Practice, Practice, Practice

I arrived a little early to dragon boat practice so wandered over to the waterfront to check out the water. The harbour was a hive of activity. There were a lot of kayaks out, hired from Fergs. The weather was warm and the sea flat and novice kayakers were having fun splashing about. The rowing sculls were out in force, the weather perfect for them as they went through their training routine.  Coaches in motor boats shouted instructions at them through megaphones.
Dragon boats with an earlier time slot were already out, their coaches in the main acting as sweeps. They stood on the backs of the boats holding the sweep oar and drilled the paddlers from there.
A group of younger children than usual, around ten to thirteen, were jumping off the diving board into the sea tonight, egged on by their mates. A reluctant one stood for a few minutes gathering courage. He finally jumped in tandem with a friend to great cheers from the gathering crowd.
It is very pleasing to see the harbour embraced by so many different groups. A week earlier I had taken a walk along the Auckland Waterfront. There is a significant degree of separation of people from the water. There are wharves but they are mainly for tying up the myriad of boats. I saw no swimmers, no kayakers, no water sport practices. People were eating in restaurants along the waterfront which looked pleasant but more formal. There is nothing indicating a Polynesian or Maori connection. In Wellington people sprawl out on the steps in front of the Whare Waka's  Karaka Cafe. Two decorated waka or war canoes are on display at a site next door. These are working models that regularly go out on the harbour. Bean bags are scattered on a nearby lawn. Tables and chairs are by the lagoon for those indulging in a coffee or gelato ice.  Today there was an artist's display of outside furniture and there were people gathered, looking at the assortment of arty type furniture to sit on. It makes for a warm and inviting atmosphere especially during summer and people are naturally drawn to the more intimate spaces that abound.

By the time it was our turn to head out the kayaks and rowing sculls had already returned so there was little traffic to dodge as we practised stamina paddling - keeping going the whole practice session. We had periods when we were spelled as others paddled but we had to keep our wits about us to make sure we came back in at the right time and kept in synch with everyone else. No time to observe my surroundings tonight.
As it was low tide getting in and out of the boat on the ramp was difficult as the rubber mats were covered in green algae making the area extremely slippery. We negotiated this hazard well enough with no spills but it can be a worry.
Another hazard are the stingrays that gather in the lagoon to escape larger fish. There seems to be one in particular called Ray Ray who hangs about on the steps and shallows warming himself. Getting out of the boat into the shallow water can need a certain steeling of nerve and prodding about with a paddle before making the attempt!
Safe ashore again with boat put away I made a quick escape to a warm car and hopefully a warm dinner.