Swimming: Ocean event healthy outing for all sizes

By Peter Thornton

Other·

4 Nov, 2011 04:30 PM3 mins to read

Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Ocean Swim Series is not just about being the best swimmer. The series promotes health and exercise for everyday Kiwis.

More than 1300 participants will enter the water for the 2.9km State Harbour Crossing next Sunday.

They come in all ages to Devonport for the crossing. At one end is the remarkable 78-year-old Alex Hill, the oldest participant in the series.

At the other end, talented Tessa McNair, 14, aims to repeat her age-group win from last year's North Head swim, as well as claiming under-15 triathlon and swim-run honours.

Auckland nurse Rosemary Mann is taking the plunge for the first time, helped by her daughter Tracey, who has been a regular in the crossing.

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."

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