Regional Paddling Network Workshop
Workshop: Regional Paddling Network
Workshop Purpose
The purpose of the workshop was to ascertain the support for a regional paddling network and its feasibility with paddlers and retailers, including:
The workshop was attended by 10 people, representing sea kayaking club members, individual paddlers, and sea kayaking retailers perspectives.
Setting the Scene
Ben Sheeran, Director of Recreation Solutions Ltd, welcomed participants to the workshop. He outlined the structure of the workshop and its objectives, and provided a summary of the project history (project brief, preliminary findings, time line).
Support Investigation
The overall goal of the workshop was to investigate whether support existed for establishing a paddling network with paddlers and retailers. Workshop participants fielded a series of key questions outlined by Ben Sheeran and developed the following conclusions:
Defined as: Good access/egress points; Clearly marked trails and campsites; Easily accessible information for beginners and visitors to Auckland; Equipment hire (for beginners and tourists); A maximum of 1.5km portage (pulling kayaks over land by hand); Achievable kayaking distances for beginners to intermediate paddlers for multi-day trips (approximately 7km for beginners; up to 15km); Basic campsite facilities preferred; Booking system preferred to guarantee sites.
Feedback
2. Gateway Sites
North
South
Central
West
3. GAP Analysis
4. Gateway Product Approach
Next Steps
The consulting team will be providing the workshop results to workshop participants and other contacts for comment during March, April 2014. The final document will be ready by April 2014.
For more information on the workshop summary, contact:
Ben Sheeran
Recreation Solutions Ltd
e-mail ben@recreationsolutions.co.nz
Phone: (09) 479 2569; (021) 462 777
Workshop Purpose
The purpose of the workshop was to ascertain the support for a regional paddling network and its feasibility with paddlers and retailers, including:
- Gaining feedback on Level of Service
- Gaining feedback on Site Selection process (gaps)
- Seeking endorsement for Gateway Product Approach
The workshop was attended by 10 people, representing sea kayaking club members, individual paddlers, and sea kayaking retailers perspectives.
Setting the Scene
Ben Sheeran, Director of Recreation Solutions Ltd, welcomed participants to the workshop. He outlined the structure of the workshop and its objectives, and provided a summary of the project history (project brief, preliminary findings, time line).
Support Investigation
The overall goal of the workshop was to investigate whether support existed for establishing a paddling network with paddlers and retailers. Workshop participants fielded a series of key questions outlined by Ben Sheeran and developed the following conclusions:
- Level of Service
Defined as: Good access/egress points; Clearly marked trails and campsites; Easily accessible information for beginners and visitors to Auckland; Equipment hire (for beginners and tourists); A maximum of 1.5km portage (pulling kayaks over land by hand); Achievable kayaking distances for beginners to intermediate paddlers for multi-day trips (approximately 7km for beginners; up to 15km); Basic campsite facilities preferred; Booking system preferred to guarantee sites.
Feedback
- Consensus the most important elements above all else relate to ease of water access (thoughout tidal range; sheltered options on any given day within the wider paddling network in all weather conditions).
- 1.5km portage too large, but Ben Sheeran empasised that site selection involved scoring sites more highly that are within 150m portage.
- Overnight parking (within 1km) vital for Sea Kayaking, and probably SUP’s.
- Information (messaging) should emphasise that in the event of bad weather one option is to stay put and not attempt to paddle on that day.
- Accessibility would be aided by having storage areas for paddling craft. This would allow access via public transport (PT).
- New Maritime Safety Laws may be more restrictive than in the past.
- PT and hire options necessary for attracting beginners to paddling. They should be the target audience for the paddling network, as intermediate and advanced paddlers are already participating.
2. Gateway Sites
North
- Preference for Wenderholm or Orewa over Sullivans as they are more accessible in terms of distance from CBD, PT and hire options.
South
- Eastern Beach would be good for parking (at North end) but feel that tidal access makes it less attractive.
- Prefer Maraetai or Omana as a gateway if storage options are provided.
Central
- Believe inner harbour has great potential.
- Options include Christmas Beach, Greenhithe (floating pontoon), Island Bay, Herald Island.
- Camping opportunities at Rangipuni (Riverhead).
- From the landing at Okahu Bay, a number of options to use the Hauraki Gulf including Mackenzie Bay, Home Bay.
West
- Day trips currently at Onehunga.
- Safety issues meant participants not pushing for a gateway site on the Manukau harbour.
- Site on the Kaipara Harbour should be landbanked for the future (around Bodley House).
3. GAP Analysis
- Browns Island would provide a good stepping stone from the Landing (Okahu Bay) to other Gulf islands and to Southern sites. Would need toilet facilities.
- Gap around Musick Point, Howick. Investigate Council or private land at Cockle Bay, Sandspit Road.
- Gap at Chamberlains Bay on Waiheke Island.
4. Gateway Product Approach
- All participants endorsed the Gateway Product approach.
Next Steps
The consulting team will be providing the workshop results to workshop participants and other contacts for comment during March, April 2014. The final document will be ready by April 2014.
For more information on the workshop summary, contact:
Ben Sheeran
Recreation Solutions Ltd
e-mail ben@recreationsolutions.co.nz
Phone: (09) 479 2569; (021) 462 777