter Bolt told The Western Australian that the artificial reef would make surfing more accessible.
“For juniors, learners and intermediates it’s going to be a huge bonus — and for tourism (as) tourists won’t have to go hunting,” he said.
“It’s a local beach that kids can get to on a bike and don’t have to go to isolated beaches where there are no facilities for rescues.”
