IF ANYBODY HAS STRONG VIEWS ON THE REDEVELOPMENT PLEASE WRITE TO THE JEP. PLEASE ALSO INDICATE THAT YOU ARE SURF CLUB MEMBER OR GENERAL SURFER AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH SURFING news@jerseyeveningpost.com
PLEASE INSURE FACTS ARE CORRECT..THEY WILL BE CHECKED OUT BY THE MEDIA FOR FACTUAL ACCURACY
Message from Simon and Ali Moffat(nee McGovern-long time organiser of the Open Mic)
As local surfers and St Ouen's Bay residents, we have been going to the Splash for many years and have spent enough money at the bar to pay for this whole redevelopment !! ha ha :-)
We acknowledge that there are positives, including I) the design and landscaping (excluding the judging tower), ii) improving facilities, such as the club, bar and restaurant.
We feel however that the proposal is too commercial and the footprint too big. El Tico and Sands have recently increased in size and we are concerned that this is becoming a precedence for future development in the rest of the bay - which will lead to further strain on the area which is essentially a Nature Reserve. We have traveled extensively and cannot think of any other location where you can double the size of a property in a dedicated nature reserve.
David Seymour has mentioned that the facilities proposed are required to make the development a viable business venture, however, the only focus should be on whether its right for the bay and the local community. We feel that it is reasonable to ask for the proposed business venture to be smaller, therefore costing less money. If they combined this with extending their acceptable time period in which to make profit the impact of the development on the bay would be considerably reduced. We are vehemently against the building of a Wave House... as it would be more in keeping at the waterfront. We also feel strongly that accommodation should not be approved by P&E as this proposal is not in keeping with the existing use of the building.
The number of surfers has rapidly increased here in recent years, but despite this, Jersey will never be an international surfing venue as we just don't have the waves to make that happen; this must be kept in mind by the Dept for P&E and Tourism before plans are passed. If a large scale business venture is necessary to make a redevelopment profitable, why not focus on developing and protecting the ecology of the bay? The Splash (possibly alongside the likes of Durrell, Jersey Heritage, Eden project etc) could be at the forefront of marking the bay internationally as a surfing 'nature reserve'. This surely would attract a more steady long term stream of tourism? A small percentage of the profits, from this type of eco-adventure, invested back into the bay every year would be very admirable!
We feel very fortunate that David Seymour has his roots in surfing and has expressed an interest in our thoughts. With that in mind, we hope that he will take so many of the views already expressed into account - Wouldn't it be so refreshing for our comments to have an influence in this instance?
We have a great community and many good surfers here; We don't see how a judging tower and wave pool are going to improve that. We need to continue to protect St Ouen's Bay, in order to provide future generations with a sensation of space and access to nature.
A Future Splash
By Arlene Maltman, Former European and 2x British Champion
I drive my BMW XXX99 down to the Splash and park my oversized vehicle in a tiny space behind the building somewhere, I pay my £10, I can’t see the surf, but as far as I know this is still St. Ouen’s Bay and I haven’t taken a wrong turn to the Waterfront. I navigate my way to the beach through a labyrinth of passageways.
I pass the Flowrider. A couple of tourists flounder around screeching over the loud music and din of the tons of water flushing about. Someone screams, they may be hurt but I don’t stop to view the carnage.
I walk past the skate bowl (it’s the only one on the Island) where a group of kids are left to their own devices. Skate wheels grind over the surface and the noise desperately competes with the music emanating from the restaurant where parents drink flashy foamy lattes. I get to the lockers where I am lucky enough to have my own - complete with a Hollywood-esque “Star” embossed on it with the words “Arlene Maltman European champion 1982, Watersplash Jersey”. Indeed, I am one of the lucky ones, lockers are like golf course memberships: prestigious, expensive, and a long wait.I should be grateful, in my day we had to change outside in the elements, wear Marigold gloves and risk frostbite. I should be grateful.Meanwhile, a boisterous crowd gathers in the locker room. One of them shouts, “Yeah, mate its wicked – hot showers!” If only I could share their enthusiasm. The surf looks decent, so I make my way to the wall and someone from the height of the Judges Tower shouts, “Action!” Another photo shoot. A pencil thin girl who looks like she would have trouble holding a surfboard, walks past looking vacuous, I feel like saying, “the surf is the other way” but I resist the sarcasm.I walk down the stairs to the beach, cursing at pieces of litter and the massive crowd. A friend of mine is wearing on official States of Jersey “Crowd Control” T-shirt. He tells me it’s a good summer job but the worst part is having to tell long-time surfers that the line-up has its quota of bodies and they won’t be able to surf until someone gets out of the water. It’s not going to spoil my day, “I’m too old for all this hoopla, it’s all for the kids, I had it at its best” I tell myself. After all, it’s the first surf there has been in months. All the contests have been cancelled and there has been rumours of the sponsors pulling out of this so called “International Surf Centre.”
As I walk down the beach I have an epiphany: waves are the one things money can’t buy. They are a gift, along with the Bay with all its beauty and tranquillity. We’ve made some bad decisions in the past but I hope in the future we can be more sensitive stewards: I hope we can appreciate what is left of our priceless natural environment by building something in-keeping with it, rather than something that competes with it. And, I hope the real ethos of surfing and sharing waves does not get swallowed up in a tidal -wave of mass commercialism.
The year is 2015
Letter from Sam George. Multiple Open & Longboard Surfing Champion and long time CI Team member.
I was Nearly born at the watersplash in the summer of 1978 while my Dad was out Surfing. since then I have been raised in or around and surfed the splash for some 25 years I feel that I must write to set out my concern over the proposed Watersplash development.
A change as they say is always a good thing and I will be the first to admitt that the current Watersplash site as it is and as it has been for some 40 years is in dire need of drastic modernisation. The common sense approach would be to flatten the exsisting site and create a modern facility that fits in with the serenity of St Ouen's, utilising the core componants that have made the splash successfull through the generations these being a nightclub, a bar and a good restaurant. My first thought which came to me upon viewing the proposals is WHY?
Why, Do we need a Flowrider? This is about as far removed from the ethos of Surfing as you can get. Afterall this is St Ouen's bay not Typhoon lagoon in Florida!
Why, Do we need a monolithic judging tower and International Surfing centre? Jersey simply does not get sufficient surf during the summer months to warrant building a judging tower. We have enough towers as it is in the bay, These were left by the Germans! As for the Surfing Centre, I think that Mr Seymour may have been to Newquay recently and seen the one they have there and thought it be a good idea. One problem, Newquay is a town with buildings right to the beach. If common sense provails St Ouens will never have buildings which stretch right to the beach.
This brings me onto my next point what Surfer from abroad would choose to come to Jersey for a Surfing holiday when the cheaper alternative of vast untouched swell drenched beaches of south west france are just across the pond. The simple answer is nobody, the waves in the summer just do not satisfy even the basic surfers needs. Surfers travel to areas where the chances of swell are generous and the chances of surfing without crowds is high.
I don't need to point out that the proposals break nearly every rule in the planning and development rule book, nor will I stress the longterm detremental effect this will have on our wildlife which grace the shores of St Ouen's bay, increased pollution, crowding, lack of parking, Health and Safety issues have all been well highlighted in previous letters.
If mr Seymour is as he says he is a lifelong Surfer, then why not give something back to the sport that he loves. Something which captures the heritage of the Splash as it is, something that Surfers can be proud of and which relights memories of many a good surf at the beach or a night spent within the Watersplash, A modern building encompasing the facilities I have highlighted earlier in my letter are exactly what is needed, nothing more. If the Planning Authorities pass these proposals they will have made a total mockery of their precious stringent planning rulebook! I do not know one Surfer or regular beach user who thinks that these proposals are a good idea. The magic of the bay will simply be shattered if this glorified condo of a plan comes into play. The idea is one that would work if we resided at a city beach like Fistral beach in Newquay or Newport beach in California as it would have liitle impact to the infrastructure that go into making the said area succesful in its own right.
I just hope Mr Seymour comes to his senses and hear's the voices of his fellow surfers and beach users. All I can say in finishing is to call upon a cliche that goes like this. "If its isn't broken don't fix it" Let's just hope that our bay St Ouen's bay remains unbroken for many many years to come.
Sam George.
COMMENTS FROM JAKE POWELL 17yrs,JUNIOR SURFER AND SQUAD MEMBER FOR THE CHANNEL ISLAND TEAM
After growing up and spending most of my years as a mini grom at the 'Splash', i feel lucky that i had that opportuinity to enjoy the surf and the surf scene how it was and is at the moment. I just fear that the whole vibe and place is going to change for the worse and the crowds that the new project will attract will be mainly upper class and this is not what the beach should be about. I dont see why that someone has the right to change something that has been second home to so many people for so many years. But whatever happens hopefully good comes from it, cheers Jake.
comments from Shelly McFarling, Channel Island ladies Champion 2007 and CI team 2007
Hey,
I am currently away at the moment, but have been trying to keep up with what has been going on at home. Hearing that these huge plans have been put forward for the Splash worry me that i might be returning to Disneyland or something of like. Now i do agree that the Splash is a little out dated but do we really need all this rigmarloe? I do agree having the luxuries of changing rooms and lockers woud be nice but are we going to be getting charged an arm and a leg for them? And we do need to be realisitic about pulling big contests to Jersey, do professional surfers really want to surf the likes of splash when Le Gravier and Le Piste are a stones throw away? I dont know, it all just seems like we are trying to hard. Why would we need a flow rider? If people were that interested in wouldnt they be using the one we already have? It takes the natural beauty out of surfing. Going down to the beach to have a laugh surfing on the doylies with your friends, or wanting some down time and enjoying a quite surf to clear your mind thats what its about. Well whatever happens i just hope its for the good of the beach nothing else, not contests, not our benifits and not money.
Thanks Shelley McFarling.
Comments from Jeremy Oxenden, Surfer for over 30years and who's family started surfing in Jersey from the late 20s and key member of the Jersey Longboard Riders Association
Hi, I am a keen third generation all year round surfer and I have been surfing in one way or another since 1963 or 64. I'm not apposed to a modest re development of the Water Splash site, similar to the re development allowed at the El Tico site. The surf in St Ouens Bay is often crowded, we don't need to encourage mass surfing tourism, this has been done in a few bays around the world and always upsets the local surfing communities. St Ouens Bay is already a surfing paradise and we should keep it that way. Jeremy Oxenden.
Comments from Mark Creedon
As a surfer who has appreciated the beauty of St Ouens Bay for all my 40 years I am totally against the proposed development. The sport has already become too commercialised and the water is already over crowded. I’ll ask one question - do the best surf spots in Europe (or the World) have such developments? Of course not they have consistently good waves and don’t need a flowrider.
The bay as a whole needs to keep its natural beauty. If the plans are approved it will the end of the sport as I and many others know it in Jersey .
NICK DURABNO,FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB AND OWNER OF LANEEZ SURF SHOP
Here are my thoughts of the splash plans
To all members
firstly i think we are lucky to have someone like david who wants to put his time and money into surfing in jersey,the design of the building is good and been well thought out, nice looking from the beach and road side.
however i have a few issues to raise
(1) The flow rider in my opinion is not needed and will not be used enough after the honeymoon period of being something new.
(2)The parking is a big issue,the development is just to big and parking has not been addressed properly,and to loss the surfers parking is a shame.
(3)the size,I understand the splash needs to be flattened and re-built but to double the size i just don't agree with.
cheers Nick D
JAMIE COLE'S COMMENTS, HAUTLIEU ART TEACHER
Ok here goes... I think the Seymour Family have made a great effort here and are trying to support the surfing community especially. Long may it continue... However... I would like to see the area returned to nature and become part of the wider park and conservation area. This will probably never happen and i realise that the land is family owned. Dom Boletta mentioned that he would like to see the wall disappear...ditto. If the Watersplash is to be re-developed then I think landscaping and aesthetics has to be a key component. The architects and designers will claim this has already been established, but I don't think that the building itself has been sensitively planned, is not very iconic and is probably trying to be too many things at once. Ambition is healthy, but so is realism. Will Jersey ever be a magnet for international surfers and contests ??? Dont think so. We rarely have quality waves, and the tides dictate the already sensitive conditions. The Splash as we know it already attracts alot of people, not all beach-minded people. Pollution will be a factor to be considered. How can we claim to be eco-minded protectors of the sea and still encourage over-use of a small and fragile area??? This is an oppotunity to build something that we are proud of and that visitors will talk about...and it needs to be done without any compromises at all. Cheers Jamie
COMMENTS FROM DAVE BEAUGEARD,FORMER TREASURER AND PRESIDENT OF THE SURF CLUB AND LONG TIME FOLLOWER OF SURFING AROUND THE WORLD
So what do I think! I had a long chat with David Seymour, so he knows my views. The plans are excellent a well thought out “resort plan”, beautifully presented and in essence may very well be what Jersey needs. The big, big question is, are these plans what St Ouen’s Bay deserves? for whilst unlike some, I don’t believe it to be ugly, I do believe that the size of the proposals are completely out of character with the Bay and will urbanize St Ouen’s Bay at a stroke, complete with attendant increased traffic and potential light pollution from a vastly increased Watersplash footprint. Indeed will plonk a “private resort” that effectually extends from the green hut to the east, to the western boundary, that is dangerously close to the iconic White House. It will deny a view of the ocean for a large part of the drive along the Bay. Minimal impact sorry, these plans will have a huge environmental impact on St Ouen’s Bay. There is something beautiful about St Ouen’s Bay, a jewel in Jersey ’s coastline, it certainly doesn’t need a very large urbanized development right in the middle of this marvellous stretch of coast line. When I suggest that these plans include much that Jersey needs to attract the visitor, it may be so but not in St Ouen’s Bay where it is totally out of character with the unique environment of the Bay. So what happens if these proposals are accepted, what is there to stop other developers with dreams of “surf resorts” submitting plans? A precedent will have been created in the name of tidying up the Watersplash. What reason will there be to refuse others waiting in the wings who have dreams of developing land on the sea side of the five mile road. At a stroke what has been described in successive island plans as a “special place” will have been destroyed for ever. The St Ouen’s Bay Planning Framework clearly states that Jersey is a “green globe” destination which requires tourism activities to respect the environment. It goes further stating that the emphasis in St Ouen’s Bay should be on informal recreation not commercial tourism. It also goes on to say that there is a strong presumption against building in St Ouen’s Bay, and the extension of existing tourism facilities in St Ouen’s Bay including the building of self catering facilities that require new building and result in an unacceptable intensification of activity. I am sorry to say that the Watersplash proposals drive a coach and horses through every thing that the Planning Framework appears to set out to enforce. The proposals mean very little for surfing in general, OK there will be a judging tower, changing facilities and a club house, but at what a price, a mini Newquay? This is “resort surfing” complete with skate bowl, I am afraid in my book that is no reason to destroy the specialness of St Ouen’s Bay. Of course the Watersplash is tired and in need of refurbishment and I appreciate that David Seymour wants to develop the property into something he and his family can be proud of. As a surfing family they are great supporters of surfing but the bigger picture is more important and if these plans are approved what will become of the St Ouen’s Bay we know? Remember they don’t build wild spaces any more. D
COMMENTS FROM GEOFF HILL,60YRS PLUSS
Dear Surfers
I quite agree. The scale is just impossible.
It will dominate the bay, and take away much of the open
nature of the area.
St Ouens should not be used for ANY large development, no
matter how well intentioned the proposer.
Please add my name to any list of objectors
If you plan any action/protest, let me know - I will be there.
Best
Geoff (Hill)
views from Steve Harewood,founder of Freedom Surfboards,surfer for over 40yrs, GB team rider in the 60's and 70's and world travelled
My concern is the judges tower that sticks out like a sore thumb, why so big and so alone and so close to the wall.For what 5 contests year that we have coped with judging from the wall or tempory scaffolding . Whilst the major plans seem sympatic, I feel it is wrong to use the area North of theSplash that is a designated area of wildlife & reserve of natural beauty.
Letter from Scott Eastwood, BPSA Surfer,Channel Island Team surfer.
Having been a local surfer at the Splash now for 23 years, I write to express my concern at the proposed £10 million redevelopment of the Watersplash to create a 'world class family surfing centre'. I understand that one of the aims of this development is to create a year round surf tourism market in the island and to re establish Jersey as a key surfing venue for international competitions. As a local island surfer I have several issues with these aims: First of all, the reason that Jersey doesn't attract a great deal of surf tourism is primarily due to the fact that the waves are less consistent and of lesser quality than many other European surf destinations such as France. The introduction of a flow rider is not going to change the quality or frequency of waves that we get in the island but it will serve to increase the amount of people surfing at St Ouens Bay and more than likely lead to higher numbers of surf related accidents in the water and increase the impact on the environment. Surfing in Jersey is already growing at a phenomenal rate and in my opinion, doesn't need the sudden increase in numbers that a development such as this is likely to bring. There is also the issue of wanting to re establish Jersey as a key venue for international surfing competition as it was in the 1960's. The quality of surf that we get now is certainly no different to the 1960's, but the change in equipment from the long boards ridden in that era to today's modern short boards mean that the typical waves that you are likley to have over a short contest waiting period (certainly in the summer months at least), are more often than not suited to long board surfing but not to today's modern style of high performance short boarding. Similarly, the growing emphasis on giving the world's best surfers the best opportunity to demonstrate their full repertoire of moves in the best conditions possible mean that Jersey is not likely to be top of the list as a would be WQS contest venue. As already stated by Doug Creedon, St Ouens Bay has that 'grass roots' feel about it and that is why it is such an appealing place to most, if not all of the island's surfing community. Does the Splash really need a flow rider, swanky restraunts, board lockers, surf lodges, another surf shop and everyting else that has been proposed? I would be the first to agree that the existing structure could do with a bit of a make over but I would respectfully suggest that the proposed redevelopment would be several steps too far.
VIEWS FROM MARK DURBANO, FORMER GB TEAM SURFER, BIG WAVE RIDER AND OWNER OF LANEEZ SURF SHOP
Dear Surfers ,
The splash as it stands is probably one of the largest buildings down the beach , why does the rebuild need to take up more precious land .I'm sure the rebuild could match the same area of building as is there
now but be a lot more pleasing to the eye, more enjoyable to be in andso therefore be a more profitable venture .
The Bay's main attractions were there well before any buildings were built and are luckily still there now . Firstly the whole bay itself ,it's amazing to see it for the first time , whatever direction you enter it and it stays that way for nearly ever visit , the dunes , the countryside , the pond ,the beach , the sea , the waves and the wildlife . The sun coming over the hill in the morning , the spoilt for choice spots to pick during
the dayand maybe best of all one of the nicest place's in the island to watch the sun go down .
These should always be the main attractions of St.Ouen's Bay .
Happy surfing ,
Mark . D .
VIEWS FROM DAVE GRIMSHAW, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE JSC,FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BSA AND COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE ISA
I went to the excellent presentation at the Watersplash, and considered myself lucky to have been involved with surfing since the early beginnings. I still follow with great interest the continued success of the Jersey Surfboard Club and how the sport has evolved over the years at our own very special St. Ouens Bay. The Watersplash has also been a very important part of Jersey surfing folklore, and we all have cherished memories and many fabled stories shared with past and present surfing friends over decades of good times at St. Ouens Bay and the Watersplash. With this in mind, I’m probably the wrong person to be asked about the future plans of the Watersplash as unfortunately business doesn’t survive on nostalgia alone. However, having seen Newquay develop from only good waves, a few B & B’s and Bilbo’s Surfshop, and Jeffreys Bay evolve from pristine Sand Dunes and even better waves to become just two of many full on surf city mecca’s of fast food outlets, fairgrounds, wall to wall accommodation, and massive crowds, all I’m afraid rather distant from the real essence of surfing ideals.. May I therefore respectfully suggest the following;-
1) Endorse the Moratorium on St. Ouens Bay with little or no increase on the footprint of the present Watersplash building.
2) No rental accommodation.
3) Little or no building on the South surfers car-park.
4) Definitely not the place for a flow rider as St Ouens has quality summer sun and surf plus 5 mm neoprene and offshore winds for winter waves all adequately provided by the fortune of nature.
Regards GRIMO.
LETTER FROM JOHN CARDEN, MEMBER OF THE BRITISH MASTERS TEAM THAT WENT TO PERU THIS APRIL, ADDRESSED TO THE JEP
If I had hated the new design for the Watersplash I would have been the first to kick off so it only seems fair to state that I really like the new design. It is white and horizontal and simple ... all things that seem to fit with the Bay.
The increase in size will concern some people but the building design and landscaping should combine to create a minimal impact. As I understand it, this increase is needed toincorporate new facilities required to make the Splash a viable, year round, business. As for those facilities? Well I don't really care what new stuff is included as long as I can still get a beer and a feed after surfing and as long as the nightclub stays. I think the grommets will be happy to have a skate bowl as well.
The International Surfing Centre and the promise of more events will encourage visitors to the island so I can't argue with that. The surf will get more crowded but let's face it, who surfs the Splash to get away from crowds?
The only thing I don't like is the loss of the surfside parking but that won't matter because we will be able to leave our boards and wetties in the new storage facility and skateboard to the beach
instead!
Cheers
JC
Comment from Doug Creedon
Strengths A major hotelier is prepared to invest and develop the 'Splash.The needs of the surfer are a major consideration.Improved facilities: ie: Club room, showers, board store,custom built judging tower etc.. Sympathetic design and a great improvement on the current site. The Seymours are consulting on a wide basis.
Weaknesses
The sheer physical scale of the plan.Attempting to include too many things.Loss of the 'grass roots' feel of the 'Splash.Loss of parking area.Possible high cost of eating/drinking there.Will the plan get past The Les Mielles Committee?
Opportunities
Staging more international events.Possibility in time of a WQS.Re-enforcing Jersey as key surfing venue.
Threats
Effect on the environment.Big aattraction as an 'out or town' venue for non-surfers; increased crowds.
Increased amounts of rubbish on the beach and in the water.Dangers of an increased number of inexperienced water users posing a danger to themselves and others. What I call the "the Cornwall effect".
If PandE force changes, how will it all look?
Food for thought from one of the 'old men'! Doug Creedon
COMMENT FROM MINKY CHARLTON
Hi all
I'd have to agree with JC on this although I haven't seen the full plans yet. From the artist impression the design is visually appealing and doesn't look to overpower the area even though its substantially larger than the existing structure. I'm still to make up my mind on the size but hopefully a look at the full plans will put it all into perspective. The architect looks to have done a great job in masking the environmental and visual impact although they get paid a lot of money to make it look great on paper - but will the reality be as appealing? A downside is the loss of the car park especially for parents who can watch their kids surf from the car (in winter especially). I gather now we'll be able to watch from a comfy chair in a swanky café sipping a £1.50 latte - could maybe get used to that!
As I said I'm still to see the full plans but I can definitely say this development is a damn site better and will provide great facilities than what's currently on the plot. However a note of warning - there's going to be a lot of planning decisions going down and from what I've seen happen in previous applications we all better make sure we keep our eyes on what's going on in case things get slipped through under the radar which are then too late to contest.
I'd be happy to be part of a group representing the hearts and minds of the Splashies if anyone is interested which all of us should be - be good to bounce ideas about and get some opinions going for things we 'do' and 'don't' like about these proposals.
Michael Charlton
IF ANYONE HAS AN OPINION ON THE NEW PLAN FOR THE SPLASH PLEASE EMAIL THE JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB ON jerseysurfclb@yahoo.co.uk as well as the JEP, BBC RADIO, 103 OR CTV
THE COMMITTEE WILL ISSUE A STATEMENT REGARDING THE PLAN as soon as possible
Areas of Concern voiced from local surfers (members and non members) so far
1 - Size
2 - Enviromental impact on St Ouens Bay
3 -Parking Provision
4 -Rubbish/Litter
5 - Over crowding in the water
6 -Seaside Parking in south side carpark
7 -Emmergency exits from seaside area from the south side carpark
THIS IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT STAGE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPLASH AS WELL AS SURFING IN GENERAL. YOUR OPINIONS WILL BE VALUED AND WILL ADD TO THE RESPONSE WE HAVE TO MAKE.
DAVE FERGUSON JERSEY SURFBOARD CLUB PRESIDENT
