Surfers in Bournemouth fight for new, inclusive surfing facility.
- darcyjournalism
- Nov 16, 2023
- 2 min read
A planning proposal for a new inland surf and leisure centre is being deliberated this week. A new Facebook group of surfers are looking for signatures for a petition in support of the project.
The Brocks Pine proposal aims to improve Avon Heath country park and build the leisure centre to thew south-east of A31 Ringwood Road. The plans are currently being decided by the planning inspectorate until the 14thNovember so the group are having a final push for their say with their petition.
A group in support of the new facility was started on Facebook on the 31st of October and grew very quickly.
The group have manged to spread the word and receive many signatures from residents of St Leonard, charities, surf teachers and adaptive surfing competitors as well as locals who surf.
One of the main reasons for the group and their support is the accessibility the facility will bring to disabled surfers.
“A lot of disabled people suffer fatigue or problems actually getting to the sea. “A surf reef would make the whole process, easier and for some, possible for others it will be an enormous help to so many, who thought that that world was un-attainable.”
Says Ben Lees, a surfer with MS.
The park would also give professional athletes somewhere to train. In BCP there are currently 3 world England Paralympic surfers. One of which is Natasha Davies who is currently competing in the USA world para surfing championships. The nearest facility is in Bristol.
“I understand why people might object to something like this in their backyard. However I am in favour of this surf lagoon being built. This relatively environmentally friendly surf lagoon is by far one of the best options for locals to have in their backyard.” Said Harry Brown, a member of the Facebook group.
According to Brocks Pine there will be massive benefits of opening the facility. Based on data from similar facilities it will provide around £1.6 million in wages and increase local expenditure by around £3.8 million per year.
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