:: SERIES
COURSE & LOCATIONS::
:: 1. TAKAPUNA BEACH, TUESDAY 6PM
Wherever possible we would aim to be racing in the
Rangitoto Channel, as the tide and the wind generate challenging conditions that
are the most exhilarating to race in. The races will start on the beach from
outside the Takapuna Boating Club site. The prevailing winds are from the
southwest and northeast, resulting in surfable wind swell out to A buoy or from
A buoy back to Takapuna respectively. Note that the shipping lane lies between
A and B buoy. Ports of Auckland will be contacted about shipping movements in
the Rangitoto Channel on the day of each race, and may require a change of
course (see below).
Short ‘B’
Course:
5km triangular course along the beach to Cable buoy, then out to B buoy and
return. This course is designed to cater for beginner and intermediate
paddlers.
Long ‘A’ Course: 7km
triangular course along the beach to Cable buoy, then out to A buoy and return.
This course is designed to cater for advanced and intermediate paddlers.
~ A big thanks to Air Logistics for sponsoring the brilliant aerial photography ~
:: CHANGE OF COURSE:
In the event
of high winds from the west or south, or a ship is expected in the channel,
both the long and the short courses will be run inside B buoy along a course
that will be more parallel to the beach. Other variations of the course will be
made depending on the wind direction; the aim is to maximise the time spent
surfing downwind. The distances may vary from 7 to 10 km for the long course
and 5 to 7km for the short course.
:: 2. MISSION BAY, SUNDAY 9.30am
The exact course will again be dependent
on the wind, but the basic course will run predominantly parallel to Tamaki
Drive between Okahu Bay and the St. Heliers pole, and take paddlers up to 1km
offshore. The race will at no stage enter the shipping lane south of Rangitoto.
The race distances will be slightly longer, with the long course at 10km and
the short course at 6km.
:: FOUL WEATHER OR CANCELLATIONS:
We have yet to
cancel a race in the first two years of the Nutra-Life Surfski Series. Most
high winds can be accommodated by a change in course. However, low visibility
would be one reason for needing to cancel or vastly shorten the race.
The most
dangerous conditions would result from gale force winds from the northeastern quadrant.
If the organisers considered any of the field was going to be in danger, the
race may be cancelled. However, some of the highly skilled elite paddlers may
choose to take to the water as a training run, with their safety being their
own responsibility. The organiser’s will not provide safety craft to accompany
paddlers entering the water at their own risk after cancellation of any race.
Paddlers are
advised to check the marine weather forecast and high tide times prior to each
race, and to check the Nutra-Life Surfski Series website for news of a race
cancellation.
:: PARKING @ Takapuna Beach, Tuesday evenings.
::
The Boat Ramp - paddle the short distance to the Boat Club Registration and
Start area
::
Parking behind the Boat Club - in the parking lot, or anywhere on The Strand