They'll hope it's not an omen for the coming Super Rugby season, but the Blues got that sinking feeling when 28 players were flipped from three waka ama during a training session on the Waitemata Harbour yesterday.
They were paddling from Takapuna Beach to Rangitoto when they were swamped about2pm. The harbourmaster, coastguard, police and yachties helped rescue them.
A witness said not everyone was wearing a lifejacket. A Blues spokesman said buoyancy devices were available to all but some stronger swimmers chose not to wear them.
A new bylaw makes its it compulsory to wear a lifejacket on a vessel 6m long or under unless the skipper gives permission not to.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said none of the players was in danger and thanked those who assisted. He said team members were briefed by waka personnel and players had experience with the craft from their recent training camp in Northland.
Dave West of the Takapuna Boating Club was returning to shore when he got a call about the drama. "The three waka were at least 100m apart and all three were swamped, pretty much at water level."
The waka were towed to shore by 3.30pm. Auckland Regional Outrigger Canoe Association president Louise Henderson said waves could swamp waka if people on board were not balanced correctly.
The incident inspired one joker to tweet: "A new record ... normally it's six weeks before the season hopes sink."
