Sunday, 4 September 2011

SUP Guide to Ngataringa Bay, Devonport/Bayswater

SUP Guide to Ngataringa Bay, Devonport/Bayswater

A wonderful harbour paddle that feels very remote even though it's so close to the city. Explore the mangroves and discover your own secret beach makes this a really fun paddle. Highly recommended.

Paddle Time: 30-60 mins reasonable paddling but add more time if cruising/exploring.

Launch/Parking: Ngataringa Access Rd past sports fields and stop by small access channel opposite the cricket nets and park on side of the road. Stanley Bay, Bayswater Ferry Wharf

Experience/Fitness Level: Great spot for Beginners and Intermediates+

Tide: Mid-High - very tidal so only mid-high tides.

Hazards: Very safe spot with very little boat traffic. Shelly bottom, rocky launch so booties useful. Tide sucks right out of the bay so keep an eye on it so you don't get stuck in the mudflats.

Wind: S-SW-W blows across/down the harbour so need light winds in those directions or gets choppy quickly. NW-N-NE winds blow across Ngataringa Bay. E-SE across the bay.

Tips: Booties useful as shelly bottom in places. Take a camera as there are some interesting photos and perspectives of the city.

Things to explore: Paddle east towards Lake Rd and into the mangroves and paddle as far up the mangroves as you dare or can turn around - what ever comes first. Paddling through the mangroves is really cool experience. Check out the secret shelly beach in the middle of the bay and have a picnic. Sprint across the bay and then explore the northern side and around into the Bayswater Marina and back again.

Amenities: Toilets at Bayswater Ferry Terminal?, Toilets at Ngataringa sports fields? Cafés/Bars in Devonport.

Map:

 

Saturday, 3 September 2011

BoardZone's SUP Guide to Auckland

Hi and welcome to Boardzone's SUP Guide to Auckland:

This is a guide to SUP paddling in and around Auckland. It will be added to and updated on a regular basis so check back here for new information.

Auckland is blessed with great conditions for SUP and places to explore. This guide is designed to help plan flat water routes and to give paddlers all the information they need to plan a paddle.

Note: Some of the longer direct/downwinder paddle routes may require two cars at the start and finish.

Weather can be changeable so always check the marine weather situation before you paddle!:

Auckland Marine Weather Link. Met Service Auckland Marine Forecast

WindGuru Forecast - WindGuru Auckland Forecast Well known and still the most accurate for wind speed and direction.

Auckland Harbour SUP Paddle Routes:

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Torpedo Bay, Devonport -----> Stanley Bay-----> Bayswater

This is a great paddle to take in Devonport and views of downtown Auckland with some lava reefs to explore and wharfs to paddle under. It can be in either direction with or against the tide.

Paddle Time: Torpedo Bay/Stanley Bay is 30mins reasonable paddling but add more time if cruising/exploring. If heading to/from Torpedo Bay to Bayswater allow for about 45min each way.

Launch/Parking: Torpedo Bay, Stanley Bay, and Bayswater Ferry Wharf

Experience/Fitness Level: Not for beginners as board wake and hazards. Intermediate+

Tide: Any - but tide rips in/out so can paddle against it for fitness and/or with it for down-winder fun.

Hazards: Shipping, ferries, boaties, yachties, naval base, nasty chop, fast flowing tides, look out for random boat/ferry wakes! Stay out of the shipping lane at all times!

Wind: S-SW-W blows across/down the harbour so need light winds in those directions or gets choppy quickly. NW-N-NE winds are ok as blow 'off shore' over Devonport. E-SE winds start to blow up the harbour and can make it choppy so need light winds.

Tips: Paddle close to the shore as there are a lot of vessels in the harbour and stay out of the shipping lane at all times! Paddle under Devonport wharf if enough headroom but keep and eye out for the ferry coming from Downtown! DO NOT paddle into the naval base! - but you can paddle past the moored ships and around the naval base and into Stanley Bay.

Things to explore: Lava reefs exposed from mid tide at Torpedo Bay. Pull in at Duders Beach below the Masonic Tavern and pop in for a quick pint :-). Paddle under Devonport Yacht Club wharf and explore the exposed lava reefs along the waterfront towards Windsor Reserve. Paddle up to and under Devonport Ferry terminal/wharf. Paddle towards the Naval base and past the moored ships. Keep paddling around the naval base and into Stanley Bay for a rest. Paddle from Stanley Bay past Stanley Point and across Ngataringa Bay to Bayswater Marina. Paddle through the marina and enjoy flat water and admire the boats.

Amenities: Toilets and drinking water at Devonport's Windsor Reserve and Stanley Bay, Bayswater Ferry Terminal?, Cafes/Bars in Devonport.