This summer could be the perfect time to try to SUP (stand up paddle board), kayak over to Rangitoto, buy a boat or go fishing.
Learn to SUP
Stand up paddle boarding has grown dramatically in popularity over the last six years and there are a range of ways to learn and enjoy the sport. Starting with the basics of how to SUP without falling off, to becoming confident enough to enter a long distance race, or do an SUP yoga class is an achievable goal for the summer.
Paddlefit Pro coach Helen Blair, from SUPWell, has clients from Point Chevalier, Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Freemans Bay who regularly join SUPWell classes and events. Helen explains that the key to getting the most out of this fast-growing leisure sport is to learn well. “Learning to stand up paddle isn’t hard although we are obviously big advocates for learning to do it well and safely so you get maximum enjoyment from it. Many people reach the limits of what they think you can do with a paddle board because they’ve not learned technique and skills or not been coached by qualified, experienced stand up paddlers,” explains Helen.
The SUPWell approach works on both your fitness and your technical skill. “It’s a total body exercise that improves balance, mobility, fitness and agility and it’s suitable for everybody,” says Helen. SUPWell offers a range of classes and tours through places like the Puhoi River that are suitable for newer paddlers and the team can have people ready to take on more challenging tours in a relatively short time if they attend classes regularly.
Along the Eastern Bays of Okahu Bay, St Heliers, Orakei Basin, Kohimarama and the North Shore, people can join in a range of classes throughout the week using the best quality Starboard equipment. SUP fitness is really for everyone and age is no barrier, meaning it is never too late to start. “We have our Active Seniors classes which are specifically coordinated groups for active older people. It’s a fantastic social way to keep active, maintain (or improve) balance and retain muscle mass,” says Helen. Of course the Hauraki Gulf and the Eastern Bays offer truly beautiful, natural environments which Helen points out are also very good for you, too. “All our classes have a stress relief and enjoy the water focus,” Helen says.
So many reasons to get down to the water
There is something about being out on the water that seems to revive the body, soul and spirit and many recent studies confirm this. A study published in the journal ‘Health and Place’ found that people who lived close to the ocean are 22% less likely to suffer depression or anxiety than those who lived far from the water.
Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School found that coastal living seemed to reduce the incidence of mental illness, especially for those from low-income households, and other studies consistently found that anyone being in or near water experienced lowered stress and anxiety, as well as increased wellbeing and happiness.
Wallace Nichols, marine biologist and author of Blue Mind, believes the link could go back to earlier times when human’s need for water was a matter of life or death. In a contemporary setting, being near or on water triggers our senses to respond positively, thereby improving our overall sense of wellbeing.
SUP yoga leverages the naturally beneficial aspects of being on the water with the mindfulness of yoga. Jo Roberts from SUPBro stand up paddle board tours and yoga in the beautiful Tutukaka Coast says many of their regular weekend and summer clients come from the greater Ponsonby area for weekend SUP yoga. “SUP yoga is a great way to connect with the ocean as you dive deeper into yourself. The movements are designed to stabilise the body and relax the mind. Our floating yoga studio is portable and can be set up anywhere there is a calm body of water,” says Jo. From time to time, Jo and Robbie Gunderson of SUPBro come down to Auckland and run group activities in the Hauraki Gulf for corporates and sports teams.
While SUPing may be the fastest-growing water sport currently, there are other more traditional ways to get closer to the water and enjoy our beautiful scenery. From the earliest waka with flax paddles to the fibreglass style kayaks of the 1970s there is a rich history of waka ama, canoes and kayaks to draw on.
Kayaking
A must do experience when living so close to the Hauraki Gulf is a night kayak journey over to Rangitoto. Fergs Kayaks have been offering this thrilling adventure for almost 30 years and it is one of the most special ways to get to Rangitoto. With twin kayaks, a more experienced paddler can make the trip easier for someone with less skill and fitness and the experienced instructors make the entire process fun and safe for everyone. Of course, if you want to brush up on your kayak skills before undertaking a traverse across the harbour, Fergs runs a series of basic skills courses that will get anyone ready to take on the challenge.
Paul Lelievre, operations manager of Fergs Kayaks, Auckland says that there are quite a few Ponsonby locals who come down and join the regular kayak tours or hire kayaks for some fun weekend fitness. “Often they are couples or friends just doing a fun activity together on a nice day. Others are training for fitness or spending time getting used to being in a kayak for an upcoming adventure race,” explains Paul.
Not far from Fergs is the Royal Akarana Yacht Club which offers regular social paddles in the mornings and evenings throughout the week. Fergs offers Epic kayaks, paddles and accessories from its fleet of demo boats for people to ‘try before you buy’. The Auckland Canoe Club, which has been going since the 1950s, is another sea kayaking group based along Tamaki Drive. The club organises regular meet-ups and events all around the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf and all you have to do is fill in a membership form and pay a small fee to join. Absolute beginners are welcomed and the club offers events for the most advanced kayakers as well.
Let’s go fishing
For those of you who are already keen anglers, it seems in December the snapper are biting. Newbie anglers or those without a boat but a desire to catch their own fish can choose from a good number of fishing charters that leave from Westhaven Marina and the Viaduct. There is something for every taste and ability, from dedicated snapper charters that offer twilight, public fishing trips starting from just $50 per person on a week night, right up to fully catered fishing charters on a 60-foot luxury yacht with private chefs to cook your catch.
If Google reviews are anything to go by, you can’t go far wrong if you choose a twilight fishing charter with Snapper Charters based in Westhaven. After work all you need to do is grab your rod, tackle and bait and head down to Z Pier with your chilly bin of ice (you are sure to catch fish to take home, so you will need one). You leave the marina with an experienced skipper on a boat purpose-built for fishing.
Skipper Paul Zentveld has decades of experience and believes that he can get even those who have never hooked a fish reeling in the snapper. Paul is well known in the marine industry and has many helpful tips and secrets learnt from years on the water. “I’d say I have one of the best strike rates per trip,” says Paul who knows hundreds of proven fishing spots in the area. “We promise to meet every individual’s needs and to ensure it will be an experience to remember.”
Savoy Charters also promises an unforgettable experience and has a charter package designed especially for the less experienced. Savoy’s ‘learn to fish’ luxury fishing charters teach you all you need to know to get started. Fish experts Nathan O’Hearn (Big Angry Fish) and Daniel Dejong (The Fish Freak), take a charter group through the basics of what gear is needed and how to use it. They cover the common fish species in our local waters, their behaviour and how to hook and cook one. “You go home with a complete understanding of the basics of fishing – enough to enable you to head out on your own adventures with your mates,” says Emily Lucas of Savoy Charters.
A half day ‘Learn to Fish’ package is $3900 + GST for up to 20 people and all you need to bring is yourself and your friends. Emily explains learning to fish is not just for the guys, with women and girls also enjoying Savoy’s learn to fish charters and more advance angling opportunities. For the more experienced, Savoy Charters offers the Savoy X fishing experience on a Tristram Marine 701 Offshore. “It was previously used by the team on the Big Angry Fish TV show and it’s the most amazing fishing platform for offshore fishing adventures. It really is ’next level’ in terms of fishing,” says Emily.
For a more leisurely fishing experience or a luxury charter boat cruise it is hard to overlook the stream of great reviews people give Zefiro Luxury Charter boat based in Auckland’s Viaduct. The boat hire rate starting at $3200 + GST for a half-day fishing charter of up to 20 people fishing, or enjoy a full day charter that allows Zefiro to cruise deeper where the big fish are and where it’s more likely to see dolphins. This 60ft motor yacht offers the ultimate in charter boat luxury. It’s interior is breathtaking and in the water it is simply beautiful.
When it comes to fishing, Zefiro’s host George and skipper Brett can help guests discover some of the best fishing spots in the Hauraki Gulf. “Depending on what the weather and tides are doing that day, we can work out the most suitable spot for fishing. The Gourmet BBQ menu option onboard Zefiro is exceptional and always very popular. We also prepare some of your catch as delicious fresh sashimi and you take the rest home to enjoy,” says George.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or an enthusiast just starting out, there are so many ways to get out on the water without owning your own boat. But if buying a boat is your dream, there are a large number of experienced brokers and marine services available within a stone’s throw of Ponsonby Road, ready to help you. The Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf are truly incredible treasures. Not only are they places of great beauty and resource but being out on their waters is good for us – body, mind and soul.
Being safe out on the water
Whether you are out on the water for fitness, racing, peace of mind, fishing or leisure, doing it safely is vital. Coastguard New Zealand recommends following five simple rules as the basics for safe boating. 1. Lifejackets, take them and wear them. 2. Skipper Responsibility, the skipper is responsible for all lives on the boat. 3. Communications, take two waterproof ways to communicate. 4. Check the marine weather conditions and be prepared in case they change. 5. Avoid alcohol, you need to be alert to stay safe.
Coastguard New Zealand offers a range of courses and services to make sure people stay safe and have fun on our waters. Becoming a member for just $115 can be the best investment a boatie can make. Membership is designed to give people complete peace of mind – whether it’s a flat battery or a sick child, Coastguard will be there for you. A great day’s fishing could be completely spoilt if you find your boat doesn’t start and you can’t get back with your catch.