Important Info - South Taranaki Fishing Charters

Bar Crossings are considered a high-risk activity even for experienced skippers.

Bars are found outside the entrance of a river or harbour mouth and they are formed by a buildup of sand which continually changes with sifting sand and silt. Sand bars are very dangerous for boats to cross because they are always changing, and they become unpredictable hazards. Weather, current and tide conditions over the bar cause waves that break in an unpredictable pattern. That creates an unstable and hazardous environment.

Every bar is different, so it is important to understand the local features of the bar.

If interested in learning more about bar crossings more watch coast guard video here

Or visit MNZ’s website here

Crossing a bar involves the risk of encountering waves.  Conditions prevailing on a bar or in river approaches may cause unusually sudden steep and often breaking seas. All bars have areas of broken water containing air, which can severely reduce the stability and handling of a vessel. It can be challenging to hold on in a small boat.

Because the boat might encounter waves and could land heavily off the back of a wave passengers need to be physically capable of holding on and bracing during the bar crossing and able to withstand any slamming impact that could occur.

If you have any conditions or injuries that would affect your ability to hold on or brace, please let the skipper know before booking or departure.

South Taranaki Fishing Charters and Peter Robins have been operating off the Patea bar for 40+ years. Peter is commercially qualified master and the vessel is surveyed by a Maritime New Zealand Recognised Surveyor to ensure it is fit for its intended commercial operation and meets all prescribed requirements