Newquay: we were worried, but we've nothing to fear from Boscombe's surf reef (From Bournemouth Echo)

£4 MILLION could of been used to generate a seaside economy of beachside traders and performers, and business centers in Bournemouth and grant funded shop fasicia upgrades along christchurch road. PREFORMERS AND SPECIALIST TRADERS ARE AN ATTRACTION NOT SKIPPING ROPE WAVES

IT HAS BEEN A TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY.

The people of Newquay should have asked the people of Bournemouth, and the majority of surfers, at the beginning. You would have been told not to worry. Cornwall will always be the surf capital of the UK, in particular Newquay. And did not Newquay turn down a Surf Reef.

Reading the comments in and around this article and others regarding the surf reef, I am amused by some of the comments made.

Firstly I have lived in both Newquay and Bournemouth, in both towns for several years. Out of choice, I am glad to say I now live in Bournemouth.

Newquay as a town, along with its traders, has other problems to worry about other than a surf reef 150 miles away. Although in the past Newquay could have been regarded as the 'surf capital' of the UK, the town is no longer worthy of this title in the opinions of many, even amongst its own local surfing fraternity. The surf industry in the town is now somewhat diminished, along with its holiday trade. This has been due mainly to complacency on the part of local people, who took it all for granted and refused to move with the times (and consistently ripped off holidaymakers) and also lack of investment. If you visit Newquay these days, the Cornish seaside town with it's surfy vibe is now a run-down high street catering for chavs, drinkers and just the odd brave tourist. There are still surfers there but most of the old school guys now surf elsewhere for less- packed waves, better company and a better vibe. I witnessed a dramatic downturn in the town from the mid-90's to a few years ago, and moving away was the best thing I ever did. The surf "bunk-houses" referred to in this article mainly cater for parties of kids who go there for under-age drinking sessions or stag/hen nights and are very rarely used by surfers/travellers who prefer instead to visit other parts of Cornwall and Devon.

I know Bournemouth has its problems as well, some similar to Newquay. However, these problems are much better controlled here and not as widespread as Newquay. Our night-time economy is much better managed, our town is cleaner and yes, we do have a lot more for families by way of hotels, attractions and facilities. Bournemouth is also a much nicer place to live - and I live close to the town centre!

With regards to the surf reef in particular, a lot of people are verbally ripping it up and jumping on the band wagon. It's not working as promised and was completed vastly over budget at our expense. However, this was a huge project to undertake and the factors which determine it's success are numerous, unpredictable and to an extent unkown. I know surfers locally who are happy with it and I know some aren't - this is a matter of opinion and ability. One thing they all seem to agree on is that it needs more time and obviously more adjustment (tweaking??). This has to be done however at no further expense to the taxpayer and the local council would do well to be more open and honest about any progress in the future. Even if it is only to keep the moaners on this website a bit quieter!

Newquay did not officially turn down a surf reef, certainly not out of lack of need or doubt of usability anyway. The truth is, when the issue was raised a few years ago, it was cost that may have put them off. This is a town with a local council that won't even allow a decent supermarket or cinema to be built, much to the dismay of its own local taxpayers. So a surf reef is the last thing on their minds.Furthermore, I agree with the surfer above who said any belief that the waves at Boscombe would compete with Cornwall were mis-guided. As I said earlier the factors that affect the reef and its results are numerous and these promises should not have been made.