Olympic boardsailing champion Barbara Kendall is more comfortable on top of the water than in it, but she's taking the plunge alongside hundreds of others in the annual Sovereign King of the Bays in Auckland on Saturday 17 April.
The King of the Bays is the final of the six-event Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series which has taken place throughout New Zealand over the past six months.
Barbara says she is entering the event for the sake of fun and preparation. "I have never done any ocean swimming before apart from when I used to wave sail and lose my equipment and had to swim in through the huge surf to try and find it," Barbara says. "But I'm not afraid of sharks as all the ones I have seen have been way more afraid of me."She adds that her preparation has mostly consisted of surfing during the time leading up to the event. "On the day I plan to pace myself and focus on making the distance."
Barbara will be swimming the 2.8km feature event alongside other well-known sports stars including swimming legend Danyon Loader and former Silver Fern Tania Dalton, as well as some of New Zealand's best open water swimmers. Sports commentator James McOnie will also take to the water in the event, swimming the 750km distance earlier in the day.
More than 1100 people are expected to take part in the 2.8km and 750m events at the Sovereign King of the Bays which also includes the 200m Sovereign OceanKids for children aged 10 years and under.
The 750m and Sovereign OceanKids takes place at Takapuna Beach, while swimmers in the Sovereign King of the Bays feature 2.8km event start at Milford Beach and finish at Takapuna Beach.
The event is also the first in the Sovereign Ocean Swim Series to feature a Pacific fanfare with Polynesian dance and music group Te Pua Inano performing from a man-made floating island just off the coast of Thorne Bay in Takapuna. This North Shore City Council initiative will also serve as a floating drinks station for thirsty competitors.
Event Director Scott Rice says that the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series in 2009/2010 has been an incredible event with exciting races and thousands of people around New Zealand taking part, from veteran swimmers to beginners and children.
"The Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series encourages people of all shapes, sizes and abilities to take part and conquer a fear of swimming or simply to ensure that they and their families are safer in our oceans and waterways.
"It's a challenge, but always achievable with the right preparation and support on the day."
Sovereign Marketing Communications Manager Richard Allen says that while the event attracts some of the best swimmers in the world but also motivates New Zealanders of all ages, shapes and backgrounds to improve on their fitness and in some cases, change their lives.
The King of the Bays is the final leg of the six-event Sovereign New Zealand Swim Series for 2009/2010 and will feature world class Australian and New Zealand swimmers who are chasing more than $75,000 in cash and prizes.
Former Manawatu swimmer, 19-year-old Cara Baker is confirmed for the event. Cara is the current New Zealand Open Water Champion over 5km and 10km and is now living in Australia where she won the Australian Open Water 5km title. She will be representing New Zealand at this year's Open Water World Championships in Canada.
Also confirmed is Dunedin swimmer Bryn Murphy who will be looking for a win to snatch the series championship from current series leader Kane Radford from Rotorua. Radford has yet to confirm whether he will be swimming this event.
The Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series 'King of the Bays' takes place in Takapuna, Auckland on Saturday 17 April. Entries are still open at www.oceanswim.co.nz.
