Ocean Swim: Bay of Islands Classic preview

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bay of Islands Classic has exciting new changes for the 2017 event. PHOTO/BW MEDIA

A change in direction has reinvigorated the Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bay of Islands Classic.

More than 750 swimmers aged 7 to 82 are gearing up to swim in the race, with a few new experiences in store for this year's event.

For the first time in the nine year history of the swim, the longest swim option – the 3.3km 'I'm Going Long' – will start at Paihia at 5.55pm and finish at Russell beach, offering a captivating twilight swim experience never done before at any swim location in the series.

Event director Scott Rice said this event is one of the most popular in the seven-swim series, attracting people from all walks of life.

"This year we have a huge range of swimmers, from youngsters who are setting their sights on their first big swim, to those smashing a personal goal, to some more seasoned swimmers who do it every year.

"That's the great thing about this type of event, anyone who puts their mind to it can cross that finish line," he said.

"We've been aiming to have a twilight swim event for a long time and it's fantastic to be able to host the first ever one in the Bay of Islands; it's going to be a spectacular experience for swimmers and spectators.

"Reversing the longest, and most popular, swim event to end at Russell beach also means you can enjoy a celebratory beverage at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel after you've finished your swim."

There are plenty of reasons why swimmers are taking on the Bay of Islands Classic.

Special Olympics athlete Daniel Casbolt is taking on the event for the second time to complete a heavy swimming schedule.

He said he does it because swimming is a passion of his.

"I love swimming because it helps give me broad shoulders and keeps me energised and fit. It's good with helping my stamina for my ocean swimming in the open water events," he said.

The Banana Boat Ocean Swim Series runs from November 2017 to April 2018 and includes the Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bay of Islands Classic (Paihia) on December 16, Interislander Capital Classic (Wellington) on January 28, Donelley Sawmillers Legend of the Lake (Rotorua) on February 17, Generation Homes Sand to Surf (Mt Maunganui) on March 10, Interislander Big Tahuna (Nelson) on March 31, and the King of the Bays (North Shore, Auckland) on April 14. The Harbour Crossing (Auckland) was on November 18,

FAST FACTS: Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bay of Islands Classic Date: December 16, 2017
Time: Staggered starts from 2.30pm – 5.55pm
Start: Russell Beach - OceanKids 200m, 500m 'Give It A Go', 1km 'Step It Up'
Paihia Beach – 3.3km 'I'm Going Long'
Finish: Russell Beach - OceanKids 200m, 500m 'Give It A Go', 1km 'Step It Up'
Paihia Beach – 3.3km 'I'm Going Long'
Participants: 750
Age range: 7 – 82
Fastest times in 2016: 3:14mins – OceanKids
04:29mins – Give It A Go
41:04mins – I'm Going Long