Neilson’s Park

Neilson’s Park Reef (“Neilson’s”) is an artificial surfing reef created by enhancing local bathymetry to improve the quality of the surf. 

The spot formerly known as “boneyards” broke over a boulder field that had several large boulders protruding on the inside section. In 2008, Keith Drinkwater, President of Pacifque Boardriders Association, organized a hydraulic excavator to work at low tide over 2 days and relocate the problematic boulders. 

There are no records of planning, approval or design prior to the renovation.

Local surfers considered the renovations a success

The face of the breaking waves became smoother and provided a better, more consistent shape.

Prior to the renovations, the wave was only surfable at high tide because of the boulders. After the renovations, the wave was surfable at a lower tide. Subsequently, the number of surfable days per year increased.

The reef became a a safer place to surf thanks to the lack of hazardous boulders dissecting the lineup.

Sources: Surfingramps.com.au