Do Artificial Surf Reefs Work?

A blogger has taken on analysis of the track record for the artificial surf reefs constructed over the last 12 years. Grades are poor, with C- being the best. One of those recipients is Narrowneck Reef in Australia. The system in Narrowneck is large and uses geotextile bags. While the reef serves its main purpose–controlling beach erosion–it hasn’t turned out to be a surfer’s dream (nor was it built to be). Pratt’s Reef in the America’s also uses geotextile bags, but received a grade of F. The tiny installation has not had an effect and is being dismantled.