Coastguard

The situation describes the position and movements of highs, lows and frontal systems expected to affect the New Zealand coast within the next 36 hours. It also names areas affected by warnings.

Areas describe the area the forecast covers. Details of current wind strength can be heard on VHF Radio or by downloading the Coastguard App. Forecast details are a description covering the next 24 hours of expected average conditions over open water.

Wind gives the direction the wind is expected to come from, such as northwest. Speed is given in knots and one knot is around two km/hr. This is an average speed, so gusts could be around 50% higher.

Marine weather

Weather conditions can make the difference between an enjoyable day out and a dangerous one. Remember that the weather can change suddenly and without warning even on the calmest of days.

Before you go out, always check the marine weather forecast. These state what the weather is expected to do on the sea. Land and general forecasts do not take into account wind speed over water (which is double that over land) or the waves or swell. Marine forecasts are reasonably accurate when predicting major weather events, such as gales and storms, but can be less accurate when predicting local change, so always be prepared for the unexpected.

We have been tasked to many boaties who set off on an enjoyable day out only to experience mechanical breakdown and find themselves unprepared for being out longer than anticipated. Always take plenty of food and water. Have sunblock, sunglasses and hats to protect yourselves from the sun and warm clothes, jackets and beanies in case the weather turns.

Understanding a marine forecast

Warnings are issued for gales or storms on the New Zealand coast. A wind warning may be included in local area forecasts if wind gusts are expected to reach 33 knots (about 60 km/hr).

A swell comes from either a distant disturbance, such as a cyclone or depression, or develops from wind waves blowing from the same direction for a length of time. Swells increase in height and get steeper when they reach shallow water.

All marine forecasts are for up to 48 hours with the outlook for a further three days. There are now many ways to access upto-date marine weather forecasts. When on the water listen to your VHF radio weather channels or nowcasting, download the Coastguard App or sign up to a weather apps such as Metvu, MetService, Windy or WeatherWatch.

If in doubt, don’t go out.

Crave Athletics

Not your average cheer gym

Bryan Hughey never wanted to be a fireman or an astronaut. Growing up in Ohio he was always playing ‘cheer gym’ and dreaming of one day running a gym of his own. Harry Mann coached his high school cheerleading team, designed all their uniforms and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

The pair met in 2014 when Harry moved from New Zealand to the US and joined the California All Stars cheerleading team where Bryan was a fellow athlete. After several years performing and coaching in the US and New Zealand, they decided in early 2020 the time was right to set up their own cheer gym – just as the first COVID-19 lockdown began.

Being stuck at home for weeks on end turned out to be perfect for mapping out the groundwork of their new venture. ‘The reason why Crave was so incredible when we first opened,’ says Harry, ‘was having that seven weeks with nothing to do but pour our heart and soul into the planning.’

They chose the name ‘Crave’ to represent their strong desire to run a cheer gym and their athletes’ desire to always do their best. ‘Athletics’ reflects the demanding nature of cheerleading and promotes the discipline as a sport. The style of their uniforms, the black and white theme and their @ logo were all designed to create an aesthetic that’s modern, relevant and just a little bit different. ‘It’s very clean and sleek,’ says Bryan, ‘just like our routines.’

When Crave Athletics opened its doors in November 2020, thanks to Bryan and Harry’s strong reputation in the industry, the athletes came flooding in. ‘We don’t have customers at our gym, we have families,’ says Bryan. ‘Crave IS a family and we inspire technical and personal growth both in and out of the gym.

We strive for excellence but we always listen and put the kids and their wellbeing first.’

‘We are also very extra,’ says Harry. ‘Our Crave Awards night is not just a prize giving, we go all out. Everyone dresses up and there’s giant light-up letters and a red carpet. We love making the kids feel special.’ Crave have already experienced considerable success at competitions, including winning the most spirited club award at Cheerfest 2022, which made Harry and Bryan extremely proud.

The club offers cheerleading at non-competitive, semicompetitive and fully competitive levels, as well as skills classes such as tumbling, jumps and flexibility. Free trial classes are currently available. ‘Come and check us out. We always have room for more Cravelings!’ www.craveathletics.co.nz 62B Forge Road, Silverdale