The reef will increase the power of Newquay's waves

Mr Weight said the seabed had to be profiled to enable a decision to be made on the best location for the reef.

The decision would take into account currents and sand movement.

Mr Weight said: "As the wave hits the reef it would slow down.

"The height of the wave would increase by around double what it would normally break at and the power would be significantly greater.

Surfing contests

British surfing champion Russell Winter said: " By having a reef it would create world interest by saying England has one of the best waves."

Another surfer, Justin Scott, said: "They may end up having three or four top class contests here because they're guaranteed the waves.

Justin Scott: "Boost for Newquay"

"I think it's going to boost Newquay, England and Great Britain."

A recent report from a major international company estimated that the benefits of a major surf festival to the county's economy would be in the region of �17m.

Last month world surf wave expert Professor Kerry Black, of Waikato University, New Zealand, visited Newquay to collect data for a �35,000 feasibility study for the project.

If the initial study is satisfactory, the next step would be detailed design work costing up to �250,000.

Studies would also have to be done on the project's environmental impact and economic benefits.

The bathymetry study is expected to be carried out within the next few weeks.