In support of a surf reserve for the Mid Coast
The Mid Coast is an iconic place where many South Australians first learned how to surf. The Mid Coast Regional Surfing Reserve Steering Committee has been broadly engaging with the community in working towards the region’s dedication as a Regional Surfing Reserve, under the National Surfing Reserve guidelines. Swellnet Founder Ben Matson has written an open letter in support of their application.
South Australia is a unique state to be a surfer. Yes, there are world class waves in some regions, but the challenges and obstacles to seek them out are unlike any other part of the country. I suppose this is what channeled me into a career as a surf forecaster.
I grew up in Adelaide. For the first half of my life I lived at Seacliff Park, before later moving to Glenelg ahead of an East Coast relocation in my late twenties.
Glenelg and Seacliff are technically on the coast, but are tucked up high inside the Gulf St Vincent so that the only rideable waves are accompanied by howling onshore winds and driving winter rain.
For me - and thousands of other Adelaide surfers - the nearest surfing option was (and still is) the Mid Coast, a modest drive from most parts of Adelaide. It’s close enough to sneak in an occasional after-work session.
The Mid Coast is quite unique in the waves it offers, despite severe geographical limitations.
Facing west, swell energy is blocked by Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. A small window between them - Investigator Strait - allows southwest swells to eventually reach the Mid Coast, although much smaller in size than would be experienced at exposed parts of the state.
And it’s this characteristic that is so important to the Mid Coast.
Whilst some lament the smaller swells and reduced power, such conditions are an ideal breeding ground for beginner and intermediate surfers. My Dad - who also grew up surfing the Mid Coast through the 60’s and 70’s - taught me to surf during countless Saturday afternoons at the South Port river mouth.
And in stark contrast to the South Coast surrounding Victor Harbor - which frequently receives much larger swells - the Mid Coast has an incredible array of well shaped reef breaks, which offer an ideal entry point into a world full of more challenging surf locations. The Mid Coast is a rite of passage for all Adelaide surfers, and a stepping stone to the West Coast, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and South East Coast surfing regions.
As such, I am in support for the Mid Coast in South Australia to be dedicated as a Regional Surfing Reserve. Such a dedication will assist in celebrating the region’s rich surfing heritage and local culture, and will help highlight the need to protect the fragile local coast and marine environment.
Ben Matson
Swellnet Founder, Managing Director, Chief Meteorologist
Follow the Mid Coast Regional Surfing Reserve on Facebook
Photo of Seaford Reef by Craig Brokensha
Comments
No takers,sets must be good...
Good morning this one, had the bowl 2-3ft and empty early with a mate and one other, then when a few more came out we hit the reef. This was just before Chrissie as well, crazy.
on ya Ben,
I can't imagine a world where you can't paddle out for the late one on the mid , with sun setting in glorious full colour one way and the red ochre cliffs glowing looking the other way back to shore , and smacking a few lips on clean waves as the evening offshore inevitably kicks in. the mids clean crisp little reef bowls keep you in tune for bigger and beefier things further afield better than ( I know this will start a whole new thread but no disrespect all you south coast guys ) pretty well anything day street dishes up. the mid is special, lets get it officially on the map.
p.s. well observed Simba
Just curious as to what you're hoping to achieve by setting up a surfing reserve ?
* Is the foreshore area under threat from development?
* Shipping channels or proposed harbour(s)?
* Shark threats from people setting cray pots?
* Mining?
* Proposed de-sal plant?
*Backpackers illegal camping?
*Attempt to make facilities better, walkways, steps to beach, install long drops etc ?
I'm not familiar with the place but if for none of the reasons above threatening a wave/coastline stretch, why would it need to be made into a surfing reserve?
Yes, it may hold alot of childhood/teenage memories but so does everyother 2nd beach around the Australian coastline.
Not pulling the piss, just curious into the reasoning behind making it a surf reserve
cheers
fair cop Leroy,
the mid is a rapidly expanding satellite area of Adelaide and a recent rail extension and completion of an expressway has prompted a lot of housing development. there has been surfboard riding going on here since the 40's and well before as we are discovering in various forms.
with all that expansion comes lots of people with lots of expectations of how the community and coast should provide for them. surfers have been around, as stated ,all that time and as a local resident community for much of that time but never had a voice other than Surfing Australia in its numerous guises over the years which ,in no way being critical, by its competitive focus has really only represented a fraction of the surfing population . establishing a reserve doesn't mean surfers ( free surfers or competitive ) own the coast but it does give acknowledgement that they're there and always have been.
its an attempt to communicate to the non surfing public that we exist not to arbitrate with in the surfing community .
what this means is that if any of the above scenarios you raised (which all could raise their heads potentially ) become an issue, then surfing is recognised as a stake holder and will be considered and hopefully not overlooked or overrun if other community interests get up the political clout to drive some changes along the coast.
ovals, tennis courts, bike paths etc. and all kinds of other recreational facilities pop up around the place but I don't see a lot of surf break development happening ,( not around here thats for sure) so we need to show the finite and unique resource that we've got for the special thing it is and protect it.
there is a Facebook site if your looking for more info.
cheers frank
Frank and Leroy,
Take a look at the Bastion Point situation to see what happens when the interests of stakeholders aren't balanced. The surfers of Mallacoota have lost a pointbreak because the interests of the boating community outweighed their interests. A boat ramp that could very easily have been placed at the end of the wave now cuts the point in two.
The boating community is politically active and financially liquid, they can call upon people in power, or use studies to show how much fishing contributes to the community etc. Surfing is an individual pursuit with no central authority to provide resources. The surfers of Mallacoota simply couldn't compete.
When Surfing Reserves are formally recognised they add another layer of protection for surfers. Not to say they're impervious to development but, as Frank says, it means any proposed development has to address the needs of surfers.
And all that aside, I've seen first-hand how the Surfing Reserve process can draw communities together and that's a very cool thing.
Very good point Stu bastion point was a fuk up and your right can happen anywhere.
I like the idea , why not. The mid has played an important part in SA's surf history. I live here, I love the joint. It's a nice piece of suburbia. The place also should be recognised for some of the music it has produced as well.
Oh yeah, I'm glad the trig point is back up and leeroy we already have desal.
Make it the Testeagles surfing reserve, eh? Two birds (one eagle, one not) with one stone.
One of the biggest problems I see on the mid, especially to the reefs, is the fresh water /storm water run off. The suburbs around us have ballooned and with heaps more land opening up for housing , the fresh water run off is only gonna get worse. I reckon there is less weed on the rocks holding it all together. the marine environment isn't used to much freshwater, what we call rivers down here are creeks in the eastern states.
Actually Salt you could be right. I remember years ago the Trough actually wasn't a too bad a left-hander (for the Mid). In recent times it just seems to be a take-off then it turns into a fat lump. I've wonder whether this because of the stormwater outlet adjacent to it by the strairs has effected the reef/sand?
Nah, the Trough has always been the slowest, fattest wave on the Mid.
:—]
Cheers for the info.
Thats why I was curious Frank as to why it was being put forward to become a surfing reserve.
It's obvious to the untrained that the proposal is to protect the localised environment, coastal fringe and marine areas, however this was not thoroughly addressed in the proposal letter above to any great detail, other than stating that people can go there to have a surf after work and how the swell gets in.
I don't have facebook but from your suggestion there has already been a push and Ben's letter is number 72 out of 300 submissions, so information relating to the coastal vegetation, marine life, estuary systems and water quality has been put forward by others involved.
If you can justify the environmental side of the argument then no reason why it can't be a winner
Hopefully no greedy developers or ancient council members standing in your way mate
Good things
Good idea, a post work paddle at moana after a 40 degree day keeps you sane, nice vibe on the mid and good folks. Won't be back for a while but be nice to see it unchanged.
Hey Leroy, local council are supportive as are local state pollies, 1 of whom has actually spoken for the proposal in parliament, frank
Sounds like the ball is well and truly rolling, especially if council is on your side
Hopefully it keeps your water clean, beaches free of rubbish and upgrades to carparks/toilets etc
Sometimes you can't stop progress but you can help limit its effect.
Nice one
The SA government should invest in an artificial reef that rivals none at the mid coast, good surf brings surfers hence brings economy. The mid coast is perfect for it. Imagine a semi consistent, 2ft, longish, perfect reef wave. Cashed up, middle aged, Mal riders would travel there in droves.... Time for another vb
a
while we're at it can we get Preece's surf shop declared a sacred site ,not to be tampered with in any way,shape or form.
clean beautiful place,nice people,great food!international airport in under 1hr.i live here and i travel alot because the surf here isnt flash.good for groms n senior citizens.
i agree w/uncle leeroy on what precisely is a surf reserve going to do?please explain ben.
frank mentioned suburban development and salt mentioned seaweed loss.can a surf reserve stop greedy developers?i hope so!take it to them boys!!!
Hey Troppo,
back in the 90's, they put a shared bike and pedestrian along the top of the cliffs from the river mouth to moana. Bike SA were the prime movers and initially there wasn't a lot of consultation , after all , who wouldn't like a bike path.
Until it was apparent the original drawings more than halved car parks at numerous breaks, reduced the number of access paths, took out the seaford shower for beach users and made no provision for those that did rock up for a surf to get their boards out without obstructing thoroughfare on the path.
thankfully, common sense prevailed but only after strong lobbying by the local surfing community to council and the local MP at the time, John Hill. other than that , incredible as it sounds surfing was not acknowledged by the bigger powers that be in planning , as something that would be impacted by their plans.
establishing a surfing reserve at the very least , waves a big flag to say we are here.
environmental concerns are intrinsically entwined in the preserving of a natural pursuit like surfing and obviously a big consideration, but to establish a reserve is justified on its own merit simply to preserve the potential for future generations to enjoy it
frank
Great article Ben, many thanks.
Little late to the party. 'The Mid' is terribly important. It may not be the North Shore or the Northern Beaches. However, it is unique and offers some great diversity to SA surfers and in particular those who call Adelaide home.
When it is 'on', and I acknowledge that's not all too often, there are few more enjoyable places to be. The view from the water is something, uniquely, South Australian. I for one do miss it.
Frank's commentary above is spot on. The recognition of a reserve values what we hold dear for us today and those yet to come. I'm all for it. Bravo.
Hey U Turn,
on ya mate , thanks for sharing the love, frank
G'day Frank - in the late 1980's I escaped the 'crowd' at Seaford and Three Poles and followed 'Frank the Pastry Chef' down to U-Turn's as 'it was a bit lonely'. He was a stylist on an old mal, lovely bloke, and we had it to ourselves..... is this you?
sorry mate , different frank. don't mind a pastry but couldn't bake one to save myself. sadly you'd struggle to get u turns to yourself now. glad you were able to sneak in a bit of soul back in the day though, cheers
And in news just to hand: the National Surfing Reserve Board has accepted the Mid Coast Surfing Reserve's dedication.
From the Mid Coast Regional Surfing Reserve's Facebook page:
"Recently the National Surfing Reserve (NSR) Board voted unanimously to accept the Mid Coast Surfing Reserve Steering Committee’s submission and welcome the Mid Coast (SA) as Australia’s first regional surfing reserve.
The Board also noted the following regarding the submission:
• The submission was very professionally written and presented together with the supporting material it provided an excellent overview of the proposed reserve, its merits and the many surfing breaks.
• It also provided excellent support from the three levels of government as well as many local stakeholders
Now that submission has been accepted and endorsed by the NSR Board, the next steps the Mid Coast Surfing Reserve Steering Committee are looking to coordinate are the following:
• Plan a dedication date.
• Design a dedication plaque for the ‘Mid Coast Surfing Reserve’ and select a site for the dedication.
• Produce a Mid Coast Surfing Reserve dedication booklet.
Now that the steering committee has received approval for dedication, it looks to take on a ‘stakeholder’ role in partnership with the local surfing and aquatic community.
The group will be talking to both the state government and local council as to how the reserve will fit in within the management framework of the Adelaide coast.
The steering committee will also be looking to maintain an ongoing reserve ‘stewardship’ role post-dedication, and seeks its representation and input into matters related to management of this section of coast."
Christies beach to Moana is now the surfing reserve ?
Well, finally it has happened! Today the Mid Coast is being formally dedicated as a National Surfing Reserve.
If you're in town, come on down to the South Port clifftop reserve at 2pm (overlooking the Onkaparinga river mouth) for the unveiling of the Dedication Plaque.
Afterwards, there's a shindig at the South Port SLSC with music by Thom Burns.
What a perfect day for it! no one will be there, there will 6 or seven hundred out at the secret spot out of town. Riders of the Storm 3.
Great day yesterday ! Sun came out, wind dropped out & a BIG crew in attendance inc some old faces , legends & even folk from Cactus & Yorkes. Jarrad Howse came down from Sydney & gave a fine speech , all groups were well represented & a good time was had by all.........even a few waves for the late one !
swellnet crew salute Ben Matson.
Official Website
#1 swellnet presents ~ "Mid Coast Surfing Reserve"
https://www.midcoastsurfreserve.com/
facebook] SA Mid Coast Surfing Reserve (Map ~ 27th Dec)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1374402709487736/
#1 swellnet presents ~ SA "Encounter Coast Surfing Reserve"
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2019/12/17/encounter-coa...
Crew thanks swellnet once again...excellent work!
tbb joins Goldie/Qldurrz/OZ in saluting SA for preserving Surfing's Heritage
In order to have a surfing reserve don’t ya need surf ? The magic mid was where l learnt to surf and I’m so glad l escaped when l was seventeen never to return , south oz has some great waves and if kangaroo island wasn’t there then the mid would be magic.
Supafreak can take heart from Qldurrz latest WSR
Up until 12,000 y/ago Sunshine Coast / Noosa WSR was shielded by Barwon Island.
Barwon Island stretched 70km long @ 40 kms offshore off Sunny Coast.
The Island now rests 60m beneath the surface.
Noosa WSR is likely to be the newest surf Point in Australia (Ironic for a WSR)
Also explains why Aboriginal Culture is fragmented in same Area.
Best historian spoke of a disjointed race with less attachment amongst local tribes. Describes refugee status of part belonging...To date, none have put their finger on it!
This Island sunk from trace offshore from that very same generation of lost souls
No real history of Noosa WSR is presented & will remain absent from surf history!
All freely welcome to fellow Qldurrz Surf research...for soon Dedication...
May wanna also correct modern beginning to include..
1865 Surf Bathing (Archer's Party)
1876 Surf Tours to Noosa Point for surf bathing riotously in the surf at Spot X
Noosa Surf history & Web pride nuclear age beginning...(Way too late for the party!)
This is when surfers disengaged with Noosa Point to fend off waves with shields.
Beginning of the end as Skeg'z pet Jet Skis & Dogs plague the National Park WSR.
Qldurr tbb swears not one word of this is going on the Dedication Plaque.
Spoiler: It's some feelgood surfie fairytale sticker...so how could tbb know that...Durr!
Hello, I am a year 11 student at Willunga high school, I am doing my research project on 'To What Extent Does Kangaroo Island Effect The Swell On The Mid Coast' it would be appreciated if someone could give me some of their knowledge about the topic. Cheers
Hi ktwigden. Kangaroo Island blockes most of the south to south-westerly swell from the Southern Ocean coming into the Gulf St. Vincent and hitting the Fleurieu Peninsulas Mid Coast. This is great for shipping and boating, but not so good for surfing. Any swell arriving on the Mid Coast has to travel in a particular direction so that it squeezes inbetween the top of KI and the bottom of Yorke Peninsula. As a result, the more westerly the swell direction the better the surf for the Mid Coast. As the predominate direction of swell in the Southern Ocean is south-westerly, the Mid Coast misses out on a lot of surf. To give you an idea of what the surf on Mid-Coast on the Fleurieu Peninsula could be like without KI, you need to look no further than Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas. These peninsulas are not blocked from south-westerly swells. The west coasts of both of these peninsulas face a similar direction to Fleurieu Peninsula and are also not too dissimilar geographically. The south western tip of Yorke Peninsula has more and far better quality surf spots than on the Mid Coast. And Eyre Peninsula is on another level again. Without KI one can only imagine what the surf would be like at places like Normanville, Myponga, Aldinga, Hallett Cove and numerous other spots along the Fleurieu coast. Hope this helps.
good work "copy+paste" homework done, lets go surfing, ah shit its flat, bloody KI.
Ha!
From somewhere nowhere near there, is Yorke P much less consistent than Eyre?
Thanks heaps mate, helps a lot :) :)
Hey Ktwigden, will have a repsonse later on top of what's been provided already.
How do you think the main Mid Coast reefs would handle an undisturbed SW swell?
It's been a long time for me since I've surfed there but I get the impression they don't drop off that quickly so it might be a case of lots of wash throughs rather than decent waves.
Yep would over power them. Even at 4ft the Mid Coast maxes out.
I think it might depend a bit on each individual break. Going by the biggest swells I've seen on the Mid Coast some spots might handle it OK on the right tide. Eg Snakes would only get better; Seaford Reef could easily handle big swell due to the shape of the reef. I think other spots you might find closing out or joining up with other breaks (Eg Triggs 1 and 2. Three Poles to ANZACS etc.). I'd also like to think that consistent big swells might build decent banks on the beaches as well. I guess the caveat in all this is how the seafloor and reefs would look after eons of treatment from open ocean swells — the Mid as we know it may look totally different. Just my thoughts — I'm no oceanographer!
plenty of other spots would light up with 4' plus swell, also no KI: east coast yorkes?
Yes.
KI gets bit of swell.
Solitude,without going into detail,the answer is no
Yeah cool. Thanks Ray.
Please try to save what you have - once it's gone it's gone for good. Look at the NSW coast; places like Seal Rocks are now grotesque. A sure sign it's all over is when the coffee shops arrive.
Hi Guys, I was wondering is anyone would be able to answer my survey for my research project question of "What Impact does Kangaroo Island Have On The Coast Of Mainland South Australia" the survey is quite short and any information would be appretiated. tia https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MQTRZCX