Borth could become an attraction for surfers

Consultants are in the middle of a 26-week investigation into the possibility of inserting a man-made reef in the sea at Borth, near Aberystwyth.

The resort, with a population of 1,200, is currently by-passed by surfers visiting Wales who prefer to head for the better-known waves off the Gower and Pembrokeshire.

But if it gets approval it is hoped Borth could attract thousands of surfers from the Midlands and beyond, providing a much-needed boost to the economy.

The reef - which would be up to 300 metres long - would also provide the town with an effective sea defence because waves would be broken up before reaching the shore.

The reef would improve surfing conditions because the reef can be designed to shape the waves to make them break and peel Richard Huxley, Borth Surf Club

The study has been backed by Ceredigion County Council which aims to bid for European grants for inserting the reef.

Costing about �6m initially, and rising to �11m for the reef's life span, the scheme would provide more consistent waves for surfers.

Keith Evans, the county council's cabinet member responsible for highways, property and works, said the Objective One bid would be made after the feasibility study ends in September.

"It will either ask to fund additional costs if the reef is more expensive than the current suggestions, or for funding on-shore tourism infrastructure if it is cheaper," said Cllr Evans.

The idea of inserting an artificial surfing reef has emerged during talks in the last two years on renewing Borth's coastal defences which are approaching the end of their effective life.

To explore the potential for using the reef as part of the coast protection, the council has asked New Zealand-based consultants, Artificial Surfing Reefs Ltd (ASR) to carry out the study.

The reef would be placed just below the low tide point

The artificial reef would be between 100m and 300m long and be placed just below the water level at low tide.

It would be built by placing specially designed bags filled with about 700 tonnes of sand into the sea from a boat.

The position of the reef would be calculated by a satellite system before dropping the bags into place.

Richard Huxley, secretary of Borth Surf Club, which has more than 30 members, said the reef would improve the coast defence and be a big boost for surfers.

"The reef would improve surfing conditions because the reef can be designed to shape the waves to make them break and peel," said Mr Huxley.

"Consequently a good swell could provide good surfing conditions and be quite a draw for people to come to Borth."

The club will hold a surfing competition in October to raise awareness of Borth's potential as a surfing centre.