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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Wed, 30 May 2012 02:38:15 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Blog</title><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 04:18:35 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright></copyright><language>en-GB</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><item><title>Rowing CSBO in Hamilton, Waikato</title><category>Clubs (sailing, rowing, windsurfing)</category><category>Powerboating</category><category>Schools</category><category>Who does these things...</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 04:10:39 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/19/rowing-csbo-in-hamilton-waikato.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16338342</guid><description><![CDATA[<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120519161039-1.jpg?fileId=18283347"/>

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Just back after a trip to Hamilton to run a Boat Driving and rowing safety course for Hamilton Rowing Club with a few extras from other local rowing clubs. 

It's been a fun day covering the RowingNZ / Coastguard boat drivers course in mostly warm autumn sunshine.

For full info on the safety courses we run for Sailing, windsurfing, rowing, wakarama, snorkeling and other activities around the water simply drop us a line on 0800 486 729 or by email.]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16338342.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Windsurfing in the Olympics</title><category>Windsurfing</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 01:46:24 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/16/windsurfing-in-the-olympics.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16283645</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>A big thank you and a status update on our movement - ISAF: Keep Windsurfing as Olympic Discipline </p><p>Dear All,</p><p>And average of 3 signatures per minute from over 100 different countries!! I will make some attempt at translation.</p><p>**ENGLISH**</p><p>If you are receiving this you have already made the first step to overturn ISAF's decision to remove Windsurfing from the 2016 Olympics, and we are extremely grateful for your involvement. Every signature is helping make a difference.</p><p>Now for the next steps:</p><p>You will soon see a full social media campaign unfold as we push the petition through facebook's advertising system amongst others. We have 7600 signatures which is incredible after just 2 days but we are aiming much much higher.</p><p>We are now calling on every one of you to personally talk to 2 or 3 close friends who you know havent signed the petition, and convince them to sign. If every single person who has signed does this we will quickly hit the 25,000 mark, if not more as growth becomes exponential. <br />http://www.change.org/petitions/isaf-keep-windsurfing-as-olympic-discipline</p><p>Remember the power of email, phone and other social media (twitter etc.) - facebook is an incredible tool but it does have limitations. If you have access to club mailing lists - get on it! Chance is you will find many more supporters.</p><p>If you have links into local or national media (TV, newspaper, radio...) raise awareness for the petition! Remember we are not looking to mock or ridicule Kitesurfing or the ISAF, we just want everyone somehow involved in the world of windsurfing to hear about this petition and sign it.</p><p>Over the next few days you will be hearing about our plan, how we will push forward and our next steps.</p><p>Remember if we all talk to 2 to 3 people each, it will make a huge difference. Why not more?</p><p>**FRANCAIS - Résumé**</p><p>Pour commencer, un grand merci: vous recevez cet email car votre signature a déjà commencé à faire une différence et nous sommes sur le bon chemin pour réinstaurer le Windsurf comme sport Olympique. <br />Maintenant si chacun d’entre vous prends sur lui de convaincre 2 ou 3 connaissances de signer la pétition, les 25 000 signatures seront faciles à obtenir. Souvenez-vous qu’il n’y a pas que facebook: twitter, mail et téléphone sont des alternatives. Si votre club a une liste mail / un groupe facebook – partager le lien ! <br />Si vous connaissez quelqu’un qui travaille pour un média (TV, radio, journal…) contacter les, faites connaitre notre mouvement!</p><p>Dans les jours à venir, nous vous garderons informer sur nos plans futurs et les étapes sur le chemin de la victoire. En attendant, faites tourner ! http://www.change.org/petitions/isaf-keep-windsurfing-as-olympic-discipline</p><p>**ESPANOL - Resumen**</p><p>Para empezar ¡Gracias!: recibes este mensaje porque su signatura ya ha comenzado a hacer la diferencia y vamos por buen camino para restablecer el windsurf olímpico como deporte. <br />Ahora bien, si cada ustedes hablas a dos o tres Conocimiento para firmar la petición, las 25.000 firmas estará fácil. Recuerde, no es solamente Facebook: Twitter, correo electrónico y teléfono son las alternativas. Si su club tiene una lista de correo electrónico / grupo de facebook - ¡Compartir el enlace! <br />Si conoces a alguien que trabaja para la TV, radio, prensa... de contacto ¡Dar a conocer nuestro movimiento!</p><p>En los próximos días, le mantendremos informado acerca de nuestros planes para el futuro y los pasos en el camino a la victoria. http://www.change.org/petitions/isaf-keep-windsurfing-as-olympic-discipline</p><p>**Sorry no other languages, ive already stretched my abilities this far..</p><p>Till next time :)</p><p>Chris</p><p><br />------------------------------------------- </p><p>Click the link below to view the message and reply. <br />http://www.change.org/messages/private?message_id=51279095&ue=emn </p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16283645.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>SUP event at Kulim Park, Tauranga</title><category>Paddleboarding/ SUP</category><category>Tauranga</category><category>Youth</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:32 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/15/sup-event-at-kulim-park-tauranga.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16279435</guid><description><![CDATA[<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120516083032-1.jpg?fileId=18220047"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120516083032-2.jpg?fileId=18220048"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120516083032-3.jpg?fileId=18220049"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120516083032-4.jpg?fileId=18220050"/>

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Sunday's paddleboard event with fun racing, tasters and kit demo's was a lot of fun.

Over half the racers were youngsters who's energy and enthusiasm was contagious and showed us up! 

Check out our facebook page for more pics and info on the great supporters that all helped make the day a success.

Keep in touch for upcoming sup events for you to enjoy]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16279435.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>5 minute briefing on med style briefing</title><category>Superyacht</category><category>tips&amp; tricks</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 21:20:38 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/10/5-minute-briefing-on-med-style-briefing.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16211988</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/enewsletters/Sportsboatsandribs/may12/Pages/FiveminutebriefingMedmooringsternto.aspx?utm_source=UpToSpeed&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=may12-uptospeed</p><p>You'll need to click on the link above to see all the pictures.</p><p>Five minute briefing - Med mooring stern-to </p><p>Top tips on stern-to mooring</p><p>Mediterranean mooring is usually stern-to and occasionally bows-to the quay. Boats usually moor stern-to the quay or pontoon for ease of access ashore; however when unsure of the depth, going bows-to will keep your drives in deeper water. Alongside berthing is normally only available at fuel or waiting pontoons.</p><p>Stern lines are used to stay close to the quay or pontoon, whilst either the anchor or a line from the bow holds the boat away. A passerelle or wooden plank, carried by the boat, is used to go ashore.</p><p>Lazy lines</p><p>Lazy lines are used in busy harbours and marinas where multiple anchors would become fouled. Instead of the anchor holding the bow away, the bow is connected to a heavy bow line, which is pre-attached to a concrete block on the seabed. The bow line is also attached to a lighter ‘lazy line’, which is led to the quayside/pontoon. The lazy line is retrieved from the wall and led to the bow and the heavier line hauled in and tied off.</p><p></p><p>The approach:</p><p>Rig up fenders on either side and at the stern.<br />Rig two stern lines - they should be long enough to go ashore and come back to the boat.<br />Reverse towards the quay/pontoon.<br />Connect windward stern line to quay/pontoon first (i).<br />Pick up the lazy line, lead it to the bow and tie off.<br />Connect second stern line.<br />Adjust bow and stern lines (ii). </p><p>(i) To hold the boat in position once the windward stern-line is attached use small nudges ahead on the leeward engine. If you have a single engine boat, turn the wheel to windward and use ‘ahead’ to keep     the bow up to wind.</p><p>(ii) Often the stern lines are eased and the bow line is re-tightened, then the stern lines are hauled in taught. A tight bow line reduces the chance of the stern bashing the quay or pontoon. Springs which are diagonal lines from either quarter to the quay can stop the stern moving sideways.<br /> </p><p>Anchoring - stern-to</p><p></p><p>The approach:</p><p>Rig up fenders on both sides and a large fender on the stern.<br />Rig a stern line from both quarters.<br />Prepare the anchor to drop.<br />About four boat lengths away from the quay drop the anchor and ease out chain.<br />One boat length from the quay, stop easing the chain so that the anchor digs in. Be ready to ease out more chain if required.<br />Connect the windward stern line to shore, followed by the leeward stern line.<br />Once positioned the correct distance from the quay, take the strain up on the chain. To ensure the stern stays away from the quay/pontoon - often the stern lines are eased and the chain tightened, then the stern lines made taught again.</p><p>Crosswinds<br />In a crosswind it may be necessary to reverse into wind initially to get steerageway. When slightly upwind of the gap, drop the anchor and reverse into the space. Ensure the leeward side is well fendered in case you drift onto the downwind boat.</p><p>Onshore wind<br />If the wind is on the bow, treat the stern-to mooring as a normal anchoring exercise. Drop the anchor four-boat lengths out and gently reverse into the gap with the stern lines ready. One boat length away from the quay, snub the anchor so that it digs in, then connect the stern lines.</p><p></p><p> </p><p>Written by: Simon Jinks on behalf of the RYA<br />Pictures: Courtesy of Sarah Selman</p><p> </p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16211988.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Kitesurfing</title><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 02:25:48 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/10/kitesurfing.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16202752</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Hi, if the recent Olympic changes have got you excited about kitesurfing then great and the next best thing you can do is get in touch with Glenn at Assault Kiteboarding <br />Assault.co.nz</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16202752.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Put Windsurfing Back into the Olympics</title><category>Clubs (sailing, rowing, windsurfing)</category><category>Windsurfing</category><category>Youth</category><category>windsurfing</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 21:12:30 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/7/put-windsurfing-back-into-the-olympics.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16151286</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ISAFolympicswindsurfing/"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img style="width: 450px;" src="http://elementsonline.squarespace.com/storage/windsurfing/blasting%20perth.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1336339051390" alt="" /></span></span>https://www.facebook.com/groups/ISAFolympicswindsurfing/</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="messageBody">Thank you very much to everyone who's become a part of&nbsp;the Page above -</span></p>
<p><span class="messageBody">Let's keep adding people until there is no one left to add. The windsurfing kite surfing relationship is a fragile one at that so instead of looking at the negative let's look at the positive and try and get our sport back in the Olympics. Whether it is from&nbsp;this page or another let's keep fighting to get it back.<br /><br />Thank you so much for proving that you care.</span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16151286.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Go Sailing</title><category>Auckland</category><category>Sailing</category><category>Tauranga</category><category>Topaz Sailing System</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 06:20:05 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/6/go-sailing.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16146497</guid><description><![CDATA[<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120506182005-1.jpg?fileId=18049038"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120506182005-2.jpg?fileId=18049039"/>

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A sailing taster with us can be to get you into a life of sailing or simply a great way to explore the Harbour.

After this session we will tailor make a package of lessons and rental to get you into the type of sailing that works for you.

]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16146497.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>What the hell is DSC anyway?</title><category>Powerboating</category><category>tips&amp; tricks</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 04:30:12 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/6/what-the-hell-is-dsc-anyway.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16146043</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>What the hell is DSC anyway?<br />1/05/12 1:42 PM<br />DSC is probably the least understood yet widely available safety tool in marine electronics . The term DSC is an acronym of“Digital Selective Calling” and can apply to both SSB or VHF radios. To make matters more confusing, VHF DSC is split into 2 classes, Type A is for offshore ships and requires a bit more hardware, while type D is for regular boaties, which is what we are interested in. DSC can be used for a wide variety of things, however the most important job is that of the distress button, which is normally located under a little plastic flap. So what exactly happens when you push this little red button? We decided to find out.<br />Our test radio was a Nautilus Lifeline– a diving VHF which has an integrated GPS and DSC function. Its an amazing little package and is waterproof to 120m! It was set up with an MMSI number which is an essential step if you want to use your DSC radio for emergency purposes. MMSI numbers are issued when requested with VHF callsigns, which you should have by law. For more information see this page. For receiving we used a standard, unregistered Uniden UM380 radio, which was located inside our showroom and did not have a GPS input.<br />When the emergency button was pushed, the DSC radio in the shop started to make an alarming sound, and switched itself to channel 16. The noise was quite impressive coming out of the UM380 until we shut it up by pushing the cancel button. The coordinates of the distress radio were shown on the screen, as well as a flashing “distress”. The important part of this is the other radios changing to channel 16. Any mayday call then made will be recieved by a larger group of boaties.<br />Probably the most interesting part of our test was the reaction from other users. Firstly no authorities monitor VHF DSC (Maritime Radio do officially monitor SSB DSC). I also checked with the Coastguard after the test, and they confirmed they had not received any alarms at their station. This isn't a major however as Maritime Radio keep a constant watch on 16, and you should also put out a mayday anyway. The second user I had contact with was a commercial fisherman who asked me to get rid of the flashing message symbol on his VHF radio a couple of days later. This turned out to be the emergency messages from our test. To him, the alarms were no more than an annoying noise coming from the bridge.<br />So, is DSC worth the hastle of getting an MMSI number and the cost of a GPS input? Given that about half of the radios we sell have DSC I would say, yes it is. The button function by itself is not going to do you any good, and Maritime Radio does not officially monitor this, however it does is change DSC radios within range to channel 16, so any subsequent mayday calls will be received by a larger number of boaties, which is always a good thing when you're in trouble. However it is not a silver bullet, and should not be used without putting out some other source of mayday or distress call.<br /> <br />this info is forwarded on from http://baymarineelectronics.co.nz/latest_news/dsc/<br /> <br /> </p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16146043.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Windsurf thoughts from local fanatic...</title><category>Tauranga</category><category>Who does these things...</category><category>Windsurfing</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 05:00:53 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/4/windsurf-thoughts-from-local-fanatic.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16119512</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>http://bopwindsurfers.blogspot.co.nz/?m=1</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16119512.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Judgement day</title><category>Schools</category><category>Tauranga</category><category>Windsurfing</category><category>Youth</category><dc:creator>Jules&amp;amp; Pete</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 04:35:20 +0000</pubDate><link>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/2012/5/4/judgement-day.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">996172:12801053:16119353</guid><description><![CDATA[<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120504163520-1.jpg?fileId=18020535"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120504163520-2.jpg?fileId=18020536"/>

<img class="iphone-image" src="http://elementswatersports.co.nz/resource/iphone-20120504163520-3.jpg?fileId=18020537"/>

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Today the groups windsurf skills were challenged first with light and shifty winds and then judged as they windsurfed around a course.

The 42 students with us this week were assessed using the schools own criteria which after 14plus years is well refined.

We are also accredited to asses on the NCEA framework for the watersports we teach. 

For full info email peter@elementswatersports.co.nz]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://elementswatersports.co.nz/blog/rss-comments-entry-16119353.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>
