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Visitors to Goat Island can now peer under the surface of the ocean without getting wet.
Recently Brook (pictured) and Sarah McRae, of Mahurangi West, introduced Clearyaks – transparent, two-person kayaks made of polycarbonate (the material used in bulletproof glass) which enable people to paddle out and view the marine life through the kayak.
Brook says the idea came about as a way to allow young children, who can’t swim, to enjoy Goat Island.
“It’s about connecting people with the ocean, especially those who don’t want to be in the water itself,” he says.
Brook discovered the design online and purchased 10; each unit costs around $2000.
He says after one month of operating, an average of 40–50 people are using the boats every day.
There are plans to expand to Whangateau Harbour, which could include night paddles using squid lights.
Brook says the main barrier is passing Health and Safety laws.
Another challenge is keeping the Clearyaks as scratch-free as possible so visitors get the best viewing experience.
This involves buffing them often and using special racks for transportation.
The couple is also looking at a collaboration with the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre. Info: www.clearyak.co.nz
