Author Archives: hoetonga

Hikoikoi 7’s – Matariki 2013 Regatta

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HIKOIKOI WAKA AMA CLUB
Date: Saturday 29 June (Sunday 30 June postponement date)
Cost: $7 per paddler
Distances: 14km & 7km
Start time: 9.30am
Must provide or arrange waka prior to event and waka can be stored at Hikoikoi overnight from 3pm Friday 28 June

14km Open/J19 Mens, Womens, Mixed
SS/Canoe/Kayak are welcome to enter this distance

7km Novice & J16 (course designed for new paddlers and whanau groups) 6 paddlers are required along with 1 x runner who can be under age of 10 years (experienced steerer a must) *knowledge of the stars that make up the cluster of Matariki will be beneficial to complete race

7km SUP (will be run at same time as Novice and J16 should you wish to do the 14km as well.
Further information will be provided – Entries Close: 27 June, Thursday
Any enquiries contact: hikoikoiwakaama@gmail.com

Results for Winter Series Race 2, 16 June at Ngati Toa domain

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welly paddlers 3

One of the biggest ones yet! A great crowd today with over 50 entries: 19 W1, 12 Skis/Kayaks, 17 SUP and 1 W6. A big thank you to everyone that supported this event.

We experienced some interesting and somewhat rare conditions today, with little wind but a decent groundswell resulting in some breaking surf at the bar in Plimmerton.

Today’s race saw a course set from Mana to Tokaapapa Reef and back, with one lap for the SUP and two laps for all others.The expectation was that the surf would settle down relatively quickly given that the tide turned 1.5 hrs before the race start. However, as the crowd made its a way out of the Mana channel, the surf was still up by quite a bit (with the odd set rolling through), which made it challenging for less experienced paddlers and those with less suitable craft (despite there being almost no wind). A number of people retired early.  (In the results DNF also indicates those that assisted in rescues – a big thank you.)

Many will have loved today’s condition, but we acknowledge some concerns from less experienced paddlers and those with craft less suitable for surf conditions. We acknowledge your feedback. In the future, where conditions require it, we may set two courses to suit different craft and abilities.

At the same time we would like to remind people of their responsibilities also. This includes carrying a life jacket (and other relevant equipment such as bailers for outriggers) and having the ability to self-rescue or to be able to roll. Moreover, each person needs to assess his/her own ability. In some cases this may mean pulling out in light of the conditions.

Note also that everyone must have a life jacket! Click here for more details.

Click here to download the results.

Note that we also tested a race tracking system at today’s race. This turned out to be a little challenging with an unreliable internet connection at HQ. Out of 5 people that wanted to take part, we were able to track 3 (the others may have had their apps turned off but we will work on sorting this out for the next race). Click here to check out the race.

If you like to take part next time, follow the following instructions: How-to-share-my-tracker-with-my-club: boat-owner-instructions

Race 2

The next series event will be on 7 July, to be held either in Wellington or Petone, to be confirmed. The location of the race means that the course is unlikely to include any surf, although there is unlikely to be a shortage of wind.

See you on the water…

Winter Series Race 2, 16 June at Ngati Toa domain

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The second race of the series is coming up this weekend. Details can be found here: http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/?p=3538. The race will be in Mana at Ngati Toa domain, and there will likely be a couple of course options: one long course for outriggers and surfskis, and a short course for SUP.

The long range forecast is looking ok for Sunday morning, with 10knot winds. Let’s hope it holds.

welly paddlers 3

One more thing:

Are you keen to review your race after it’s all finished? Are your partners tired of having to wait on the beach while you race? Want to make them part of the action and get an America’s Cup view at the race course? Here is how:

Hoe Tonga is trialling a race tracking system and we want you to take part at the winter series race on Sunday at Ngati Toa domain. Basically, competitors can use their smartphones (eg android and iphones) to track their craft, and supporters can follow the race on an ipad or similar tablet on the beach. You can also review the race once you have had a hot shower. A screenshot of an example below (we trialled it with a couple of people at the first series event on 26 May).

yachtbot

What you need to do before race day:

  • You will need a smartphone, such as an iphone or an android device with GPS, and you need to be on a data plan (so that your phone can transmit your position while you race).
  • Before the race (i) register an account on the yacht-bot web site (go to http://www.yacht-bot.com), its free, (ii) download and install an app called “Yachtbot Sailing Tracker” (no cost), (iii) register your YachtBot app with your new account, and (iv) add “hoetonga@gmail.com” as your contact. You are best to do this by Saturday as it will be busy on Sunday morning. You can call Joern on 021-1250997 if anything is unclear.
  • On the morning of race day, make sure your phones are charged fully.

On race day: Bring along your device, and see Joern at registration so that he can make sure you are all good to go. Bring a waterproof bag and carry the phone on you or your boat when you race.

If the above instructions are not detailed enough, have a look at the following:

Supporters: Bring your tablet with a decent screen (at least 8-inch screen). You will need a G3 connection (or use your phone to connect to the internet with your tablet). Go to the following address to follow the race (or review it after racing has finished): http://www.yacht-bot.com/races/2552 (it will go live at 9am on Sunday).

Hot off the Waves…

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Here is what the regional committee discussed on the meeting on 6 May.

  • Wellington Regional Sprints  dates set (see website calendar)
  • NZ Post Challenge Waka Ama Sprints dates set (see website calendar)
  • Regional Secondary Schools Sprint Championships dates set (see website calendar)
  • Hoe Tonga is considering the development of a ‘Signiture’ Race/Event for the region; this is an exciting possibility and further discussions will be taking place at the next meeting.
  • Te Matau a Maui (Ocean Voyaging waka) will be visiting Wellington and being part of the Matariki Celebrations. A Mass on water welcome  will take place on Saturday June 8. For further information check the website for events over 3-5 days in early June.
  • Tai Tonga 41 marathon. Next year looking to increase the races to 8km for Novices and 15km for Open/Senior paddlers.
  • Reminder: To paddle in waka ama events hosted by Hoe Tonga or Hoe Tonga clubs,  paddlers should be members of  an affliated club.
  • NEXT MEETING  JUNE 10, AT THE POLICE COLLEGE, 6.30PM; Lara Collins CEO of NKOA will be attending.  Everyone welcome but RSVP to hoetonga@gmail.com is essential as seating is limited.

Click here for the full minutes.