Transiting a tricky inlet is among the biggest challenges of boating.
Whakatane is a port town on the north island of New Zealand with an infamous inlet. In fact, Coastguard Whakatane recommends that all vessels departing over the bar at the inlet advise over VHF radio their intention to do so and report a safe crossing on the other side.
Take a look at this power catamaran crossing the Whakatane bar, waiting for the swell to ease and carefully timing the crossing.
The local coastguard has set up a 24/7 webcam of the river entrance for boaters to check the conditions at the bar in real time.
