The Bunbury Airwave Artificial Surf Reef Tears During Installation
An unexpectedly large undertow ripped the seam of the Airwave artificial surf reef during installation off the coast of Bunbury, Western Australia.
Installation started last week and divers noticed noticed the tear on Friday, said Troy Bottegal, inventor of the Airwave. The reef was 90% complete when the tear occurred.
“We had a lot of undertow — a new swell came through that was a very deep swell that we weren’t planning on, and it was pushing the undertow through the line-up,” Mr. Bottegal said.
“It’s torn along the seam — it hasn’t torn the actual rubber, which is very strong.”
“The pressure from the airbag going back and forward with the undertow and incoming swell has put some pressure on that particular seam.”
Mr. Bottegal remains hopeful. He plans to meet with investors this week while an investigation will determine if the rip can be repaired. If the Airwave can’t be fixed, another Airwave will need to fabricated overseas, which will delay the trial by at least a month.
The City of Bunbury said the repair or replacement would come at no cost to tax payers.
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