Reef to Rock March 2025

This race passes through some of the more historic parts of the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, around reefs and historic rocks. Its a little bit crazy, especially when the weather is uncooperative, but a lot of fun and very memorable.

Location

Mission Bay (West end) in Auckland on the beach.

Total Distance

8km (not suitable for batteries under 1000Wh capacity).

Rider Categories

Advanced, intermediate, social. The route is likely to encounter some swell and exposed weather conditions 1.5km from shore so is unsuitable for beginner eFoilers.

Description

This race commences on Mission Bay beach with the advanced riders in the first line of eFoils, then intermediate riders, and social riders entering the water last. Riders must maintain 5m separation while foiling and not follow directly behind the path another rider.

At the start of the race riders must carry their eFoils into the water. The race starts next to Takaparawhau/Bastion Point, where the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marae is located along with the Savage memorial. The beach is part of Mission Bay, a historic area where the Melanesian Mission was established in the 1840s. The route passes along the popular Eastern Bays (Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Saint Heliers) and goes around two reefs (East and West Bastion Reefs). These reefs are exposed at low tide. The route also passes by a historic 1870 wooden lighthouse sitting on Bean Rock, also known as Te Toka-o-Kapetaua as a Te Patukirikiri Iwi member called Kapetaua was abandoned on the rocks – anyone who puts others at risk during the race will have a similar fate.

Race Route

We encourage riders to study the charts at wetmaps prior to attempting the route, and have a test ride accompanied by an experienced local rider. The route passes by several reefs and rocks which are partially submerged, so it is important to not deviate nor shortcut the route. If in doubt give the hazard zones wide berth.

1. Starting on the beach at Mission Bay the route first heads out to the Western (left) 200m yellow buoy. From here the race remains outside 200m from shore at all times.
2. Turning right the route passes offshore from the (red) headland indicator to Kohimarama beach, and passes within 20m of the middle 200m yellow buoy (passing between the buoy and an official race vessel).
3. Turning left the route passes around the eastern side of East Bastion reef. Note on the detailed map that there is a submerged reef so it is important to stay to the right of the hazard markers on the reef.
4. Once around East Bastion reef the route head straight toward Bean rock, passing around the North of the historic lighthouse.
5. Making a wide arc around the lighthouse the route then passes between the green and red channel indicators. Bean rocks are submerged and are directly south of the lighthouse so a wide arc and caution is required to pass West rather than directly over them.
6. Turning right the route then passes South along the Eastern side of West Bastion Reef.
7. Turning left again once past West Bastion Reef the race progresses to the finish line between the centre 200m buoy and the official boat.

Entries

Anyone is welcome to enter the race, and there is no fee for competing. We request all racers to wear a suitable helmet and personal flotation device while racing. At the start of the race we ask less experienced riders let more competitive riders start first to reduce the risk of falling riders being followed by high speed foilers.

Please act respectfully to other competitors with safe separation while foiling.

Please do not start before the race, as we want to ensure the route is clear of swimmers and maritime vessels beforehand.

At approximately 8km we discourage batteries under 1000Wh capacity (so not the Flitecell Nano) to reduce the risk of running out of battery during the race.