Keep a lookout for PB , he's gone A wall

billboard said...

teaching mutton birds to sup.

I was out at PRK this afternoon and saw a mutton bird get caught in the lineup. It did the latest takeoff and went over the falls but pulled it off!
Maybe taught by BP

Dale

Ughh Orewa beach.... that could go on the places to miss list.

Glass off said...

Ughh Orewa beach.... that could go on the places to miss list.

Whereas I agree it doesn't compare to Raglan which is world class on it's day, I don't agree with your 'Ughh' comment. Orewa is hardly 'Ughh' is it?? it's a lovely little town with a great beach. It doesn't break as often as those exposed coast breaks, but when it does it's a good wave as is the bar. You can get rides that go on for hundreds of metres...just not as good as Raglan. Pretty crappy comment.

There definitely is a Naish sup hire place at Orewa and if there are waves and you stop by then you'll have fun.

Apart from Russell I don't know of any breaks in the Bay of Islands however just north of there is a place called Taupo Bay it's as good as anywhere to surf/sup and very scenic. All the other places Sandy Bay etc and Shipwreck Bay on the West coast up are worth a visit (not personally been to shippies tho, but know heaps of people who have).

As for Auckland West coast well it is suppable but you have to pick your times cos mostly you need a shortboard to duck under the massive walls of whitewash as every set wave normally obliterates the line up as they break that much further out. The rips are very strong so you need to keep an eye out where your getting pulled out to. The west coast is good for sup when it's clean or small and it ain't often like that. Also yes there are some nice view points and if black sand does it for you..visit away. Here's a fact though number 1 most dangerous beach in NZ is Piha number 2 is Muriwai. Yes worth a visit though maybe?

spose it's good to have options. I'd head up north though, if you have a board with you perhaps stop at Te Arai point, the Forestry, Mangawhai heads (awesome place), Waipu cove, Ocean beach, Sandy bay..next stop Bay of Islands, all east coast and on your route up north.

I spent 4 lovely yrs living at Raglan....memories still flood back very clearly. I would think that SUPing it there on the points would not be encouraged. However there are a few great waves close by......on a smaller day and a low tide paddle out behind indicators and around the corner - you will not be disappointed. We used to walk there and climb down the cliffs. Nightmare. These days on a SUP it should be apiece of cake to access. Also on the North side of the harbour there is a few fantastic set ups which pick up more swell than the points (which face NW but SW is the dominant swell direction so are a touch smaller). Instead of driving around (45 mins plus) the harbour and walking over farms to access just paddle over from the the old jetty in town. Watch the tide though as it could rush you out through the bar in no time. If you want to really explore and its a small day less than 2m SW swell and light or easterly winds study the map between the north side of Raglan harbour and Port Waikato to the north. There are loads of great beaches / points and reef setups which would be nice and accessible with a SUP.

Not far from that horrid town of Orewa you have spots like Te Ari Point and Forestry which on their day can be good. But come on the east coast of NZ is not the most reliable spot for waves. The Coromandle has loads of wicked waves from Whanga Bar all the way up to the North. And the good thing is you can do the coast to coast pretty easily as well. SUP West in the morning and then head to the East for lunch. Make sure you take a wetsuit though. Enjoy. I will be there from Dec 15th if you are still around and can show you a few spots. Although I shall be heading down to Taranaki fairly promptly after I arrive.

awesome and great info everyone!! its much appreciated! im going to take my shortboard and paddle over and see about hiring a sup .. i think we are going to get a hire car so we can explore and access the beaches a little easier! hopefully there is some good waves.... ohhhhh steamer or spring suit for early december?