11 tackle mid-winter boiler swim

Eleven enthusiastic swimmers, both local and visiting, took on the mid-winter swim on Friday organised by the Cook Islands Aquatics Federation.

By local standards the water was a tad cool but no real complaints were heard from the hearty swimmers who eagerly took on the 750m boiler swim challenge.

Top female triathlete Kelly Pick was the not-so-surprising winner of the race finishing the swim in 10.52.

Local pharmacist and swimming enthusiast Shannon Saunders was on Picks tail to take out second place in 11.49.

Justin Rous and captain of the Avarua Doggy Paddlers club rounded up the top three with an impressive time of 12.31.

Roland Neururer pipped young David Hamill across the finish line in a time of 12.39 and 12.43 respectively.

James Hamill was next in 12.56 and local female triathlete Rangi Apera finished her race in 13 minutes and 6 seconds.

James David dolphin dived back to shore to finish in a time of 15.16 while Pare Tangata experience some equipment malfunction towards the end of her but took it all in her stroke to finish in a time of 17.51.

Jennie George and Steve Whitta were stroke for stroke and crossed the line together in 18.14 to wrap up a great afternoon of racing in Avarua harbour.

The invigorated swimmers then gathered for the prize giving with all 11 swimmers walking away with a great boiler swim experience and an awesome prize.

Cook Islands Aquatics Foundation member Shannon Saunders was pleased with the turnout for the mid-winter swim especially at this stage of the season.

Saunders would like to encourage people to take up future boiler swims challenges.

A lot of people see doing the boiler swim as an achievement and its great to do the swim during organised events like this when there is a safety boat and other swimmers around, says Saunders.

The next swim will be the Constitution Muri relay on August 4.

Saunders says this will be a rock up and swim type event and those keen to be part of this team relay event in Muri lagoon just need to turn up with plenty of enthusiasm.

Take the plunge and get into swimming.