YOUNG SWIMMERS taking on the iconic Opononi Area School Harbour Swim recently had plenty of incentive to succeed _ a cooked breakfast was waiting on the other side of the harbour for one thing, but the satisfaction of swimming across the harbour unaided was the thing that kept them going.
The
event has a history of more than 20 years and involves a training programme that organisers insist almost guarantees success.
Students wishing to take up the challenge must commit to four lunchtime sessions a week in the school pool over a five-week period.
They must complete a pool endurance test and a sea trial before they are judged ready to take on the harbour.
This year, 25 students entered the water at 8.30am on March 13, in perfect conditions on a low tide which opens up a window of opportunity of approximately 40 minutes before the tide runs again.
The junior swimmers are accompanied by a dinghy or kayak.
First out of the water this year was Miharo Wikaira in 23m 28s. Miharo was one of five 9-year-olds in the squad that completed the swim in a remarkable display of courage and determination.
The other 9-year-olds were Hinemoa Hau, Kohu Thomas, Leonard Warwick and Teina Morunga.
Other swimmers to successfully complete the challenge were: Santana Pihama, Kian Shead, Tiare Simeon, Taylor Turnock, Joshua Boyd, Vaine Charlie, Kerehi Warwick, Anaria Rakete Tane, Shauntahj Anderson, Codi Rogers, Wayne Iripa, Poutama Toto, Joseph Andrews, April Warwick, Huriana Hohaia, Raymond Witehira, Rhys Maunsell, Ela Carrad and Joe Baugh Rakete Tane.
After the swim, hot showers were provided to shake off the chill and a cooked breakfast awaited the swimmers at school.
Achievements were acknowledged with a certificate.
