Design of an artificial surfing reef at Somo-Loredo beach

Abstract

Surfing has been increasing in popularity over the last few decades. In order to have good conditions for surfing, several factors must simultaneously coincide. These include swell waves, off-shore winds and the optimum bathymetric configuration. Beach profiles and reefs that yield suitable waves for surfing are difficult to find in nature. This drives coastal engineers to construct reef like artificial submerged structures to improve the interaction between the wave and the sea bed and enhance the quality of the waves for surfing. The design of these reefs is inspired by natural reefs with perfect surfing waves. The aim of this research is to provide a novel numerical approach for the design of submerged structures that improve surfing conditions and to study the economic viability of an artificial surfing reef in Somo-Loredo, northern Spain.