Durban Pier to Close

But relax Cuz, the closure window only looks set to interrupt the tube hunting for a day with the chance of a followup deployment of a couple of days, and both taking place in the period of one week at the end of October (a SW due on the 30th so for once, maybe hope for no swell).

According to a press release: "The engineering department is finalising the reconstruction design for Bay of Plenty Pier after severe scouring resulted in some damage to the structure. A study is underway that requires the installation of field instruments to measure current data.

"The company developing the flow meters is ready for installation on Monday 29th October at Bay of Plenty and have requested a window period for installation (the week of the 29th) but are aiming for the Monday, conditions permitting. The information will be used to assist the design of the new Bay of Plenty Pier, and hopefully provide useful information into the wave and current dynamics off the central piers, that drive the changes in the morphology and surfing banks.

"Unfortunately these current meters are rigid and mounted on the sea bed. They therefore pose a serious danger to any bather/surfers etc. We will therefore have to close a portion of Bay of Plenty and North beach (see attached image). This initial deployment will only be for 24 hrs (for instance - noon on the 29-10-12 to noon on the 30-10-12) to test the proposed methodology. Depending on the outcome there may be a future deployment for several days when required.

"Our intention is not to inconvenience any user of the water for an extended period of time, but do feel the information will be of value to all users in the long term. For instance, sand pumping systems will be operational in the near future that will allow for more controlled sand discharge from the end of the piers. It may well result in better surfing conditions, but more research will be required before anything should be expected."