MAGAZINE EOTC Programortmuneit-y! Don’t Miss This Opp
Register or Not to Register? Coastguard Boating EducationSafe Boating Programme WeeRide Review Feast Catering - Our Preferred Catering Provider
Issue4/September14
contents 5 6
8 10 12 14 16
MEET THE TEAM: Meet Hayley Dorward
CAMP PROFILE: CYC Camp Ngaruawahia
BIGFOOT TEAMS IN ACTION: Photo Gallery
PROVIDER PROFILE: Feast Catering
BIGFOOT ACTIVITY PROFILE: EOTC Profile
GEAR REVIEW: WeeRide Seats
IN THE NEWS: Coastguard Boating Education Safe Boating Programme
SAFETY IN THE OUTDOORS: To Register or not to Register
s
This is a GREEN MAG, created and distributed without the use of paper so it's environmentally friendly. Please think before you print. Thank you!
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO
Bigfoot Magazine? It’s free!
About Bigfoot Adventures new e-mag showcases how we help you to have the time of your life, and introduces you to some great facilities, activities, cool new outdoor equipment and relevant industry news. Editorial Content: Francesca Marcellino-Reed Contact Francesca on 0800 Bigfoot or (09) 444 1446 or email francesca@bigfootadventures.co.nz Address: Bigfoot Adventures Ltd Private Box 302 265, North Harbour, Auckland, NZ www.bigfootadventures.co.nz Art Director: Jodi Olsson Publisher: Espire Media Enquiries: Phone Jennifer on (09) 522 7257 or email jenniferl@espiremedia.com Cover photo: Crisp Mountain Air
from theeditor i
I have just arrived back from Canada where I spent six days riding in Whistler and a few days in Squamish. Both of these areas are oozing with truly wicked mountain bike trails and other amazing areas for outdoor adventuring. Such as ‘The Chief’ in Squamish, a gigantic granite dome that boasts amazing rock climbing. I caught up and stayed with a good friend and old work mate while in Squamish and he is definitely in the right place to fulfil his passion for the outdoors. I am proud to say I have come back relatively unscathed and loved my time there with the highlight being a ride on the world famous ‘Top of the World’ ride. This is an absolute must do when Mountain Biking in Whistler. The most significant other highlight since our last issue is
4
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
that my son is now walking... watch out he is off and into everything and just doesn’t sit still! I am really looking forward to introducing him to the great outdoors and our first mission will be out on my bike with his Weeride seat. Have a read of our gear review in this issue and see what the WeeRide bike seat is all about. I look forward to getting out soon with a group of other dads for a ‘Daddy Day Care on Bikes’ ride. I will let you know how it goes! We have some exciting projects in the pipeline at the moment. I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into organising an Auckland to Wellington Cycling Journey for an Auckland based school and have just brought the Kennett Brothers book ‘The New Zealand Cycle Trails’ to help with
the planning and idea of keeping most of the riding off the road. We are also developing a closer working relationship with Castle Rock Adventures in the Waikato to run all of their adventure activities which is very exciting. Enjoy the rest of Term Three and hopefully you have some adventures planned at Mt Ruapehu as there is plenty of snow about at the moment. I am off for a sneaky look at the new Skyline Rotorua mountain bike trails later this week. You just can’t keep me off my bike at the moment. Will keep you posted on whether it’s a worthwhile ride. .
Kris Bartley
MEET the team
hayleyDorward
H by Kris Bartley
Hayley has worked for the Big-
works with and the flexible
foot Team for over nine years
hours are what she loves best.
and is currently our longest
She mentioned that she has
standing employee. Her cur-
enjoyed being a significant
rent role at Bigfoot is Office
part of a small business grow-
Manager and this has evolved
ing into a bigger business and
from basic office work, payroll,
welcomes the opportunity to
finance, sales, recruitment and
continue to build the Bigfoot
now overall Office Manager
brand and be part of its future.
and Kris’s “go to” person in
Outside of office hours
many areas of the business.
Hayley’s passions in life are
At the time that Hayley
challenging herself physically,
began with Bigfoot she was a
drinking coffee and hanging
new mum and over the years
out with her family. This year
Bigfoot has seen her expand
Hayley took part in Auckland’s
her family to three children,
first Tough Mudder event.
whom are now 10, seven and
It was a gruelling 21km race
four years old.
ability to work within a team.
with her already or be unaware
She is a keen runner and Big-
of the work that she has done
foot touch rugby player but
behind the scenes. Whilst she
admits getting cold, dirty and
controls the invoicing side of
wet in the great outdoors is
the business she also pays the
not her idea of having fun.
Bigfoot bills, so it’s always best
On this basis she feels her
to be on her good side.
strengths are office based at
She has a “my door is al-
Bigfoot supporting Kris, other
ways open” approach to her
through mud, wooden obsta-
office staff and the instructors
work and loves the saying “Our
Hayley enjoys many things
cles, electric currents, trench-
to offer exciting programs to
greatest weakness lies in giv-
about her role here at Bigfoot,
es, dark tunnels, icy baths and
anyone whom is keen to ac-
ing up. The most certain way
but mostly the variety in her
was a good test of Hayley’s
cept the challenge. Many of
to succeed is always to try one
work, the fabulous team she
weekly training schedule and
you may have been in contact
more time” by Thomas Edison.
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
5
campprofile
WAIKATO
wonder
CYC Camp Ngaruawahia Located only one and a half hours from central Auckland, Ngaruawahia is an ideal location for a school camp. by Jessie Lynskey
6
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
n
Ngaruawahia: close enough to Auckland to not have to spend a day travelling, but far enough for the students and staff to feel like they have escaped the rat race of the city. The Christian Youth Camp Ngaruawahia (CYC) is located in a tranquil setting on the town’s Western side. The camp can cater for a wide range of groups. With a decent sized kitchen and dining area, this part of the camp is an asset as it gives groups this option and consists of 208 beds in an array of cabins Alternatively, there is the option of having your camp catered for by CYC. They can cater for up to 253 people. This eliminates all the hassle associated with feeding a number of hungry mouths if time is limited. This part of the camp consists of 253 beds, a large dining room, washing machines/dryers, and many other facilities. The two sides of the camp can function independently, so even if there is a group using one part of the camp,
another school or group can use the alternate part of the camp and can be more or less unaware of each other. If numbers are large, a group can book out the entire camp. These various options enable the camp to be offered to a wide range of clients. The location of the camp lends itself to ensure a vast range of activities can be offered. In the past, Bigfoot Adventures have run all sorts of activities, both on and off site. With the decent size grounds at the camp, Bigfoot have run archery, mountain biking skills, orienteering, raft building, and we have also used our mobile rock wall: all concurrently and with no problem. As well as onsite activities, there are plenty of fantastic activities that can be carried out nearby. These include, but are not limited to: mountain biking at Kaniwhaniwha, in the bush at the base of Mt Pirongia, or at the Pukete Mountain Bike Park. If rocks are more your thing, there is some great caving to be done
camp
at Karamu, as well as climbing and abseiling! On top of this, there are some great walks locally on which to carry out a day tramp. CYC has a pool that can be used either as an activity within the camp’s programme, or for students in their free time at the end of a day. Students also love the hydro slide to top off a fantastic day outdoors. There is a flying fox in the grounds too, as well as a little mini golf course.
CYC is an excellent option for camps of various ages. Bigfoot has run camps for primary and secondary school children here. The fact that it can be self-contained in terms of camp activities; can be run catered or un-catered; and that there are a wide range of activities/various locations that can be used outside of the grounds, means that it can suit a range of groups. For a short stay or long stay, young or old, CYC is an ideal venue
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
7
Winner of our Issue 3 PHOTO COMPETITION was: Kiwis IN CANADA ON TOP OF THE WORLD by Matt Harris
bigfoot teams
IN ACTION COOL CRISP Morning Who said TRAMPING was all HARD WORK
8
All in Control
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
the
PERFECT conditions GOOD WAY TO WARM UP
RAILWAY RIDE
PHOTO COMP under candle light
Send us your activity photos - the winner for the best action photo will receive a $50 RnR voucher. Co m p e t i t i o n entry closes on October 28th 2014, and the winner will be announced in our next issue.
View from the TOP
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
9
providerprofile
feast CATERING
a
Our preferred catering provider By Jessie Lynskey
As providers of outdoor activities and camps, we are often asked if we offer catering, or if we know of people who provide catering for camps. We are now in a position to say that we have some experienced caterers who we have used on various camps, and who we look forward to using in the future. Feast Catering are an excellent option and well worth considering when planning a camp.
10
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
This is Feast Catering
Feast catering is comprised of four individuals: Carol, George, Louise and Sam. They have carried out extensive catering for school camps, sporting groups and holiday programmes, including catering for a couple of significant activity weeks that Bigfoot Adventures have provided for schools. It can be a big enough task to organise a school camp or activity week with regards to timing, transport, activities,
parent help etc., not to mention the fact that everyone is going to need to eat whilst on camp. Schools sometimes think it is going to be more cost effective and the best option to organise this side of the camp themselves. Catering can be perceived as a simple task, but often becomes a lot harder than expected, can result in poor food choices, and not be as cost effective as expected. This is where Feast fits in perfectly. They are a company who are self-sustainable; they
can cater for a large group whether there is a significant camp kitchen on site or not. The Feast team, without fail, manage to serve up quality, varied, fresh and healthy meals for such camps, be it set out in the bush or at an established camping ground. You can tell that Feast Caterers have a good understanding of the relationship between enjoying the outdoors of New Zealand and eating healthy fresh food cooked from scratch. The other great thing about Feast is that they are competitively priced, which enables a simple decision from groups – either they require a caterer or not – rather than this decision being made solely as a result of budget. Feast Caterers also gives you the option of different menu selections. So make sure when you are organising your next camp with Bigfoot to ask us to book in our preferred caterer, Feast Catering. They are a great team and have never disappointed, but are in hot demand, so let us know if you require catering and we can lock them in for you!
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
11
bigfootactivityprofile
EOTC PROGRAMME Don’t miss this opportunity!
by Francesca Marcellino-Reed
W
With the long days and sunny skies of summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take learning outside. Are you looking for a day
programme that will help prepare your senior school students for the following year? Want to encourage them to step forward and take a leadership role amongst their peers? Bigfoot Adventures can provide a one-day program full of fun, challenging activities for your school, and encourage students to develop their key competencies, ie: thinking, using language and
12
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
What is EOTC?
Education Outside the Classroom EOTC gets students out
in the open where they can excel in aspects of their development by making learning more engaging through play, teamwork and problem solving
texts, managing self, relating to others, and participating and contributing. We can tailor the day to facilitate the key competency for the term and help you achieve your objective. The programme is suitable for between 90-120 students at a set price. What is EOTC? Education Outside The Classroom. EOTC gets the students out in the open, where they can excel in aspects of their development by making learning more engaging: through play, teamwork and problem solving. Instructors will arrive and set up one hour prior, usually spread around the outside of the school field. They will then run through the activities with the school helpers, parents or teachers. Students are welcomed and introduced to the Bigfoot team, followed
by a mass game to get them warmed up and ready for more. After being grouped, each team has 45 minutes to design and create a team flag, all the equipment for which will be provided by the Bigfoot Team. The program will be a series of rotations between the varying activities at each station, and each activity has its own learning outcome. We will provide certificates and prizes for the top teams to give the program a competitive and engaging atmosphere. School lunch breaks and morning tea breaks can be included in the day’s timetable. What are you waiting for? If this is something your school will be interested in, contact us on 0800 Bigfoot. Check out our website or email admin@ bigfootadventures.co.nz
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
13
gearreview
Wee Rideseat by Aaron Hainsworth
After returning from a ride with my son and seeing how excited he was, and my wife suggesting she would like to join us on the next trip, some thought was needed on how we were going to include the whole family on our next adventure, as we have an 11-month-old daughter as well. I was in the market for purchasing a new baby seat.
A
After some research I found baby seats come in two main types: a rear carrier seat and a front carrier seat. The decision to choose the WeeRide was easy for three reasons. Firstly, the view would be
more interesting for the child as they could look forward and see what was coming rather than having a view of my back with snippets of the side. Secondly, I would be able to see the child while riding, and thirdly, the WeeRide is more robust and adjustable (it holds up to about 20kg). It took approximately ten minutes to set up and was fairly simple. All it took was fitting a solid support bar from the seat post to the frame at the front, and then simply screwing the seat on. Strapping my daughter in with the five point harness (which held her securely) we were ready and off for our first road ride. Your balance is not affected with
14
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
the child in front of you and it is nice to be able to see them and have them in between your arms. You do have to ride with your knees further out but as you are going for a gentle ride this is no issue. The advantage of the WeeRide is allowing the child to enjoy the view, especially when Mum and brother are in front and they can watch them and enjoy the ride: and by the amount of brrrm brmming going on, there was definite enjoyment. The seat allows for the child to turn their head around and see you. This was really nice, to see my daughter turn around and give me a big smile while we were riding and chatting. There is also a removable padded dashboard in front so the little ones have something to hold on to or rest their heads on if they are getting tired. Obviously it is not meant for hitting
table tops or jumps, but for the gentle berms and undulations of the lower Whakarewarewa tracks it was great. Something to be aware of is the temperature of the little one. They are going to be colder than you, as you are working and they are not: so wrap them up warmly. Overall, the WeeRide was the best option. It is a solid piece of equipment that gives peace of mind, as you have your child safely in between your arms and it is easy to check on them without taking your eyes off the track. It is great for the family to be mobile, to go on outings together, to experience the outdoors. As the saying goes, “the family that rides together stays together.�
RRP $249
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
15
inthenews
coastguard
BOATING EDUCATIONSAFE BOATING
i
programme
Water. It’s the very lifeblood of our planet, yet ironically it claims a significant number of lives every year. Mother Nature can be devastating at times and survival in this case is often far from our control. There are, however, many situations where the weather doesn’t feature as a causal factor. Instead, an unfortunate lack of knowledge or experience leads to tragedy in the water. by Jonny Moncur
In New Zealand we have
for accessing our beauti-
skills they require to keep
or go in search of reeling in
a myriad of lakes and rivers,
ful marine environment, but
themselves and their families
‘the big one’, boats offer so
not to mention the fact that
do require some know-how
safe on and around boats.
much opportunity. However,
we are completely surround-
to use. We should not dis-
Boat ownership is very ac-
there are certain responsi-
ed by the ocean. These
courage people from using
cessible to the majority of
bilities that come with own-
aquatic environments pro-
boats, but educate them on
people here in New Zealand,
ing a boat. The skipper is
vide endless opportunities
how to keep themselves safe
and with such a beautiful
responsible for the safety
for fun, adventure and learn-
whilst doing so. Coastguard
marine playground it makes
of those on board the ves-
ing. Many people choose
Boating Education and Big-
perfect sense. Whether you
sel. First and foremost, the
boats as their means of max-
foot Adventures are keen to
are looking to explore new
skipper should be skilled and
imizing these opportunities.
provide young people with
places above or below the
knowledgeable. But why not
They are a very useful tool
the knowledge and safety
water, carve up some wake
educate anyone and every-
16
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
one on board, and in particular, to the younger family members who will grow up to skipper their own boats and pass down knowledge to kids of their own? As a part of the Coastguard Safe Boating Programme, students will learn the responsibilities associated with being a skipper. They will be taught how to use essential safety items such as lifejackets and VHF radios. Students will also be taught the appropriate practical safety skills they may require should the boat capsize and they end up in the water. The aim of the pro-
gramme is to turn Primary and Intermediate school children into water safety ambassadors, in the hope that teaching them how to be safe on the water will save their own and other people’s lives for decades to come. Bigfoot Adventures is one of the outdoor providers chosen by Coastguard Boating Education to deliver the programme to schools. Bigfoot already has a large involvement with schools, so it makes sense to integrate the Coastguard Safe Boating Programme into the extensive outdoor programmes al-
ready on offer. It is a fantastic addition to Bigfoot’s kayak and raft survivor activities, or an equally good option on its own as an activity for aquatic centres. It doesn’t matter whether the students are swimmers or non-swimmers, as the programme is designed to suit all. More than 25,000 certificates have already been awarded to children who have completed the programme. The number of participants and providers is constantly growing as the programme is rolled out across the country.
If this is something you would like to see your children or students involved in then please give Bigfoot Adventures a call and we will determine exactly how the programme will fit with your upcoming camp or activity days. Also watch this space for news on our comprehensive ‘Water Skills’ Programme, rolling out this November. This will include Safe Boating, plus many other skills and tips regarding knowledge in, on, under and around the water. .
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
17
safetyintheoutdoors
to
Register or not
TO REGISTER
This year within the EOTC and adventure pursuits spectrum of what we do, there is much dialogue and discussion about what an ‘Adventure Activity’ is. Which of your providers for your EOTC and Outdoor Education courses are required to be registered by MBIE (ie the Department of Labour)? Who can you hire, or who should you hire to deliver your activities? There are lots of important questions!
I
In our last edition, we spoke of how it is a changing landscape out there and how it is exciting that we, the outdoor industry, are collectively improving our delivery practices to prevent serious
by Fiona Ryder
harm and incidents. We recommend that any provider used should have passed a ‘Safety Audit’ and be a registered ‘Adventure Activity Provider’ with the Department of Labour.
I would like to add some clarity to this for two reasons. 1. As a Principal or leader responsible for sending students out on an adventurous outdoor experience or a multi-activity camp, there are some important processes and decisions to be made regarding the quality of any external provider they engage with. 2. As a director/owner/operator of an outdoor or adventure activity provider, there is a great onus to ensure that all practicable steps have been taken to manage any reasonably known risk. With all the discourse currently happening around the country, the amount of reasonably known risk is increasing all the time. In simple words: we are now much more aware of what risks are out there and we know more
18
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
about how to manage them. So what is an “Adventure Activity”, as per the regulations? The answer to this is important, because the answer defines which of your chosen providers must have an audit achieved by November 1st.
The simple process to find the answer is to ask yourself: a. Does the activity have a high level of danger inherent in the nature of the activity? b. If the activity provider does not have sound risk management systems in place for this activity, could your participant, student or young person end up in hospital or require professional counselling? The simple examples of activities that are easy to identify as an ‘Adventure Activity’ are: •
Rock climbing – if the rope system fails the participant is likely to break something (eg spinal injury).
•
White water rafting/kayaking etc. – if the guide is not proficient then it is likely they will not negotiate the rapids well and the participant is more exposed to serious harm. Therefore, these activities have been developed over the years and have very stringent measures in place to ensure safe practice. As a result, there are actually relatively safe activities to have as part of your camp. Where the line is blurry is in regards to the less obviously
risky activities. Even the Worksafe department of the government are battling to define which activities in this greyer area are considered to require an audit. For any providers out there still wondering, our best advice is to contact the registrar
of Worksafe and request a formal letter detailing their advice to you regarding whether or not you are eligible to register as an Adventure Activity Operator. To assist with this, Worksafe have devised a Decision Tree that will walk you through the questions the registrar will ask. Best to prepare for these, and maybe you will answer your own queries. To assist us in choosing providers to work with Bigfoot Adventures in any of our programmes, we have developed a tool to help investigate the safety management of that provider, be it an ‘Adventure Activity’ or not. If they are safety audited and registered, then great. If not, there are some measures and common sense steps we take to satisfy they are still
managing the lower risk associated with the activity. We are willing to share with the industry and take any feedback on how it works for you. School leaders may find it useful as a check for the Board of Trustees to use. To request a copy, simply contact: fiona@ bigfootadventures.co.nz. Update: At the time of the last publication, there was only one audit option, namely the Outdoor Mark. Since then, three other companies have joined the scheme and they also offer activity providers safety auditing services. So now, what you should consider is whether or not your provider is safety audited and registered with the government (MBIE), rather than, as previously advised, to hold an Outdoor Mark.
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
19
the greatest
accomplishment
IS NOT IN
Never failing
but in rising again after you fall - Vince Lombardi
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO
Bigfoot Magazine? 20
www.bigfootadventures.co.nz
It’s free!