Daylight Savings Update

Kia ora tatou,
 
With a change of season and daylight savings change, we have some important notices that you need to be aware of.
 
Club Nights

• Club nights are stopping over the winter months and will resume when daylight savings starts again.  Canoe bookings have been made for September onwards for club bookings.
• Any paddler who is not in a squad or crew, please let us know and we can help find you a regular paddling spot.

 
Daylight Savings – Change of Paddling Requirements
With the change of paddling we are now into night paddling for the evening bookings.  Please ensure you observe the club rules:

• V1, W1 and W2 canoes are not permitted for night-time paddling.
• Night time paddling is recommended to be confined to the Harbour
• Two lights per W6 must be mounted on the ama to comply with Maritime Law.
• However with all the light clutter in the harbour all paddlers are recommended to wear headlamps, being seen is critical during the night-time paddling. The club have some but some bring their own.
• All craft should have a communication device on board.
• All paddlers are recommended to WEAR lifejackets for night-time paddling.  Once separated from a canoe no one can see you in the dark.

 
Bookings Update:

• If you have a regular booking – please check on the club calendar and advise of any changes.   
• All canoes must be booked via our calendar before taking out. 
• The committee have also discussed the travelling of single and double canoes for individual training days or weekends away and have confirmed that the singles and doubles must stay at the shed for wider club use, unless they are booked for a Waka Ama NZ event.
• Please familiarise yourselves with the Bookings and notifications part of the club rules.

 
Access to Canoes:
Please read the club rules regarding who has access to the double and single canoes. Quick reminders on this are:

• Singles and doubles are only for use by full club members, affiliate members do not have access to these waka.
• Authorised singles and doubles paddlers can use the waka and supervise those full members learning

 
Travelling Canoes:
For the singles and doubles travelling to regattas, the Pegasus singles and tempest doubles MUST be transported on suitable roof racks and in their travel bags.  
 
Ships
We often use the shipping lane in the winter night time paddling:  Quick tips:

• Remain outside the loading arms by 50m of the port of Tauranga
• Avoid being in the shipping lane when tug boats are operating
• If the Yellow Pilot boat is out that means a ship is either coming or going. 
• Ships cannot see you on the water and cannot move
• Ships move faster than they appear. 
• Our shipping lane is extra busy, so please take care and be cautious.
• If returning down the harbour and ships are being berthed, turned or are departing – you can always exit at the Sanford’s Ramp, walk around to get the trolley and head back.

Clothing

• Dress warm for winter paddling, layers can be taken off.

 
Safety culture

• Everyone’s voice in the waka counts. Please ensure your crew feel safe to speak up on safety issues, whilst on the water.

 
Hopefully this covers the key highlights.  All club members should know the club rules, so please ensure you read as a refresher.
http://www.tmocc.co.nz/uploads/2/5/3/8/25381158/club_rules_update_march_2021.pdf
 
Let’s have a safe and productive winter paddling season!  Take care, paddle hard and be safe.
 
Nga mihi
Becs Ryder
President
Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club