Imagine a spitting A-frame added to this beach. Photo: James Hoey//Unsplash
A coalition of surfers in Pacifica, California has a plan to protect the coast and potentially create a new world-class wave. They’ve applied for a $150,000 grant to study the feasibility of building an offshore reef that they say could widen the beach near Pacifica’s battered pier, mitigate erosion, and benefit marine wildlife and surfers.
The project, which has been dubbed “Rob’s Reef” after Rob Caughlan, the first president of the Surfrider Foundation, would be a triangular patch of boulders placed in front of Pacifica’s Beach Boulevard. The group estimates the reef construction and beach expansion would cost around $100 million. Still, they view it as a longterm investment where seawalls have proven ineffective at protecting the shoreline.
Pacifica’s pier was closed on June 4 as the gradual onslaught of waves caused cracks to form between the structure’s walkway and foundation. The city demolished a cafe and bait shop on the dilapidated pier shortly thereafter.
Bob Battalio, a Pacifica surfer and coastal engineer, says the money would be well-spent.
“Usually people look at the price tag and go, ‘That’s too big, we don’t wanna do that, why don’t we just build a wall?’” Battalio told KQED. “But just building walls is not working.”
Currently, this stretch of Pacifica coast has a seawall with piles of boulders placed in front of it to protect the city from crashing waves. The city has a plan to tack on four more feet of height to the wall. In theory, the reef would reduce the wave energy before it reaches the shore. The city’s key decision makers are on board with the idea.
In the KQED report, Mayor Christine Boles highlighted how the city has lost 11 homes and three apartments over the last decade.
“A reef would help dissipate that energy so we don’t have all that dangerous overtopping,” Boles said. “The city is limited in time to be creative. To have people who are willing to step back and look a little bit more creatively about what other options might be available is super exciting.”
A similar project in Western Australia proved successful in at least creating a quality surf spot.
The reef advocates have formed a non-profit called “Friends of Rob’s Reef” to continue lobbying for support. They are awaiting a response to their grant application for a concept study.
Pacifica is not exactly known for its world-class waves. But if Rob’s Reef becomes a reality, Pacifica could be a guinea pig that other California municipalities will be watching closely.
