Taking the kids swimming over summer is a Kiwi tradition, but one dedicated group of parents have taken their duties to the extreme, escorting their children to swimming venues from Paihia to Christchurch, including Rotorua, Mt Maunganui, Auckland and Wellington. Their goal: a unique opportunity to nurture a passion for open-water swimming.
Children aged between 7 and 13 swam 200m at six events during the 2015-16 Ocean Swim Series.
The winning boy and girl in three age-group categories earned a place at the prestigious Jetstar Super Swim Squad camp, captained by former Olympic swimmer Dean Kent and containing past and present Olympic talent.
Thirty-five eager young winners attended an Auckland camp during April 23-25, participating in pool and ocean clinics coached by elite athletes such as Rio Olympic qualifier Emma Robinson, Ocean Swim Series winners Charlotte Webby and Nathan Capp, and Australian champion Michael Sheil. Double Olympic gold medallist Danyon Loader made a surprise appearance as guest speaker.
"I loved getting to know the elites, not only as swimmers, but as people," says squad member Janaye Burns. "The coaches were really friendly. It was cool to learn new drills and they helped us with our technique, especially ocean swimming."
