Inaugural 10km Swim

Easter weekend saw the addition of the 2014 Inaugural Auckland  Central Masters Marathon  (10km) swim  http://www.aucklandharbourswims.org.nz/    Run not for profit but for participation. This first event was limited to 63 competitors with plenty of unlucky swimmers left on the waiting list. Three days before Auckland was hit by one of the worst storms in living memory. Not the ideal build up, especially if you are the race director. Luckily he already had the grey hair.  Not ideal but acceptable conditions greeted organisers and participants on 19 April.

For me the interesting factors in this swim were the relaxed atmosphere, swim first, race second. And there were only two turn buoys for the entire swim, this made it far more interesting than a 4 x 2500M lap course. Because of this the field would be far more spread out and each swimmer was required to have a kayaker providing direct escort.  63 swimmers and 63 kayakers made for an interesting start but the field soon spread out. For those that know Auckland New Zealand the famous Rangitoto Island was visible to the swimmers throughout the swim while to the right were changing views of Auckland cities East Coast shore line.

Another unique dynamic was the navigation duties and each ‘team’ chose to do this differently. For some the kayaker took sole responsibility for the navigation. For some it was shared. For others the swimmer navigated the entire way and the kayaker shadowed.  All 63 swimmers completed the swim, finishing at the lovely St Helier’s beach. Sunshine , a bbq, snacks aplenty and a great crowd  of cheering family and friends quickly helped replace sapped energy reserves. As corny as it may sound the real winner was open water swimming . The organisers have committed to running a similar swim in late April 2015.  If you are passing through Auckland New Zealand next year it’s well worth dipping your toes in for this event. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland-10km-Marathon-Swim/1449837718564994 

Authors note; Think a 10km swim is too far for you? The mind sets limits the body has no idea about. With the right training, preparation and encouragement ANYONE can do it. Ask us how bookings@fitandabel.com