"We entered her as we thought it would be a good challenge," Poppy's mum, Amanda Richardson, said.
"She enjoys squad training so we thought she could test her swim skills out of the pool. She is naturally competitive having an older sister and younger brother, and we thought she would enjoy the experience."
NZ Ocean Swim Series event director Scott Rice said it was great to see the next generation of swimmers taking the plunge in the OceanKids event.
"So many youngsters have pool swimming lessons, but the ocean can be quite a different and unpredictable environment, so it's important for children to also gain confidence swimming in the ocean given so much of our Kiwi summer holidays tend to revolve around the beach," he said.
"With Banana Boat's support, we have tailored the OceanKids event to be safe whilst also ensuring everyone on the day is having fun in the sun."
The Sand to Surf event on Saturday is the first of seven in the nationwide New Zealand Ocean Swim Series which includes Harbour Crossing (Auckland), Capital Classic (Wellington), Legend of the Lake (Rotorua), Christchurch Crown (Christchurch), Bay of Islands Classic (Paihia) and King of the Bays (North Shore, Auckland).
The series runs from November to April next year.
Youngsters who win their age group in the OceanKids 200m event (7-12yrs) are eligible to secure one of 36 places in the Jetstar Super Swim Squad and attend an end-of-season training camp in Auckland with top name elite swimmers and coaches.
Information: www.oceanswim.co.nz Timetable, Saturday
9.45am I'm Going Long 2.6k start
11.35am Give it a Go 500m start
11.42am Step it Up 1000m start
12.30pm OceanKids 200m start
1.05pm Prizegiving at Mt Drury (across the road from the event site)
