IT HAS still not been officially launched but that hasn’t deterred surfers from rushing to try out the Boscombe reef.

The artificial reef is not due to be publicly declared “open” until next week, weather permitting.

But, having already waited two years more than originally planned, surfers and body boarders have started to get impatient.

So far, the conditions have been less than ideal for surfing but there are signs the surf reef will live up to expectations.

Paul Clarke, of Bournemouth Surfing Centre in Southbourne, said: “Wednesday was the first time in five months that we’ve had any signs of a south westerly ground swell.

“It was the first time we’ve had any kind of indication of what it’s going to be like.

“Bearing in mind it was only a small swell, there were definitely more signs of waves than we’ve seen so far.

“At one time, there were four to five long boarders out there.

“At other times, it’s been covered in body boarders.

“All the sections of the surfing community are starting to use it but, as to its effectiveness, the jury’s out until we get the right weather conditions.”

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Tourism said they were currently going through the results of a survey of the newly finished reef.

Once it is signed off, RNLI lifeguards will be trained on the reef and then it is just a matter of waiting for the right weather before it can be publicly launched.

For pictures of the surf reef during its development and to watch a video on how the reef works, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/surf_reef