2024 Kiwi Cane
Friday 19th April - Sunday 21st April 2024
Ruapehu Ski Club Lodge, Ohakune
REPORT
The Inaugural Kiwi Cane was held over three days from Friday the 19th of April to Sunday the 21at Ruapehu Ski Club's Lodge in Ohakune. It was a fantastic success, with around 25 people in attendance.
New Friends
We had a mix of Cressy Cane regulars from Australia, and Kiwis from all over the country. While we covered a huge range of technical information over the three days, perhaps the most satisfying element to me was the camaraderie and forming new friendships.
David Hemmings - Cressy Cane Founder
It was lovely to have David Hemmings, the Cressy Cane founder along to introduce the event and give some background and history. Organising my first gathering made me really appreciate how much hard work David has done making Cressy Cane happen since its inception.
David Anderson's Morning Readings
Each day began with a beautiful short reading from David Anderson. This has been a feature at Cressy and it really sets the tone to hear his dulcet tones start the day. This year's readings were from:
Ernest Schwiebert: Trout - The Iconography of the Split-Cane Rod
Harry Middleton: The Earth is Enough
O. S. Hintz: Trout at Taupo
Peter Hayes - Invited International Guest
Our invited guest was Peter Hayes, leading Casting Instructor, guide, from Australia. "Hayesie" is an elite caster and teacher. Watching him effortlessly launch smooth, powerful loops with screaming line speed, from bamboo rods is a testimony to the material (as well as his own skills of course)! On top of that, his ability to teach others has helped countless people to improve their own casting and enhance their understanding of rod dynamics and how to apply it in their rodmaking. We're very lucky to have him as an inspiration and bamboo ambassador.
We made the most of Peter's attendance through regular casting sessions on the lawn. These included:
Peter also went over how he records "Rod Tasting Notes" when assessing a rod. This is akin to Wine Tasting notes (basically a mini rod review). This is an invaluable way to document a rod when you try it out, especially at a gathering like Kiwi Cane. It may be a nice problem to have, but casting 50 or more rods in a short period of time can become a pleasant, but confused blur. Peter outlined his methodology, where using "Notes" on his phone, he has built up a library of rod reviews to refer back to in the future. Starting with a photo, and a brief description of the rod, he moves on to casting aspects of it and other thoughts about what he likes and doesn't.
Rods Rods Rods
As mentioned, we had a huge number and variety of rods at the gathering. Everything from 5'6" #1 weights up to 12' Spey Rods. Hex rods, Quads, Pentas, Tri Hex, PMQs, solid, hollow, Tonkin, Madake, Ferrules from Nickel Silver, Bamboo, Fibreglass and Scarfed. As enjoyable as the rods themselves were, the group discussions that followed were just as much of a highlight.
Presentations
We had a wide range of presentations, all with lots of group discussion and interaction. The powerpoint presentations where available can be accessed HERE.
Group Discussions
The Fishing
We booked a two-week window at the Ski Club for people wanting the come early or stay on and make the most of the region's wonderful fishing. Despite the season coming to an end, and with Autumn in the air, there were some wonderful fish caught, and of course tragic stories of the "ones that got away". The 2025 Event will be held a month earlier (in Mid March) to hopefully provide even better weather and fishing opportunities.
Book, DVD and Rod Library
We had an extensive library of books, DVDs and rods available for the duration of the gathering. A partial list is available HERE.
New Friends
We had a mix of Cressy Cane regulars from Australia, and Kiwis from all over the country. While we covered a huge range of technical information over the three days, perhaps the most satisfying element to me was the camaraderie and forming new friendships.
David Hemmings - Cressy Cane Founder
It was lovely to have David Hemmings, the Cressy Cane founder along to introduce the event and give some background and history. Organising my first gathering made me really appreciate how much hard work David has done making Cressy Cane happen since its inception.
David Anderson's Morning Readings
Each day began with a beautiful short reading from David Anderson. This has been a feature at Cressy and it really sets the tone to hear his dulcet tones start the day. This year's readings were from:
Ernest Schwiebert: Trout - The Iconography of the Split-Cane Rod
Harry Middleton: The Earth is Enough
O. S. Hintz: Trout at Taupo
Peter Hayes - Invited International Guest
Our invited guest was Peter Hayes, leading Casting Instructor, guide, from Australia. "Hayesie" is an elite caster and teacher. Watching him effortlessly launch smooth, powerful loops with screaming line speed, from bamboo rods is a testimony to the material (as well as his own skills of course)! On top of that, his ability to teach others has helped countless people to improve their own casting and enhance their understanding of rod dynamics and how to apply it in their rodmaking. We're very lucky to have him as an inspiration and bamboo ambassador.
We made the most of Peter's attendance through regular casting sessions on the lawn. These included:
- Two rod extremes (stiff/tip loading and full loading) and how to cast them
- Rod "Speed Dating" (5 minutes casting each of a wide range of rods)
- Rod "Show and Tell" (a similar exercise with rods brought along by attendees)
Peter also went over how he records "Rod Tasting Notes" when assessing a rod. This is akin to Wine Tasting notes (basically a mini rod review). This is an invaluable way to document a rod when you try it out, especially at a gathering like Kiwi Cane. It may be a nice problem to have, but casting 50 or more rods in a short period of time can become a pleasant, but confused blur. Peter outlined his methodology, where using "Notes" on his phone, he has built up a library of rod reviews to refer back to in the future. Starting with a photo, and a brief description of the rod, he moves on to casting aspects of it and other thoughts about what he likes and doesn't.
Rods Rods Rods
As mentioned, we had a huge number and variety of rods at the gathering. Everything from 5'6" #1 weights up to 12' Spey Rods. Hex rods, Quads, Pentas, Tri Hex, PMQs, solid, hollow, Tonkin, Madake, Ferrules from Nickel Silver, Bamboo, Fibreglass and Scarfed. As enjoyable as the rods themselves were, the group discussions that followed were just as much of a highlight.
Presentations
We had a wide range of presentations, all with lots of group discussion and interaction. The powerpoint presentations where available can be accessed HERE.
- Tim Munro on factors that go into rod design
- Rob Morwood on Bamboo Spey Rods
- Mark Rampant on his Hollow Building Experience
- Jim Jones on Australian Rodmaking History
- Mark Thurling on Making Economical Wooden Planing Forms
- David Anderson on his passion for Quadrate Rods
Group Discussions
- Rods I like, and don't like, and why
- How to break a rod, and how to avoid it
- What's the next rod I'm going to make??
- Little rodmkaing tips that make a big difference
The Fishing
We booked a two-week window at the Ski Club for people wanting the come early or stay on and make the most of the region's wonderful fishing. Despite the season coming to an end, and with Autumn in the air, there were some wonderful fish caught, and of course tragic stories of the "ones that got away". The 2025 Event will be held a month earlier (in Mid March) to hopefully provide even better weather and fishing opportunities.
Book, DVD and Rod Library
We had an extensive library of books, DVDs and rods available for the duration of the gathering. A partial list is available HERE.
Links to 2024 Presentations/Articles
Presentations converted from Slideshows to PDF (click on the link and it will open in a new tab/window).
Schedule/Agenda
Below is Schedule/Agenda that we worked to for the 2024 Kiwi Cane.
DAY 1 - Friday 19th April
0930 - Welcome and Introductions
Nick Taransky and David Hemmings
Welcome, housekeeping, and background and history of Cressy Cane
0945 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
1000 - Attendee Introductions
Everyone
A brief 1-2 minutes each "Around the Room" for people to introduce themselves, say why they have come, and what they hope to get out of attending
1030 - "Putting the Horse Back before the Cart"
Why talk about a Design Brief for Bamboo Rods?
Tim Munro
Tim will discuss an approach that is more suitable for the rodmaking process, based on the specific requirements of the rod. The approach consists of four steps:
Step 1 - The Design Brief - What is the rod designed to do?
Step 2 - Designing the Rod - How would you design a rod to meet the brief
Step 3 - Technical Aspects - The Making - Usually where most Makers start their rodmaking
Step 4 - The Use, Evaluation and the Feedback into the process
We hope that this approach will set the tone for the gathering and inform discussion through many of the other sessions.
1130 - Morning Tea
1145 - "Rod Tasting Notes" and How to Evaluate a Rod
Peter Hayes
How often do we cast a rod, it makes an impression on us, but our thoughts are soon lost in the sands of time? Peter has accumulated an extensive library of "Wine Tasting" notes using his phone, compiled while he assesses a rod. He will outline how he evaluates a rod and records his thoughts, and read some selected entries from his collection.
1215 - Two Extremes of Rod Action and How to Cast Them
Peter Hayes
"Modern" rod design has often been promoted as a quest for stiffer and lighter rods. At the other end of the spectrum are deep, full loading rods. Peter will discuss these rod actions, and the different casting methods required to access their qualities. Candy Cane loops or morphing "V" loops, casting arcs, to haul or not to haul… Constant Tension Casting…
1300 - Lunch and Casting…
1330 - Casting Session - Extremes of Rod Action
A chance to explore and practise the different styles of casting required for different rod actions, with a range of rods on the casting lawn.
1430 - Two Extremes of Rod Action and How to Cast Them
Peter Hayes / Classroom Discussion
Group discussion on the types of rod action and casting them, and how that might fit into different fishing scenarios.
1500 - Hollow Building Rods
Mark Rampant
Why and how to hollow build. How does this relate to rod length, and 2 handed rods in particular.
1530 - Two Handed Rods
Rob Morwood
Rob will discuss his thoughts and discoveries in making two handed rods.
1600 - Rodmaking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Things don't always go to plan… Nick will lead a discussion on what can go wrong in rodmaking, and how to recover from mistakes. A full suite of tools and bamboo will be on hand for anyone wanting to demonstrate "hands on" tips and techniques.
1630 - Free Casting Time
Take the opportunity to cast as many rods at the gathering as you can! Read some books or watch a DVD from the library.
1700 - Beer O'Clock or a G&T…
1900 - Dinner
Dinner Talk - History of Australian Rodmaking
Jim Jones
Jim will give an overview and update on the project so far…
0930 - Welcome and Introductions
Nick Taransky and David Hemmings
Welcome, housekeeping, and background and history of Cressy Cane
0945 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
1000 - Attendee Introductions
Everyone
A brief 1-2 minutes each "Around the Room" for people to introduce themselves, say why they have come, and what they hope to get out of attending
1030 - "Putting the Horse Back before the Cart"
Why talk about a Design Brief for Bamboo Rods?
Tim Munro
Tim will discuss an approach that is more suitable for the rodmaking process, based on the specific requirements of the rod. The approach consists of four steps:
Step 1 - The Design Brief - What is the rod designed to do?
Step 2 - Designing the Rod - How would you design a rod to meet the brief
Step 3 - Technical Aspects - The Making - Usually where most Makers start their rodmaking
Step 4 - The Use, Evaluation and the Feedback into the process
We hope that this approach will set the tone for the gathering and inform discussion through many of the other sessions.
1130 - Morning Tea
1145 - "Rod Tasting Notes" and How to Evaluate a Rod
Peter Hayes
How often do we cast a rod, it makes an impression on us, but our thoughts are soon lost in the sands of time? Peter has accumulated an extensive library of "Wine Tasting" notes using his phone, compiled while he assesses a rod. He will outline how he evaluates a rod and records his thoughts, and read some selected entries from his collection.
1215 - Two Extremes of Rod Action and How to Cast Them
Peter Hayes
"Modern" rod design has often been promoted as a quest for stiffer and lighter rods. At the other end of the spectrum are deep, full loading rods. Peter will discuss these rod actions, and the different casting methods required to access their qualities. Candy Cane loops or morphing "V" loops, casting arcs, to haul or not to haul… Constant Tension Casting…
1300 - Lunch and Casting…
1330 - Casting Session - Extremes of Rod Action
A chance to explore and practise the different styles of casting required for different rod actions, with a range of rods on the casting lawn.
1430 - Two Extremes of Rod Action and How to Cast Them
Peter Hayes / Classroom Discussion
Group discussion on the types of rod action and casting them, and how that might fit into different fishing scenarios.
1500 - Hollow Building Rods
Mark Rampant
Why and how to hollow build. How does this relate to rod length, and 2 handed rods in particular.
1530 - Two Handed Rods
Rob Morwood
Rob will discuss his thoughts and discoveries in making two handed rods.
1600 - Rodmaking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Things don't always go to plan… Nick will lead a discussion on what can go wrong in rodmaking, and how to recover from mistakes. A full suite of tools and bamboo will be on hand for anyone wanting to demonstrate "hands on" tips and techniques.
1630 - Free Casting Time
Take the opportunity to cast as many rods at the gathering as you can! Read some books or watch a DVD from the library.
1700 - Beer O'Clock or a G&T…
1900 - Dinner
Dinner Talk - History of Australian Rodmaking
Jim Jones
Jim will give an overview and update on the project so far…
DAY 2 - Saturday 20th April
0900 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
0915 - 20 Ways to Break a Rod... (and how to avoid it)!
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Do's and Don'ts with bamboo rods. Rod care and maintenance. Tackle considerations (leader connections etc). Bow and Arrow Casting. Playing Fish. Rod repairs…
1000 - Making Wooden Planing Forms
Mark Thurling
Purchasing expensive Planing Forms can be the major impediment to people getting started in rodmaking. Mark made his own forms from wood, and will relate his experiences. Nick will also give an overview on how to make a 2 strip Quad (a "Poor Man's Quad" or PMQ), without the need for any planing forms, as a simple way to get started in rodmaking.
1030 - Quadrate (4 sided) Rods
David Anderson
David will share his passion for "Quads" and showcase some of his collection.
1100 - Morning Tea
1130 - Rods I like and Don't like (and why)
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Tim will lead this group discussion…
1200 - Rods for "Show and Tell"
Group Classroom Session
People can "show and tell" rods that they have brought with them (of their own making, or from their collection). This will precede an afternoon casting session of the rods.
1230 - Lunch and Casting
1300 - Casting Session - "Show and Tell rods"
Try out the rods that people have brought along. Record some "Rod Tasting Notes".
1430 - "Show and Tell" Rods Discussion
Classroom Discussion
Your favourite rod(s) and why. What did you learn from the experience? Around the room for comments.
1500 - Rodmaking Resources for Kiwi and Aussie makers
Group Discussion
Where to source tools, materials, bamboo and more. Discussion of interest in possible group orders of Tonkin bamboo in the future.
1600 - Free Casting Time
Take the opportunity to cast more rods or revisit some again. See if you still agree with your previous casting notes! Read some books or watch a DVD from the library.
1700 - Beer O'Clock or a G&T…
1900 - Dinner
0900 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
0915 - 20 Ways to Break a Rod... (and how to avoid it)!
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Do's and Don'ts with bamboo rods. Rod care and maintenance. Tackle considerations (leader connections etc). Bow and Arrow Casting. Playing Fish. Rod repairs…
1000 - Making Wooden Planing Forms
Mark Thurling
Purchasing expensive Planing Forms can be the major impediment to people getting started in rodmaking. Mark made his own forms from wood, and will relate his experiences. Nick will also give an overview on how to make a 2 strip Quad (a "Poor Man's Quad" or PMQ), without the need for any planing forms, as a simple way to get started in rodmaking.
1030 - Quadrate (4 sided) Rods
David Anderson
David will share his passion for "Quads" and showcase some of his collection.
1100 - Morning Tea
1130 - Rods I like and Don't like (and why)
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Tim will lead this group discussion…
1200 - Rods for "Show and Tell"
Group Classroom Session
People can "show and tell" rods that they have brought with them (of their own making, or from their collection). This will precede an afternoon casting session of the rods.
1230 - Lunch and Casting
1300 - Casting Session - "Show and Tell rods"
Try out the rods that people have brought along. Record some "Rod Tasting Notes".
1430 - "Show and Tell" Rods Discussion
Classroom Discussion
Your favourite rod(s) and why. What did you learn from the experience? Around the room for comments.
1500 - Rodmaking Resources for Kiwi and Aussie makers
Group Discussion
Where to source tools, materials, bamboo and more. Discussion of interest in possible group orders of Tonkin bamboo in the future.
1600 - Free Casting Time
Take the opportunity to cast more rods or revisit some again. See if you still agree with your previous casting notes! Read some books or watch a DVD from the library.
1700 - Beer O'Clock or a G&T…
1900 - Dinner
DAY 3 - Sunday 21st April
0900 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
0915 - "The Little Things" - Small Rodmaking Issues that can make a BIG difference
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Share some tips or design points that you feel make a significant difference in the finished rod… Guide spacing and size, grip shape and style, reelseat hardware, line choice, ferrules and number of rod sections….
1000 - The Last Two Rods I made, and the Next Rod I will make (and why).
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Around the room for what people have been doing and are planning. Has the gathering changed your plans?
1030 - "Speed Dating" Casting Introduction
We will assemble a range of rods of all shapes and sizes, with some deliberate surprises. We will start with a Classroom briefing of the format and goals.
1100 - Morning Tea
1130 - "Speed Dating" Casting Session
On the casting lawn, with 2 minutes casting each rod. Record some comments and move to the next rod when the 2 minutes is up.
1230 - Lunch and Casting
1330 - "Speed Dating" Casting Classroom Review
Peter Hayes / Group Discussion
Your favourite rod and why? Your least favourite? Q and A on some specific rods and what you noticed…
1400 - "The Cart Before the Horse" Review
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Group discussion, recapping on the session on day 1, and how the gathering's experiences have shaped people's plans.
1500 - Discussion on Future Gatherings and Feedback
Nick Taransky / David Hemmings / Group
Group discussion on the 2025 Cressy Cane, and future Kiwi Canes. Feedback forms for this year's event.
1600 - Event wind up (or more casting and Q&A if you have any energy left)!
0900 - Morning Reading
David Anderson
0915 - "The Little Things" - Small Rodmaking Issues that can make a BIG difference
Nick Taransky / Group Discussion
Share some tips or design points that you feel make a significant difference in the finished rod… Guide spacing and size, grip shape and style, reelseat hardware, line choice, ferrules and number of rod sections….
1000 - The Last Two Rods I made, and the Next Rod I will make (and why).
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Around the room for what people have been doing and are planning. Has the gathering changed your plans?
1030 - "Speed Dating" Casting Introduction
We will assemble a range of rods of all shapes and sizes, with some deliberate surprises. We will start with a Classroom briefing of the format and goals.
1100 - Morning Tea
1130 - "Speed Dating" Casting Session
On the casting lawn, with 2 minutes casting each rod. Record some comments and move to the next rod when the 2 minutes is up.
1230 - Lunch and Casting
1330 - "Speed Dating" Casting Classroom Review
Peter Hayes / Group Discussion
Your favourite rod and why? Your least favourite? Q and A on some specific rods and what you noticed…
1400 - "The Cart Before the Horse" Review
Tim Munro / Group Discussion
Group discussion, recapping on the session on day 1, and how the gathering's experiences have shaped people's plans.
1500 - Discussion on Future Gatherings and Feedback
Nick Taransky / David Hemmings / Group
Group discussion on the 2025 Cressy Cane, and future Kiwi Canes. Feedback forms for this year's event.
1600 - Event wind up (or more casting and Q&A if you have any energy left)!