This year sees the clocking-up of the 9th year of the popular State Harbour Crossing, giving swimmers their annual fix of stopping marine traffic and being able to say, "I've swum across Auckland Harbour!"
From its inauguration in 2004 where the swim kicked off from Stanley Bay, finishing at the Viaduct's Market Square to the now much improved course from Bayswater's Quinton Park and ending at the Karanga Plaza in the Viaduct Harbour, this has become one of the largest and most iconic ocean swims in New Zealand.
The State Harbour Crossing on Sunday 2 December 2012 is a 2.9km 'I'm going Long' swim split into five waves, putting swimmers with similar abilities together in waves, seeded by their anticipated times, which have been calculated by the estimated swim time selected during the entry process. It is for individuals with swimming experience who have trained to complete this event and there is a 'novice only' wave for swimmers new to the longer swims, who would like a little more space and less pressure on the starting line. This option can be selected during the entry process.
The race start time is at 9.45am at Quinton Park, with the compulsory safety briefing taking place at 9.25am. The Competitor Information Sheet with all key event information will be uploaded to the State NZ Ocean Swim Series website closer to the event date. To find more information on this and other State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events visit www.oceanswim.co.nz.
Would-be competitors can catch the optional competitor transfer ferry from the Viaduct to Bayswater for the 9.45am race start, and family and friends can make the most of the spectator vantage points around Viaduct Harbour to watch their swimmer enter the Harbour and cross the finish line. They can then all get together afterwards for the prize giving and a well-deserved discounted drink and bite to eat at the Auckland Fish Markets.
The Harbour Crossing swim is a great challenge for individuals who have trained or have swimming experience and is an ideal environment for swimmers of all abilities. For the duration of the swim there will be Surf Life Saving New Zealand guards on the water to ensure the total safety and well-being of all swimmers. Because of the duration of time in the water, it is recommended to wear a wetsuit to assist with buoyancy and warmth but these are not compulsory for the event. This is a first class event and a 'show stopper' for Auckland waterfront on the day.
