Lake Hood as a Dragon Boat venue:
Aoraki are keen to find suitable venues for major events. While Kerr's Reach has been FANTASTIC for Christchurch urban regatta, it has some limitations (width being the major one). In April 2008, Aoraki Board members made a couple of trips south to scope out the options... |
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| 1. Lake Roto Kohatu seen on take off from Christchurch runway 02 |
2. The main problem with Lake Roto Kohatu is that it will only take a maximum 320m race distance. |
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| 3. Lake Crighton from the air. Built by the Wright family in about 1996 on farm land in Fraser Rd, approx 6km SE of Dunsandel and 30 minutes south of Christchurch. |
4. Crighton is a good facility for spectators but at 1.5m at the deepest, it is shallower than Lake Hood, and only 75m wide. It is also slightly shorter, at 550m. |
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| 5. Lake Crighton is an 'intimate' venue allowing spectators to line the banks. |
6. Lake Hood, in the background, is about 5 minutes drive (seaward) from Ashburton (Tinwald). Ashburton Showgrounds in the front. |
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| 7. Looking east from Ashburton. Lakeside housing is on the near side, with the Water Ski area on the far side of the lake. |
8. Looking east from over Ashburton toward Lake Hood, halfway to the coast. |
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| 9. Approaching from the Northwest, with the housing area on the right (and the road in is even further right) |
10. The main lake has a rowing course 2,000m long. But this shows the separate Water Ski area, enclosed by a broad bank (ideal for spectators). Note, this is the area that Aoraki originally eyed for racing, but in fact the main lake (northern end) has proven to be brilliant for regatta! |
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| 11. The Water Ski area is about 100m wide. If we were to use it, this allows 4 to 6 lanes to be set. Total length is about 750m allowing runoff for stopping (and circling the islands at each end). |
12. At the north end, a channel allows boats in and out to the main lake. The banks protect this area from some wind, but more importantly they keep out any waves or wash from the main lake. |
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| 13. The "finish line" for the Rowers 2,000m course is at the bottom of the picture. On the right (from the bottom) is a storage building; the "Lake House" restaurant/cafe and bar; and the private housing. |
14. Willow trees in the foreground might provide some protection from possible Nor' Easterlies. The metal road goes all the way around the lake, and is below lake level on this side. |
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| 15. The Southern Alps make a magnificent backdrop, don't they? |
16. A great view of the excellent loading jetties, allowing nine boats to be easily moored and loaded. A portacom with sliding doors allows for race HQ. |
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| 17. Exclusive housing area provides a great lifestyle for a lucky few. The "Lake House" restaurant/bar is on the right |
18. Housing in progress... |
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| 19. The "Finish Line" of the Rowers' 2,000m lanes. The lake surrounds are a little 'Spartan' down this end. |
20. The "Lake House" has Conference Facilities, a full restaurant, cafe and bars. The 'dock' along the front is designed to encourage boaties to step off their boats, take a shower (the external door on the right) then into the bar or cafe! |
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| 21. Another great view of the loading jetties, with the HQ portacom (with sliding doors) behind them on hte bank. |
22. The Ashburton River runs through it... Well, not quite! But look at that cool calm water! |
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| 23. There are plenty of sheltered areas between the Willows and the Lake that would be great for team warm-up. Room also for parking. |
24. Circling from the South end. Dragon Boats could load at the jetty (top centre), paddle down, and maybe around the bottom island. Then races would start from this end. Note, if really needed, the Ski Ramp in the middle could be removed for Race Day... But it's not a 5 minute job! |
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| 25. Note how water activity in the main lake has NO effect in the side lake? |
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