Englezi smislili umjetne valove za surfanje

Na obali južne Engleske počeli su radovi na izgradnji umjetnog poligona za surfanje.

Waiting for the perfect wave.

Something surfers get used to.

For enthusiasts here in Bournemouth, southern England, a new artificial reef will be a welcome boost both for their patience and surfing skills.

Construction is already underway on the 2.6 million pound ridge that's due for completion by the end of the year.

David Neilson heads the team lowering the structure into position.

He says as well as better waves, the reef, that's about the same size as a football pitch, will provide a new environment for sea life.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ASR LIMITED REEF CONSTRUCTION MANAGER, DAVID NEILSON SAYING:

"From the land you won't see very much at all. Unless there is some surf and then you'll see a nice wave breaking out here where there wasn't a wave before. If you come out on flat days like this, you'll be able to come out and snorkel on the reef.''

There'll be plenty to do out of the water too here.

The reef is part of a 9 million pound reconstruction for the city's Boscombe seafront.

Local councillor Beverly Dunlop says the reef and wider development is already making a difference.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BOURNEMOUTH COUNCILLOR, BEVERLY DUNLOP SAYING:

"It's a great leisure facility. It's the first in the northern hemisphere, It's quite ground breaking really. And we have seen a lot of economic benefit already. We've got new businesses in, they are thriving. I mean Boscombe is getting really really busy."

Andy Joyce, surfer and manager of Bournemouth surf school agrees.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ANDY JOYCE, SURFER AND MANAGER OF BOURNEMOUTH SURF SCHOOL SAYING:

"People are going to go "Oh that looks good, I'm going to go down and learn to surf". So we should see on the business side, we should see an increase in numbers as well."

On the personal side, for Andy and other local surfers, after years in the waiting they'll finally see those perfect waves roll in.

Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri, Reuters