December 14, 2010

No Training Thursday

There will be no formal training this Thursday December 16th at Takapuna Beach as Katie and Tracy will be in Sydney preparing for 20 Beaches.

However there is talk of the intermediate squad meeting at the usual time (6 o'clock) and completing the prescribed session with out a coach, so if that sounds like a bit of you then don't hesitate to jump on the water with Logan and Cecilia and the rest.

500 WU
2 x 4 mins @ 80% with start, paddle backs
3 x 3 mins @80% with start, paddle backs
4 x 2 mina @ 90% with start, paddle backs
1000 WD

First session back following on from Christmas and New Years will be Thursday January 12th.

See all you rock stars then.

KP

December 5, 2010

Christmas Cracker Loop Race

20 paddlers contested yesterdays inaugural Christmas Cracker Loop race in moderate southeasterly winds. Travis Mitchell looked strong from the gun taking both the mens 12km hot spot and the overall win in 54.22, from Grant Heim and Ian Mercer. Katie Pocock had a strong race winning the women’s race and crossing the line 5th overall, while Greg Morrison won the men’s 4km race ahead of the fast starting and hot spot winner Logan Cranston. Special mention also goes to Jan Battaerd who not only manned the bar in the post race function but was also the first master ski paddler across the line.

The full results are on our "Races" page, so click on the tab above to get the full low down.

Thanks to all those people who made the race happen, but in particular our race sponsors

Balance Nutrition
Delmaine Fine Foods
George Duncan Massage Therapy
Fenn Surf Skis NZ
Sierra Coffee
Cadburys Chocolate
Good Health Magazine
The Mad Butcher Northcote
Mairangi Bay Surf Club

Thanks also to Tracy and Jezza for organising the photos below.

Race Briefing

"The Chamber," looking confident as always


Did I mention I was sponsored by Epic.....



Ian Mercer, focused in his pre race routine



High tension on the start line


Trav leading out from the start


Advanced timing systems


4km champ Greg Morrison pushs all the way to the finish


Paul Gillard powers home


Mark Struthers showing his form



November 25, 2010

It’s a Scorcher!

Summer is definitely hanging around and this weekend looks like a pearlier to be on the water. The Metservice is predicting this broad ridge of high pressure that dominates much of the country will hang around till Monday - whoop whoop!!!

Friday: Southwest 15 knots easing to 10 knots this afternoon and turning southeast this evening. Sea slight. Cloudy periods, fair visibility in late afternoon and evening showers.

Saturday: Southeast 10 knots dying out early morning, then southwest 10 knots developing in the afternoon. Slight sea becoming smooth early morning until the afternoon. Fine, with isolated afternoon or evening showers.

Sunday: Becoming variable 5 knots early morning. Afternoon sea breezes. Mainly fine, chance afternoon or evening shower.

High tide at AUCKLAND
Saturday 12:17 (3.2)
Sunday 13:08 (3.2)

I reckon that anywhere along those northern or eastern beaches will be awesome all weekend. But I would def try and get out there early tomorrow morning and do some solid efforts straight into that noreaster so you can have some fun coming home.

Don’t forget the Christmas Cracker Loop Race entries close this Sunday. As of Monday all entries will carry and $10 later entry surcharge, to avoid that flick me through and email asap to secure your spot. The race tactics workshop is this Sunday at 3pm at Mairangi Bay – looks like we will have some primo weather for it.

Get amongst it team!

KP

November 17, 2010

No Barrier






So after months of prep we finally did it - the 62km paddle from Leigh to Tryphena, Great Barrier Island. The first photo above is of the event organiser and cancer survivor Chris Dench and the second photo (not nearly as pretty to look at!) is of me at a food stop somewhere close to Little Barrier



I have pasted in Tracy Wilson (our favourite fill in coach) account of the weekend for you all to read.



Quick summary:


  • total raised to date is sitting at $17k
  • we actually did it
  • saw dolphins but missed the whales by 15min
  • it’s a long way


RACE REPORT


Paddle for Child Cancer


17 paddlers split into three “pods” paddled from Leigh to Great Barrier (62.7km) to raise money for Child Cancer. Inspired by Chris Dench who at 15 yrs old lost his leg to cancer, has been organising fundraising sea kayaking events over the past few years. We muscled in on the action after Chris phoned Katie and “invited” her on the paddle. Katie, Dene, Mike and myself were the “surf ski pod”.



The paddle


So – the day started at 4:30am for Tracy and Katie, with home made muesli and coffee. We picked up Mike at 5:20am, headed off to Dene’s for a not so quick transition into the van, and then as a pod, took off to Leigh – our starting point. We eventually got on the water at 7:45am (7:30am was our scheduled departure time and probably cost us missing the whales) – held up by Katie attempting to do a safety brief (what was she thinking) and Dene fixated on taking photos.


I was the designated navigator, with the Great Barrier waypoint locked and loaded in my GPS (and “on land” pod leader). Katie was the “on water” pod leader responsible for communication with our support boat via VHF and organising the pod. We were all pretty excited paddling out of Leigh, it was the perfect day, blue sky and a slight westerly due to pick up to around 10knots. Paddling out, Mike did try and lead us right, to the Coromandel until Dene suggested he turn slightly left to look at Little Barrier and Great Barrier in the distance.


With a slight westerly, we pretty much paddled together catching small runners when we could. We stopped every 30min for a quick (and at times not so quick) drink and eat, which meant our overall time of 6:45hrs could have been faster, but it got us into good habits early, hydrating and eating. The paddle to the half way point of Little Barrier did take ages, but after that, the swell picked up slightly and we were able to catch more runners and tick along at a 11-12km pace.


In a paddle of this length you go through patches of feeling good and not so good. With about 20km to go, not feeling that flash, I decided to have a shorter stop and just paddle slowly knowing the others would catch me. After about 5min I got a call on the VHF that there had been an “unscheduled stop” to pick up Mike’s “jam sandwiches” (translation – Mike had fallen in and Katie and Dene were frantically paddling around the ocean picking up his water, sunscreen and jam sandwiches).


We finally saw one kayaking pod with about 5km to go – apparently we went off course – so much for my navigation. Everyone paddled incredibly well and finished strong. Dene was a trooper and always there for Mike with his “raft ups”. Katie remained strong and calm as our “on water pod leader”. And Mike and I just chopped through it.


Great Barrier


We were met by a small but incredibly enthusiastic bunch of locals who helped us with out boats and gear. We hung out in the sun as the kayakers came in (paddling for around 9 hours), it was impressive what people produced from their kayaks – a keg of beer complete with glasses caught everyone’s eye.


A dedicated group of volunteers transported our gear to the local school (15meters from the finish) and had the BBQ fired up with salads.


This was an amazing event to be part of. A huge amount of organisation went in to ensuring it was safe and fun (VHF’s, safety boats, accommodation, food, etc). We met a great bunch of sea kayakers and managed to convert some to ski paddling!


tw



You can still donate at

http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/kayakforchildcancer/







October 28, 2010

HELLO SUMMER!!!

Well summer must be here as the easterlies have arrived in force! This, of course means it is a great weekend to get out on the water enjoying some of the bumps in the sea. The Metservice are predicting the following weather for the weekend.

Friday: Northeast 10 knots easing to variable 5 knots this evening. Slight sea easing to smooth this evening. Mainly fine, with some cloudy periods.

Saturday: Variable 5 knots, becoming southeast 10 knots in the morning and rising to 15 knots by midday, then to 20 knots for a time Saturday afternoon. Smooth sea becoming slight in the morning and moderate for a time in the afternoon. Morning cloud clearing and becoming fine.

Sunday: Southeast 25 knots, easing to 15 knots in the evening. Fine.

I personally will be punching out a big session tomorrow morning from Takapuna. I am hoping the dregs of the noreaster are still around so I can have some fun paddling back towards the beach.

But if you don’t have the time for a big session then I think that it will be a great weekend to just get on the water and build on your confidence in the bumpy seas, particularly with the Beach Series starting on Tuesday!

Whatever you decide to do out there don’t forget the sun block, because I have a sneaking suspicion that summer has arrived!

October 7, 2010

Wicked Westerlies

It looks like a pretty windy yucky old weekend! The Met Service is predicting

Situation: Wind Warnings are in force in all areas. A trough approaching from the Tasman Sea should cross the area on Saturday. A second trough should cross the region late Sunday, followed by a strong, disturbed southwest flow. A ridge is likely to spread onto the far south late Monday and spread north on Tuesday.

Friday: Northwest 10 knots tending northerly 15 knots this afternoon then rising to 20 knots gusting 30 knots this evening and to 25 knots gusting 35 knots tonight. Slight sea, but waves choppy when wind opposes tide, becoming moderate this evening and rough tonight. Cloudy periods, with fair visibility in rain developing tonight.
Saturday: Changing westerly 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the morning then tending southwest in the afternoon then easing to 15 knots in the evening. Rough sea easing to slight but choppy when wind opposes tide in the evening. Poor visibility in rain then easing to a few showers in the morning.
Sunday: Westerly 20 knots, becoming southwest 25 knots gusting 35 knots at night. Mainly fine, but showers developing at night.

Saturday High Tide 0805 Auckland 3.5
Sunday High Tide 0854 Auckland 3.5

When it is blowing like this I reckon that the best bets are the Te Atatu to Akarana or St Heliers, or an Island Bay/Beachhaven run round to Takapuna. These runs can absolutely fly if you come home with that tide.

As always team have fun out there, but be safe.

September 25, 2010

Sunday Training is On!!!

the weather looks great, so hopefully I will catch all you rock stars down at Taka from 4-5

September 23, 2010

The Weather Bomb

I was pleased to catch a few of you out on the water this morning enjoying a small break in the weather. I thoroughly enjoyed the cheeky little northerly that was blowing in to the Gulf. it really was so good to get out on my ski and a bonus to have a sweet little run back to Taka from up the coast, great to see a few of you guys doing the same!

It does however look like the wind and showers are going to pick up again over night. From the Met Service



Wind warning in force for Hauraki Gulf, and the area from Bream Head to Cape Colville. A strong, disturbed westerly flow affects the area. A weak ridge should move onto the area late Sunday, moving away to the east Monday with the flow tending northeast.


FRIDAY: Northwest 15 knots rising to 20 knots gusting 30 knots this afternoon. Slight sea becoming moderate this afternoon. Fair visibility and a few showers.
SATURDAY: Northwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots easing to 15 knots in the afternoon. Moderate sea becoming slight in the afternoon. Fair visibility, isolated showers clearing in the afternoon.
SUNDAY: Northwest 15 knots. Long fine spells, cloudy later.

Tides
High tide
Saturday Sept 25th 0830, 3.0m
high tide Sunday Sept 26th 1007, 3.0m


The Norwesters mean that I reckon the best runs in Auckland this weekend will be from places like Te Atatu and Island Bay back to RAYC, St Heliers or I guess Takapuna if you are based on the shore. Take a note of those tides, it you wanna fly back I would jump on the water just after it turns and enjoy the speed, but if you wanna try and work on your surf skills and you feel comfortable in the winds predicted, then jump on before it turns and enjoy that chop created when the wind opposes the tide.

At this stage it looks like the weather will hold up well for our usual Sunday session down at Takapuna. I am racing out at Waitamata on Sunday morning so I will get an accurate gage on the conditions early in the day. If the conditions are looking to challenging I will have to cancel the session, but I will post that here before 1300. But at this stage it is still all go for 4pm at Taka. If you want to double check don’t hesitate to txt or phone me on 021 932 116

Enjoy the weekend team, but remember, be safe.

September 16, 2010

Jasons Japanes Journey

Jason has recently returned from Japan where he was coaching a 8 strong New Zealand Surf Lifesaving team to second place in the Sanyo Bussan Cup.

The New Zealand team claimed four gold medals, seven silver medals and four bronze, finishing on 384 points, 19 behind Australia. Hosts Japan were third on 326.

For more details on the team and competition check out

http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10622&Itemid=1

http://www.slsnz.org.nz/Article.aspx?ID=12915


Welcome home Jase and big ups on the results, sounds like the young Kiwi team were kaining it!!!

September 2, 2010

Those Pesky Southerlies

The Metservice have said

A front embedded in a southwest flow passes across northern New Zealand late evening, followed by gales. Southwesterlies ease over the region Saturday as a ridge moves east onto the North Island, and tend northwest Sunday ahead of a new trough that moves onto the Island Tuesday.

Friday: Westerly 25 knots gusting 35 knots rising to southwest 35 knots gusting 50 knots this evening. Rough sea becoming very rough this evening. Fair visibility in occasional showers, becoming poor in squally showers this evening.

Saturday: Southwest 35 knots gusting 50 knots easing to 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the morning, then to 20 knots in the evening. Very rough sea becoming rough in the morning and moderate in the evening. Poor visibility in showers, easing to fair visibility in just a few showers in the morning. High tide is 0226 at 2.8m

Sunday: Becoming northwest 10 knots and rising 20 knots later. Cloudy at times. High tide is 1506 at 2.8m.

Your best be is probably a run to Waiheke and a ferry ride home, but I have some kms to slog through so will probably plough through it in the inner harbour heading west into it so I can enjoy the ride home.

The Metservice currently have a gale warning in force for all areas, so please be safe out there – in fact it is probably a good conditions to test out life jackets, drink systems and leg ropes, there is absolutely NO shame in that.

August 12, 2010

Three in a Row

Another great weekend to be in the Gulf with strong Noreasters.

The Metservice have issued wind warnings for both the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours. and say

An active front moves onto the North Island today preceded by a strong northerly flow. A low develops in the far north late Saturday, then moves southeast to lie off Gisborne late Sunday, then away.

Friday Northeast 30 knots gusting 40 knots easing to 20 knots gusting 30 knots overnight. Rough sea becoming moderate overnight. Fair visibility in patchy light rain, becoming poor in widespread rain this afternoon.
Saturday: Northeast 20 knots gusting 30 knots tending northeast in the afternoon and changing southwest 15kt at night Moderate sea becoming slight at night. Poor visibility in rain.
Sunday: Westerly 15 knots tending southwest. Showers easing.
High tide at AUCKLAND
21:58 Friday 3.6m
10:27 Saturday 3.5m

Any run down the North Shore beaches should be a blast this weekend. I have heaps on but am going to sneak out early tomorrow morning and paddle from Long Bay back to Taka.

It sounds like it could be pretty hairy out there so make sure you are super sensible and take all the appropriate safety equipment; leg rope, high viz vest/life jacket and ideally a phone in a dry bag.

Can't wait to see all the regulars Sunday at Taka.

August 5, 2010

Another Northerly!!!

Well the Waitamata Harbour looks like it is set to get another sneaky Northerly over the weekend, although judging by what Metservice have to say I would get out early Saturday as it could be just plain miserable by Sunday.

Metservice Report

Friday: Northerly 10 knots. Sea slight. Fine and cloudy periods, a few light showers developing evening.

Saturday: Northerly 15 knots rising to 20 knots in the morning, to 35 knots gusting 45 knots in the afternoon, then changing westerly 20 knots at night. Slight sea becoming moderate in the morning then very rough for a time afternoon and evening. Light rain developing in the morning, becoming poor visibility in heavier rain in the afternoon.

Sunday: Northwest rising to 25 knots in the morning and 35 knots in the evening. Showers.

Monday: Westerly 35 knots. Showers.

Tuesday: Southwest 30 knots, easing to 25 knots later in the day. Showers easing

AUCKLAND
High Tide: 3:55am Saturday 2.8m
High Tide 4:37pm Sunday 2.9m

Depending on how much this Northerly gets up over night I would suggest a Long Bay back to Takapuna run in the morning, but potentially the big paddle back from Whangaparoa if you go out later in the day.

See you out there :-)

July 30, 2010

Good News!

While the wind and seas may not be big, I do think that they will be fun!

The Metservice are predicting that

A ridge of high pressure over the area moves eastwards from Saturday as a low approaches the country from the west. This low system moves across the South Island on Sunday, with strengthening northerlies. The low is expected to move away to the east and weaken on Monday, with an associated front slow-moving over the North Island.

Friday: Variable 5 knots, becoming northeast 10 knots tonight. Smooth sea becoming slight tonight. Mainly fine.
Saturday: Northeast 15 knots, rising to 20 knots in the afternoon. Slight sea becoming moderate in the afternoon. Mainly fine.
Sunday: Northerly rising to 25 knots in the evening. Rain developing late afternoon.

High tide at AUCKLAND
Time: 10:26pm Friday, 3.0m
Time: 10:41am Saturday, 2.9m

Which I think means that there should be some good runs on the east coast both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. In a perfect weekend I would squeeze in a Waiheke back to Devonport or town on Saturday and one down the North Shore Coastline on Sunday - maybe a sneaky Long Bay to Takapuna, and if the wind really gets up then look at doing a mission run from Shakespeare Bay back to Taka.

Either way, our regular Sunday afternoon session at Takapuna should be HEAPS of fun, especially as Jason is going to be looking after the gang this week. I am gutted I am going to miss it!

July 15, 2010

You Snooze You Loose

Well, the Pollyanna in me hates to admit this, but I think we may have missed it! It seems to me that the sneaky Noreaster may have come and gone, all on a bloody school day too - what a blow


The Met Service are saying:


A complex trough of low pressure covers the North Island with a low deepening as it moves over the region late Friday and early Saturday. Another low moves east across the Far North early Sunday, followed by south to southwesterlies. A north to northwest flow spreads over the region early Tuesday ahead of a trough


Saturday: Westerly 20 knots, easing to northwest 15 knots in the morning and tending northerly at night. Moderate sea becoming slight in the morning. Poor visibility rain clearing early morning, becoming poor again in showers developing late afternoon.

Sunday: Southwest 20 knots and showers, easing at night.
Monday: Tending northwest 10 knots. Cloudy periods.
Tuesday: Northerly 15 knots with drizzle patches.



It’s been four whole weeks since my Sunday gang hit the water, so I can’t wait for my beginner and novice session on Sunday at the usual time of 4 – 5pm. I am especially excited about seeing Alans new XT, particularly with the mods! But be warned team, it maybe raining so make sure you bring some warm gear.


July 9, 2010

Sunny, Clear, Cold & Still

Well the experts are saying that the southwest flow over northern New Zealand is expected to tend southeast late Friday, and should persist for the remainder of the weekend. Which translates to me as sunny, clear, cold and still with a chance of a reasonable south east swell on Sunday (fingers crossed).

Soooooo, I have booked in a big paddle in the morning from Taka, followed by a painting job at home for the rest of the day (gotta take advantage of the sun when it’s out!) and a tentative downwind on Sunday, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

July 6, 2010

Grey Old Auckland Day


Well, I got it wrong..... But, seven brave paddlers embraced the winter weather on Sunday; in 23 knot easterly winds and mild drizzle, with an outgoind tide, Tim, Simon, Rob, Mark, Dave, John and Pierre paddled from Glendowie to RAYC (initially paddling east then turning with the wind to enjoy some very good waves home.)


Good on you guys for getting amongst it! Unfortunately the weather was too heavy for my gang down at Taka, which was a blow as pre training txts were pointing towards a record winter turn out - but don't be disheartened team; we will be back in the game on August 1st.


I love the photo of John Land above. a grey, windy old day, bouncing around in the chop in front of Browns Island - it is such a quintessential Auckland downwind run - thanks Pierre

July 2, 2010

Time to focus on technique

If today’s weather conditions are indicative of the weekend ahead I can only recommend that you all accept these pristine, crisp Auckland winter days for what they are and focus on technique while you have such still weather. Maybe look at punching out a long session or even a run/paddle session to/up Rangi

The Met Service report

The southwest flow over the region weakens today as a large low rapidly deepens in the Tasman Sea, drifting across the upper North Island during late Sunday, then sliding slowly southeastwards during the start of the week.

I am expecting a good turnout of Thrashers Sunday afternoon at Taka and I am hoping to get the whole fleet of Scouts and (recently fixed) Warriors out in the Golf, rest up Sunday morning guys, because it isn’t looking like we are going to have any waves to play in which means it is going to be longer, harder intervals – WAHOOOOOOO!

June 25, 2010

Brrr the Southerly is hitting

Well, the Met Services is saying,

Friday: Easterly 15 knots, changing northwest 15 knots overnight. Sea slight. Poor visibility in rain, with some heavy falls.

Saturday:
Northwest 15 knots. Changing southwest 15 knots in the afternoon then rising to 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the evening. Slight sea becoming rough in the evening. Fair visibility in occasional showers.


High of 15C, Low of 7C




With conditions like this, there is no doubt, the best option is to either admit defeat and punch out a swimming session in the pool, or embrace it with a long, hard ugly session on the sea. A massive high five to all the east siders endevouring to head round Rangi (catching high tide at 6.53am), I look forward to the debriefs!

June 22, 2010

Sweet Waves in the Gulf

Well, as expected the Nor Easter did bring some fun times to the Hauraki Gulf over the weekend, and local paddlers made the most of it!

Here are a couple of photos from the Eastsiders who completed the Glendowie to Akorana.


Thankfully the swell hung around till Sunday afternoon when my crew hit the water. In fact the change in wind tidied up the swell and made for some super glassy conditions down at Taka. Alan, Bruce, Logan, Richard and myself had a ball down there catching some waves and hooting the whole time, I was guted I didn't have a camera to get a some photos - next time :-)

And Congratulations to everyon who completed Montys Revenge down at Whakatane. I heard that it was a pretty tuff paddle against the tide and the wind. A massive pat on the back to Tim Grammer, who not only took the "Veteran" title but crossed the line well over 4 minutes ahead of fellow paddler Travis Mitchell.



June 18, 2010

Be Quick

The Met Service are saying

"A deep depression to the northwest of the North Island directs a strong northeast flow across the region and is expected to slide southeastwards today. The flow over northern North Island should turn westerly overnight as an associated trough crosses the region. The flow tends southwest early Monday and lingers through Tuesday. A low approaches the west of the North Island on Wednesday."



So the short story is, get out there Saturday and enjoy the noreaster, it will be gone by Sunday. Waiheke back to Fergs or Devonport would be my pick, but I know that there is a crew who are getting in at Glendowie for a super fun, super fast run back to RAYC this afternoon. If I wasn't stuck at a fire station that is exactly where I would be!

Fingers crossed there will still be a few bumps Sunday afternoon that my beginners and novice squad can enjoy infront of Takapuna Boat Club.

Montys Revenge

Good Luck to all people involved in the Monyts Revenge Multisport race this weekend down in Whakatane. A special good luck goes out to Sandra McIntyre and Mike Weaver, these guys have been doing some ski paddling down with squad at Taka and are looking strong.

And a massive good luck to Tim (Rooster) Grammar and Travis Mitchell who are representing paddlers everywhere today, making the transition from a paddling specialist to a individual competitor - go boys go! We are all stoked you have entered the "blue ribbon" catagory in the gruelling event and we can't wait to see who will cross the line victorious, and officially hold the very prestigeous title of current "best all-round multisport paddler." By all accounts it will be a tight race and we can't wait to see who wins!