Earlier emergent prototypes of the Beachsaver reef have been field tested in Wading River and Oakwood-on-the-Sound, Long Island. Built in 1984 and 1987, each was 4 feet in height and approximately 200 feet in length and served to protect coastal bluffs from erosion forces of Long Island Sound by building up sand on the beach at the toe of each bluff. Both reef structures achieved this goal and are still in place today.

Wading River, New York

The first ocean prototype, also emergent, was placed for an 18 month trial in 1989 in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. Consisting of two 200 foot long segments, these reefs were also emergent. While successful in accreting sand during the trial, the exposed structures were aestetically undesirable and were therefore removed.

Oakwood-On-The-Sound

Through laboratory wave tank testing carried out in 1991 and 1992 at the University of Delaware and the Stevens Institute of Technology, the first submerged reef design of the Beachsaver was developed. This lead to a 3 part ocean demonstration project.