Below is an outline of my proposal to the NZACA for future change
My proposal for a way forward and the future of the National Championship. The proposal is to split the current category's of shore based and boat into three category's.
Champion Boat angler section This is to remain the same, completely untouched. Everything keeps on going ahead as it does already. I am not sure this section has much of a future in the NZACA, but for the time being I will reserve my comments and look at the bigger picture.
Champion Surfcasting angler section This section is for the purest surfcaster. For years I have heard many comments about people on the sand not having the same opportunity's as those fishing on the rocks. As a level playing field, I propose this category is open only to those to fish from a beach. No exceptions, no rocks, purely beach fishing to identify the champion surfcaster in a pinnacle event. This is to be a traditional section. Access by quad and four wheel drives permitted as well as walking.
Champion Land Based angler section This is where I propose the big changes and changes to set steps in a forward motion and increase entrant numbers. This section covers the entire boundary. Rocks and beaches and all fishing platforms within the boundary. Access is to be completely open, allowing all private access. Means of travel is to be completely open, by boat, kayak or any other floatation device to access a fishing platform.
The definition of an allowable fishing platform is: It must be attached to the mainland on low tide- no exceptions, its very simple. If you have a location in mind that you are unsure about, ask the NZACA if it is an allowable fishing platform prior to starting the competition. As much as I would love to see islands being fished in the boundary, that would be a "non allowable platform" it is about finding a middle ground. Not everyone has a boat, not everyone has private access, not everyone has a quad bike, four by four or a kayak, but working together as a "fishing club", this section can be incredibly exciting and open a way forward for the future.
Category selection Entrants are to select a category upon registration. You can change from boat to a land category, but you can not change from one land category to another. This way, those that select boat fishing, hire a day charter and go out for club points can still participate the following or prior day. When selecting a land based catagory it is simple:
If you intend on fishing rocks during the day and beach at night- Champion Land Based angler If you intend on using boat access-Champion Land Based angler if you are only to fish beaches-Champion Surfcasting angler What about only fishing the beach but using my quad- Champion Surfcasting angler
If at any stage of the competition you intend on fishing from a rock, you are in the open category. The surf category is simple- purely surfcasting from a beach. You MUST select on land based category and stay in it the entire competition, no exceptions. The only exception is being able to fish boat- and any ONE land based category
Over all champion angler I believe the casting for most is a "fun" event, this is to remain. I believe that all land based entrants regardless of section should be able to cast and be in contention with the over all angler trophy. This trophy stays the same as is it a fundamental part of the nationals.
NZ CHAMPION ANGLER As this is to be a pinnacle event, I would like to see some reward for the winner of this event. Financial reward attracts cheating and dis-honest behavior. Because this contest does not have marshals and relies on honesty, I believe at this point, the best reward would be a paid/supplimented trip for the NZ Champion to attend the Australia Nationals to represent NZ. I won't go into detail, this is just an idea for the NZACA to consider. This adds value to the tittle.
I genuinely believe this format would increase interest, entrants and competition. I personally believe this is setting a front foot forward and catering for MOST people. You will never keep everyone happy. With these new rules, I believe in particular the older guys and gals should be happy. No longer do they have to compete with some young bugger trancing around rocks and running around on a beach all night, it puts "pure surfcasting" on a very level playing field and opens up allot of scope for the guys who are adventurous.
Would love to hear your feedback before I send my full proposal to the NZACA.
Well thought out Chad and I agree with your submission. I am one of those surfcasters that have thought there was a disadvantage for the purest surfcaster in this compettion. Don't get me wrong, there are some huge fish to be caught of the rocks but it's not surfcasting is it. There are also some of us that medically can not fish the rocks safely but can fish with the best of them of the sand. these people have less of a chance of winning the surfcasting trophy and thats not a fair playing field. Well done Chad for bringing some interesting ideas to the table.
Thanks frosty and Naki, yeah I have sat there for a few hours writing a big proposal to try and make a difference. Trying to offer everyone an opportunity, let the rock hoppers do what they do how they do it, but at the same time, make the traditional surfcasting a real event for those who love sand between the toes and a little water around the ankles. To win ether the land based or purest surfcaster tittle it will be incredibly tough and well earned, as I believe both are now as even as possible. Like you said frosty, guys with crook knees and back backs will now be able to compete with the best of them on an even playing field without some young buggers walking 100 miles into rock ledges.
Obviously this is only a proposal, but something I feel they will fairly consider.
Haven’t been to a nationals but I’m an NZACA member so will comment. So there
Champion Boat angler section : Never quite got this aspect of the Nationals but if it’s part of the comp so be it. Don’t have a boat so can’t comment really.
Champion Surfcasting angler section: The idea sounds good but maybe needs a name change. National Champion Beach Angler seems to differentiate it much more clearly from the National Land Based Angler. Other than that seems to be a good idea. Beach fishing requires some special skills so it is a challenge in its own right. Doesn’t worry me what modes of land based transport are used to cover the beaches. All seems perfectly reasonable.
Champion Land Based angler section : I understand this means a category that includes both beach and rock fishing. But what other platforms do you mean? Wharves? Jetty’s? Might need some clarification maybe?
Personally the proposed modes of access don’t worry me but I think you’ll be bashing your head against a brick wall with this one, particularly the boat access. I can see the same arguments will be raised as were put forward when you raised this prior to the last nationals. Cheating, safety, unfairness etc. And logic to maybe. If an allowable fishing platform (which I presume includes rocks, ledges, wharves etc) is attached to the mainland on low tide then why do you need a boat to get to it? Like I said doesn’t bother me but many probably won’t like it .
Is there another solution? What about Champion Land based fisherman being able to use kayaks to access these platforms with strict rules. Kayaks can travel no further than casting distance or maybe a hundred metres from the shore, and no fish finders allowed. Seems to me to remove some of the concerns about cheating, private land access and any perceived advantage of a boat? Might not be quite what you want but it might provide a liveable solution. MAYBE.
I don’t quite understand how you determine the overall champion angler. I presume you’re saying the ability to cast will in the end determine who the winner is? The rest of the ideas seem quite reasonable and good on you for once again trying to move the bar.
As regards the last paragraph I am however concerned about the young buggers TRANCING about the rocks. I’m not a huge fan of fishing under the influence of anything other than the heady smell of bait. It’s also very hard to pull in a fish when you’re in a totally vegetative and immobile state. I have visions of dozens of young fellows falling off ledges throughout the entire competition and berley aside, that simply will not do.
I personally would struggle trying to hook up and pull in someone like James Benge, as he bobbed back and forth in the surf in some sort of fishing dream world. Might be good practice for postal casting, but I could not in good conscience support trancing. Just doesn’t seem right
Hey Rex, The land based section will be an open section in the way of private access, boats and flotation devices such as blow up boats and tyre tubes allowed with the only retriction that it must be accessable from the mainland at low tide. The overall will still be determined by the casting.No excuses, just get out there!!
I have been pondering this subject since it was posted . I agree there needs to be some changes but its going to be difficult for all to come to a compromise to suit all , just look at what happened when the international casting were rushed out and new ones rush without the proper dialogue. When you pushing your point of view it is hard not to be a little selfish . Like I said I'm still pondering and trying to look at points of view from all angles.
Interesting thoughts Rex. If I thought I was bashing my head against a brick wall, I wouldn't be doing this, I assure you of that. I may be a little naive in thinking that, I guess we will find out in due course, but you don't get if you don't ask, worst case scenario "no".
Thanks for your thoughts, I hope anyone with an opinion has their say, I encourage it will not be judged, but taken on board, your points wont be argued, they will be listened to.Wairoa Hawkesbay
My comments are based on a previous thread where this topic came up called a "Positive Future". Someone made a comment "Boats for boat fishing. Boots for surfcasting". In a way I suspect that sums up how many people think. The ideas good but maybe it would be better done incrementally to show the fears that some have are unfounded. Just my thoughts.
And wouldn’t it be good if all you “Flash Harry’s” went off to your private land and your inaccessible other than by boat spots and some plonker caught all the fish on public land in front of every ones noses. Now that would be a cause for a bit of crowing And it could very well happen
I am happy to express my ignorance and admit in all the years I have been involved in surfcasting in NZ(about forty) this thread is the first I have ever read, seen or heard that gave the information the NZACA was a representative of boat anglers.
Chad as I said before I have been pondering and trying to keep an open mind, looking at things from all angles. I have reservations about the private access , it doesn't make for a very level playing field in my opinion. You guys reconded the UKSF casting rules were complicated, I'm struggling with the land/ beach/ boat thing I think I need to write it down. Please don't degrade the casting to a fun event, some of us treat casting as seriously as you do with your rock fishing. My personal opinion of the NZACA champion system is a joke , how can you become a NZ Champion at one event. As I have said before the NZ championship should be held over at least four events commentating at the Nats. By running multiple club run events it would be supporting the clubs which could have a knock on effect. Remember as Chad said this topic is up for discussion.
Phill an Olympic champion is is discovered at one event, the Olympics.
Whist I said it was a fun event I have also included in my proposal a slight change for the nationals to draw in the casters and make it a real event. My proposal is not selfish, I have carefully considered years of feedback and once I have spent a little more time with the spelling I will post this proposed change tomorrow night. I believe it will make the casters allot happier and prehaps not only bring in the best casters, but bring the best out of them.Wairoa Hawkesbay
As you probably know the NZACA is just about broke, it does have a term deposit . The idea of having pre-events with public/nzaca members is not only to score points towards the Nats but to expose the organisation to the public plus members would be up for prizes. Funding would also be found through the entry fees. That would be a win win for all. The casting rules didn't need to changed from the UKSF / NZACA model they work in the rest of the world , I strongly believe they were poisoned for what ever reason. Chad how many events do Olympic athletes attend before the Olympic Games. I come from a Motorsport background and our championships could run over ten or twelve events which meant you had to be consistent through the whole season ending in a final, makes things far more interesting and promotable.
Phill we are not in motor sport, but I'm not going to argue about it.
You are clearly not happy, but rather than going on about the same things over and over, make a proposal, get support, and go about it the right way, its not doing anyone any favors just out right attacking them. Ive spent hours on mine, you could do the same, putting things in a positive light is a much better option. I'm by no means a caster, as for me it is "just fun", but to others it does mean something, and thats why I am constructively trying to include them. Your not doing yourself any favors.
As for the comments on Sponsors. Directly behind Zeb holding his snapper was a huge OKUMA logo, a blind man could have seen it from a mile away. I haven't seen the article or the picture, but all advertising is good advertising, and good on whoever did it, it was most likely in their own time, doing it for all the right reasons, because they are passionate about it.
Advertising and publicity has been pointed out and currently being addressed i'd imagine. Give them a chance a fix it, they have been slammed over the past month, they keep stepping up to answer key questions and everytime I have phoned them to raise concern, they seem to listen, so give it a try. I'm not having a go at you Phill, but there is a better way to go about what your trying to achieve. Wairoa Hawkesbay
Chad I thought this was an open conversation putting forward ideas and alternatives . My reference to Motorsport could have been super 15 . I would guess there would be about twenty odd serious fishers at the Nats but most would be there for fun and just enjoying the event. I am not against your proposal, it has some merit. But I like to see opposing views to broaden people's point of view. It's called a discussion. The points I raised about the articles were designed to show writers that these sort of things should go through the executive, it's a bit like my staff putting an add in the paper without me seeing it first. Looking forward to your posting tonight.
Chad, two things. In your opening post you requested feedback and opinion.
Chad wrote: Would love to hear your feedback before I send my full proposal to the NZACA.
Phill has done exactly as you requested.
Secondly, you have hinted you may have a possible problem with spelling, with what you are doing this is imperative should you wish to forward a professional looking document for consideration.
I am happy to help you should you wish your document to be proof read. I have several years writing experience as such I am happy to offer assistance in any way you may feel useful.
Just an example, and with a broad grin on my face, you are using an incorrect word with 'allot': the meaning of this is to apportion or assign something to somebody, as in land, an allotment. The correct expression is 'a lot', two words meaning more than a few.
It has been good to read the feedback to your proposal Chad and frankly I think it has been positive feedback. Obviously there needs some change to this very good national event and by the comments from everyone you all agree. Hey this proposal is the first step and Chad should be congratulated for bringing it forward considering his status and how he has won his national titles. He obviously recognises the need for change. Chad, I think you should put your proposal to the NZACA and let the process start.Maybe the proposal and feedback survey needs to be sent out to all affiliated clubs. Chad, your proposal has my vote, but it does need some issues ironed out. Lets all get behind chads proposal and see some change for a great national event going forward.
The NZACA have been good enough to meet with me on the first of June to discuss change. They have been really great to deal with too. The full ironed out version will be discussed with them then, great to get that opportunity.Wairoa Hawkesbay
Well thought out it offers and I think defines categories that are clear cut and eradicates any unfairness as it becomes a personal choice which will be made based around entrants passion of category or capability but whichever category is chosen will have its own set of rules, whether it is Quads or 4WD for the beach or boats,kayaks etc for the rocks so be it. well done Chad I see that it is intendend to set in place a consistent fishing format for the nationals for many years to come and will infact help clubs hosting the Nats by eradicting any unclarity that has been there in the past and will create an even playing field for each category. Also I would like to congradulate you on your success this year at the Nats and say thank you. I have learnt a lot from your knowledge shared from your articles in Coast to Coast, NZ Surfcasting page on Facebook and indeed this Forum. One day I would like to go on one of your adventures up Lotin Point/Cape Runaway and learn more first hand, Thank you for your efforts I hope your Ideas are acted on as you are someone who is out there doing it and doing it well. Good luck Gizzy
"The worst day Fishing is better than the best day of work"
on 3/5/2013, 11:46 am
And it could very well happen 
I will post this proposed change tomorrow night. I believe it will make the casters allot happier and prehaps not only bring in the best casters, but bring the best out of them.