The Palmerston North-based lifeguard has enticed her mother into joining her, and the cardiac nurse from Auckland has been training diligently for the event.
What about Auckland demolition worker Jonathan Smith, who is taking up the challenge after turning his life around? Once 150kg, the 30-year-old has lost 60kg in the past 18 months and is shaping up for his first ocean swim with the harbour crossing. And he's also decided to tackle the Auckland marathon and is working towards completing Ironman New Zealand in 2013.
Beach Haven's Bjorn Schuffelen readily admits he is addicted to ocean swimming. He completed the series last year and is aiming to tackle both Auckland swims this summer. That's part of his plan to drop up to 60kg for his next big mission, the solo swim across Lake Taupo.
Englishwoman Kate Woolley, who moved to New Zealand only weeks ago, has already signed up for the challenge. Woolley, a tunnel engineer, moved from London to design new sewerage tunnels in West Auckland.
"I've always loved swimming and all watersports and the one ocean race I did in Italy gave me a taste for it.
"I met lots of Kiwis in London and they told me about the North Shore beaches and I certainly haven't been disappointed. I can't wait to get out there and I've bought my wetsuit."
Coming up Tomorrow
* Road cycling
Tour de Whitemans, Silverstream School, Whitemans Rd, Silverstream, Upper Hutt. Open-road circuit 33km, 66km, 100km.
* Running & tramping
Tikitapu Trail Runs Blue Lake, Rotorua. Three races.
* Triathlon
South Island Sports Festival, Lake Hood, Ashburton. Half Ironman - swim 1.9k, bike 90k, run 21k.
Wanganui 5one5, Wanganui - 1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run.
