The initial idea behind the project sought to solve the problem of sand build up along the Lake’s catchment area, which has recently begun causing major maritime navigational issues. The dilemma following on from this was obviously where to dump the sand, and the quick thinking of local Swansea councilmen has led to potentially creating a man-made wave, similar to that of the Superbank on the Gold Coast.
The mass-dredging project has come under a lot of scrutiny from both locals and politicians. Shop owners and residents of Swansea and Belmont are under the impression that a world-class wave at their local beach would increase business revenue through tourism, and stamp Blacksmith’s Beach on the map as one of the best waves on the east coast of Australia.
However, replicating the world-class hollow wave on the Gold Coast does seem to raise serious structural issues and poses the question of whether or not the project could ruin the beach entirely. There are many who are not convinced that simply relocating the displaced sand to Blacksmith’s will create the same flawless tubes that exist on the Gold Coast.
As Australian surfing legend Mark Richards reminds us, a perfect surf break is more than just an accumulation of sand. “The (Gold Coast) Superbank, even though it was created by sand pumping, is unique in its geography. The reason it’s so good is not just the sand, it’s the swell direction and shape of the headland.” Richards also warns “there is no guarantee it (the sand) will stay where they pump it.”
Although in the past, Blacksmith’s Beach has provided a local focal point for beach activities, the beach break itself has never been regarded as a go-to wave. For the majority of the year Blacksmith’s usually attracts young families and beginner surfers only. The northern break wall bordering the Swansea channel, often shelters the beach from the majority of incoming swells, and due to its tight angle, big northeastern swells are the only option for hopeful surfers.
Essentially, the fickleness of the beach has been an underlying reason for a push toward creating a man made wave. The local surf and board riders club know only too well, the nature of the break, and their call for change played a pivotal role in choosing where to position the sand.
Due to strong currents that sweep in and out of the river mouth, local lifesavers believe the best option for a sandbank would be slightly north east of the break wall, resting on the notion that the sand will inevitability drift inward toward the break wall and take shape on its own.
However, there are still several disputes with this idea that continue to stretch out the planning process. Pelican Blacksmith’s Progress Association spokesman Chris Osborne, says the sandbank plan is ‘‘ill conceived and fails to understand the complex dynamics of ocean hydrology”. He suggests the unpredictability of swell movements along the east coast could leave the bank open to continuous shifting and potentially cause hazardous conditions for both swimmers and surfers. He has also revealed that a similar plans for an artificial reef off Stockton Beach was discussed years ago, but went nowhere, he believes the same will happen at Blacksmith’s Beach.
Whichever way you look at it, one cannot deny the bubbling anticipation for the project, surfers from Sydney to Newcastle seem particularly ecstatic. Having a world-class wave on their doorstep would ensure an even spread of surfing hot spots along the coast. Plus there’s no doubt the birth of the Superbank’s (Gold Coast) second cousin would fuel an even fiercer NSW/QLD rivalry, that would surely influence the next generation of up and coming professional surfers. Bring it on!
