21km Banked as Swim4TheOcean Pushes Toward Halfway

A challenging beach launch from Tirohanga set the tone for the day yesterday (Saturday, 14 February), with the team navigating chop on the transit to the start point around two kilometres offshore. From there, Jono tracked steadily across the far eastern Bay of Plenty, as they edge closer to East Cape, completing two swim sessions before base camp was established at Omaio. 

The first swim got underway at 7:20am. Despite manageable sea conditions – a little residual swell and light chop – progress was slow, with consistent adverse current limiting pace. 

“We’re back into it after a rest day and this morning we have a four-hour swim,” Jono said before setting off. “It’s not too bad out here, there’s a little bit of residual swell and a small amount of chop.” 

Low cloud and heavy rain sat over the land throughout the morning. “It should be an interesting day. If you look out that way there’s land, but you can’t really see it.” 

On-water lead Andy Tuke confirmed the challenge early. “We’ve done two tide readings at 0800 and 0820 – they showed pretty much the same. 200 degrees at 1.3km/h consistent, but not good.” 

The second session told a different story. With improved current assist, Jono lifted his average pace to 3.3km/h through the afternoon and evening effort, swimming across the mouth of the Motu River and adding 16.5km in that leg alone. The five-hour stint wrapped at 8:30pm just north of Omaio. 

Ben Goffin, speaking from the IRB, said: “This morning was a bit rough at the start – lots of chop to get out, bit of a transit, and some tough current for Jono to fight against. But we came out and we’ve given it another go this evening, five hours. We’ve had some great currents and we’ve made lots of really good progress tonight actually. Things are looking up and we’re trying to get some kms in before the weather really turns in the next couple of days.” 

In total, 21km was added to the tally – taking Jono to 661km swum and within striking distance of the halfway milestone, anticipated around 690km. 

The day also carried a strong local connection. Caleb Wharepapa of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Ngāti Porou paddled his waka ama out to support the swim through his rohe. 

“I can only imagine what sort of pain his body is going through. I’ve got the utmost respect for him and what he’s doing and I just wanted to be here for Jono and you guys to support him through my bit of paradise, where I live. Guardianship and kaitiakitanga for him – to support him through our piece of the whenua and the sea. It’s been a privilege and an honour to guide him through here.” 

Now closing in on the halfway point of this purpose-led 1,350km mission, the next phase brings increased complexity. The approach to and rounding of East Cape will test both swimmer and crew, with remote stretches of coastline, exposed bays and limited landing options requiring careful weather windows and tight logistics. 

The distance is building. The challenge is evolving. And Swim4TheOcean continues south. 

Total distance covered: 661.60km 

Yesterday’s swim — at a glance 

Swim 1

Time: 3 hours 3 minutes 
Distance: 4.83km 
Average speed: 1.6km/h 

Swim 2

Time: 4 hours 59 minutes 
Distance: 16.48km 
Average speed: 3.3km/h