One swim is planned for Friday in a 1–8pm window to maximise current assist, aiming to reach the Tutukaka coast in good sea conditions with a building northerly current.
Jono Ridler passes 200km mark
By Live Ocean
16/01/2026
Read time: 3 min
Article Summary
Main Points
Jono Ridler passed the 200km mark today (204km), completing two swims as the team pushed hard to bank distance ahead of an approaching weather system that may pause progress.
The first swim from Motu Kōkako (Hole in the Rock) to Elliot Bay was slowed by negative current, while the second to Helena Bay had strong current assist before being cut short by rain and poor visibility, ending with a warm supporter welcome.
Jono Ridler passed the 200km mark today (204.km) and has settled into a good rhythm with two swims logged today – the whole team pushing hard to get distance under the belt ahead of an approaching weather system which could see progress paused.
The first swim entered just past Motu Kōkako The Hole in the Rock all the way down to off the coast at Elliot Bay. The second swim ended offshore at Helena Bay, where they had a great welcome on the beach from the largest group of supporters yet, including some local ocean swimmers known by Jono.
Thursday’s first swim
Time: 3 hours 50 mins
Distance: 11.3km
Speed: 2:95 km/h
The first swim had more negative current than anticipated, making progress slower than hoped.
Thursday’s second swim
Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Distance: 13.4 kms
Speed: 3.65 km/h
The afternoon swim current was much stronger, with over 1km an hour current assist. The second swim was paused early with rain settling in and a loss of visibility.
Friday
One swim is planned for the day taking yesterday’s learnings of the current. The swim window is planned for 1pm to 8pm to get maximum current assist, with them aim to make it close to the Tutukaka coast tonight.
Conditions
Sea state: Good conditions, following sea with a small chop
Weather: Light nor-westerlys building current
1,000 Miles. 90 Days.
A Swim For The Ocean.
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