Protocol for use of HAKWAR Fai waka (Te Kaha Ki Heretaunga) at Napier Sailing Club
Policy Updated May 27, 2025
Background
HAKWAR will store their Fai W6 waka at Napier Sailing Club.
This is to enable Roopu teams to be able to train on the ocean and gain experience of ocean paddling.
Storage / access / security
The waka is stored along the fence line at the back of Napier Sailing Club, directly across the water from Takitimu club.
The waka trolley has a combination lock secured to the fence.
Bookings
All use of this waka MUST be arranged through Roopu Booking Officer, this is now available online.
Safety
The coach (or if no coach then the steerer) is responsible for all safety requirements before the team start their paddle:
- To take this waka out on the ocean you MUST have an experienced steerer. To gain experience a novice may steer the w6 so long as the person in seat 5 is a competent steerer and the team agrees with this.
- Check weather/sea conditions
- Ensure bungs are fitted
- Check waka lashings
- Headlamps to be worn if paddling in hours of darkness
- All paddlers are competent in the flip procedure
- All members are wearing a correctly fitting PDF
- Two forms of communication must be on the waka: A VHF radio or charged mobile phone with available credit (in watertight container)
- A tow rope, two spare paddles and two bailers are attached to the waka
- Spray skirts are used whenever the conditions are rough or windy
- Check all equipment is in good condition before and after your paddle
- That the steerer and team can manage the conditions.
- That the team is dressed appropriately for weather conditions.
- Steerers must be on the right hand side going out of the mouth and returning back in. Check the green light ahead by the Bluewater jetty.
- Should the steerer and/or 50% of the crew be inexperienced in ocean paddling then the waka must stay within 200m of the shoreline and if the conditions are anything other than benign then inexperienced crews should not go past the PIN (This is the tallest & last post on the left hand side as you are heading out the channel, just past the viewing deck (fishing deck) on your left of the channel – but before the Iron Pot (light house on the right/tip of perfume point)
- The coach or steerer must have arranged for someone on land to know where the crew is planning to paddle and what time the crew is expected back, and for that on-land person to be phoned on their return. That on-land person must understand that if no phone contact has been established within the time agreed that they will call the Coastguard.
- No Junior teams (J19 and younger) are to paddle beyond the PIN, unless an experienced sea paddling Steerer/Coach is in the waka with them.
Environs
At all times ensure that:
- Courtesies are shown to other users of these public areas (Marina and waterways)
- The area is kept clean and tidy
- Obstructions (tyres, trolley or waka are not left unattended) and returned to storage area after use
Damage
- If damage occurs either on land or while paddling, report this to a committee member as soon as possible
- The committee will investigate the incident and notify those involved of their decision