Olympian wins Boiler Swim

Paddlers in the 10th Vaka Eiva Festival traded in their paddles and water packs for goggles and togs in Tuesday’s Boiler Swim.

Though paddlers, supporters and Vaka Eiva spectators made up the majority of the 122 swimmers, they weren’t the only ones swimming for charity.

Local tri-athletes, Esther Honey Foundation staff and even tourists took to the water, raising over $600 for this year’s chosen charity the Creative Centre.

Principal of the school Rodger Harkness says the funds will go towards the school’s hydroponics programme.

The elements were on side with the swimmers as the flat sea, cool breeze and hot sun made it the perfect day for a 750m swim.

Starting from the beach area in front of Trader Jacks, all who took part in the charity event swam to the iconic boiler just outside the Avarua harbour and back.

On land first for the locals was Ngakau Toa Paddler John Beasley and for the women top tri-athlete Vanessa Woodger.

In the international category, Crown Beach Kings paddler Tate Smith was out of the water taking out first for the men, with Kirsty Holmes from Outrigger Australia making it home first for the women.

For the juniors Billy Bowman of Tutangiora and Kayla from Team Phoenix were first home in their divisions.