SWEET MOMENT: Paihia's Sue Rogers exited the water at the marina steps in downtown Auckland earlier this month.
Paihia swimmer Sue Rogers has made it two out two in her 2015/16 New Zealand Ocean Swim Series campaign after completing the Harbour Crossing earlier this month.
Rogers admitted she found the Auckland event on Saturday, December 12, quite challenging, noting the estimated field of 1400 had to swim through
some big swells in the middle of the crossing. She eventually completed the 2.9km swim in just over 1 hour 14 minutes, the 986th swimmer in a field of 1238 finishers, and 9th overall out of 15 in the women's 60-64 age bracket.
"The Harbour Crossing was awesome!" Sue said, going on to describe the iconic and unique perspective afforded the swimmers of the Harbour Bridge on their right whilst aiming towards the Sky Tower as an "inspiring" one. Admitting she was more "steady plodder than speedster", the Far North woman also reaffirmed her unreserved support for the ocean swim series concept.
"What I love most is the camaraderie, calming nerves, sharing tips and hearing other's stories of facing and overcoming their own challenges to reach this point; then watching others after you come through the finish line, and seeing swimmers of every shape and size, men, women, and youngsters, both able and disabled, finishing with huge grins of relief and accomplishment.
"The swims are so well organised and offer opportunity to swim places that normally you'd not be allowed to. Boat traffic is diverted or stopped to let us through, with lifesavers on surfboards nearby all the way and safety boats to pick anyone up if needed. With opportunities like that how can you not do it?"
