Aratika Water Sports Club, welcome all AROCA and NKOA affiliated clubs to join us and the region in the third regatta of the AROCA Winter Series for 2014.

The AROCA Winter Series 2014 running a Club point system – First place 8 points, Second place 6 points, Third place 4 points, thereafter 2 points for finishing the course. What about other regions entries? In respect to their attendance a separate point system will be run parallel to AROCA Club series. All race rules must be adhered to before points are allocated.  No protest on the day.

The venue Hinemoa Reserve, Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead

AROCA Clubs based on the Waitemata can paddle their waka over to Birkenhead Thursday 12^th June or Friday 13^th June.  Waka can be left on the Hinemoa reserve, waka trolley are kept close to Aratika waka racking. Ensure front of the waka is facing towards the water.

Friday parking:

North Shore residents commute via ferry.  Therefore, parking for car and trailer are limited between the hours of 6am until after 6pm Mon – Friday.  So waka need to be offloaded and left on the Hinemoa Reserve.

Recommendation trailer be parked at Little Shoal Bay.  Those bringing their waka on Saturday and using the Stafford or Onewa off Ramps - an option to offload at Little Shoal Bay, prep your waka and paddle around to Birkenhead. Tie up your waka at the pontoon and collect your race pack from the Ferry Terminal.  Tide 7.54am High tide.

Saturday 14^th June

Collect your Entry pack from inside the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal.  If you require assistance, approach Aratika member who will be wearing an Orange Hi Vis Vest.

Races will include:

15Km    W6 Seniors – Mixed, Open, Master and Senior Master Categories

8Km     W6 Juniors / Novice Open and Mixed

            W1, W2 and W3 - Mixed, Open, Master and Senior Master Categories

Race Rules:

As a NKOA Sanctioned event Clubs and paddlers must be registered with NKOA.

1. Minimum age 13 years and over in year of competition (1^st January – 31^st December)
2. Mixed crews will consist of three (3) women and three (3) men
3. All juniors and novices competing MUST wear an appropriate PFS (MSA approved and correctly fitted) anytime they are on the water while associated with this event.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification from all racing at this event and removal of competitor and their canoe from the event.
4. Depending on weather and sea conditions all cockpit waka must be fitted with a spray skirt. W1’s and Sit on top W1’s are excluded).  This decision will be made at the discretion of the race director on the day.
5. All competitors must be familiar with the Maritime and /WANZ safety rules.
6. All competitors are required to sign the waiver form.  Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
7. Novice paddlers are considered to be those who have been paddling one year or less and have not competed in more than 3 regattas (Sprints included).
8. Novice and Junior teams MUST have an experienced steersperson and be able to complete the 8K within an hour.
9. If a Junior 16 paddler are seen paddling in an Open team.  The team will receive 2 points. Regardless if they were placed in the top 3. A rule has been breached and wellbeing of that young paddler may be in question after the race.
10. The Course may change due to adverse conditions

Equipment to hire:

a)     3x AROCA W6 waka with all safety equipment available contact [email protected]

b)    Visit NKOA website wakaama.co.nz to contact AROCA Clubs

c)     AROCA Clubs if you have a spare waka not being used and can be made available for hire please notify [email protected] or host club [email protected]

Housekeeping:

Entries Close: Wed 11^th June 2014          11.59pm

Roster Close: Thurs 12^th June 2014         Midday