Goggles and fins (or just feet) for big swim

GET SWIMMING!: Lyall Evans swam a record 404kms in last year’s Midway to Mahia swim. That’s like swimming from Midway to Mahia almost nine times. Mr Evans said he was inspired by the many swimmers and non-swimmers who got involved last year. Sport Gisborne are encouraging people to register for this year’s event. Picture by Paul Rickard

Gisborne’s annual indoor swim challenge is back, from August 1 to September 30. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to kick-start their fitness at the Gisborne Olympic Pool and swim the 45.5km distance from Midway to Mahia.

Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti active communities events adviser Debbie Hutchings said it was all about completing the distance that is challenging to the individual.

“How you do it is up to you. You can walk, swim, do it with fins or with friends, swim every day or a few times a week. To reach the 45.5km milestone of swimming to Mahia, participants need to swim around 750m a day, just over 5km per week.”

Ms Hutchings said swimming was a great way to improve overall wellness in a non-weight-bearing environment.

“It improves heart health and reduces stress, as well as improving balance and co-ordination.

The pool staff are there to record the distance completed after each swim, and weekly leaderboard updates show the progress of individuals and teams.”

Gisborne man Lyall Evans, who took part last year, said he was truly inspired by the many swimmers and non-swimmers who got involved.

“Their smiling faces and sense of achievement was really fun to be around. New friendships were developed and the dedicated pool staff all knew our names, creating a really welcoming place.”

Over the eight-week challenge Mr Evans swam a record 404km.

“I did learn a couple of things about myself; one was to simply keep going and don’t let yourself make an excuse and stop.”

Ms Hutchings said they wanted to encourage clubs, families and businesses to put in a team and challenge each other.

“The distance an individual achieves over the challenge is completely up to them and we celebrate milestones throughout.

“By getting your friends, family, team-mates or work colleagues to form a team makes the challenge that much more fun and really provides that additional motivation factor.”

The cost is $60 for individuals or $50 per person for teams of 10 or more and includes unlimited swimming at the Olympic Pool.

“That’s less than a dollar a day for a swim. “

Registration forms are available from the Gisborne Olympic Pool Complex and at sportgisborne.org.nz