Forget traditional birthday presents like chocolates or wine - Stephan Peters threw his friends, twins Michael and John Putt, in at the deep end.
"What do you get a 40-year-old man?" says Ponsonby resident Stephan. "I knew Michael liked swimming and John likes being in the water, so I thought my present would be good."
His unusual gift was to register the brothers for an ocean swimming race.
The three friends work together at the Auckland Worldwide School of English language school where John is the director of studies, Michael teaches and Stephan is an IT contractor. The twins celebrated their birthday in August.
John, who lives in Ranui, says he wasn't too surprised when Stephan gave him his entry to the 2.6km Sand to Surf event in the State NZ Ocean Swim Series.
"I love fishing and whenever I take Stephan out he says ocean swimming would be a perfect hobby for me."
John was reluctant to start training, but a house fire last year changed all that.
"I got home one day to find my house and boat burned down and, suddenly, I couldn't fish anymore so ocean swimming became my new hobby."
It was a tough way to be forced into the water, but John is now glad he began training early.
Michael was already a keen surfer and strong swimmer but his training hit a serious hurdle.
"Right after I received the gift, I had an accident in a cycling event and broke my collarbone, which put me out of training all summer. It's still in two pieces but feeling okay and I've been surprised at how quickly I've been able to snap back into swimming mode."
They train regularly, either at Takapuna or St Heliers Beach. Last month, as practice, Stephan, Michael and John swam the 4.6km from Rangitoto Island back to Auckland and say they're ready for Saturday's State Sand to Surf at Mount Maunganui.
The Sand to Surf is the fifth event in the State NZ Ocean Swim Series and organisers expect 850 swimmers to take it on.
Ocean Swims
The last swim in the State Ocean Swim Series is the State King of the Bays on Saturday March 31 at Milford and Takapuna beaches. For more information visit www.oceanswim.co.nz
Sea Week
We're right in the middle of Sea Week, a time when Kiwis are encouraged to connect with their oceans in a positive way. Among dozens of events, this weekend there's a community snorkel day at Goat Island, a clean up of the Tamaki Estuary and a sleepover at Kelly Tarlton's. For more visit www.seaweek.org.nz