Swim4TheOcean Passes 620km as East Cape Challenge Looms

From Ōhope to Ōpōtiki, Jono Ridler has banked another 18km in his Swim4TheOcean world-record attempt – bringing his total distance to just over 621km as the mission tracks across the Bay of Plenty towards East Cape. 

Swimming approximately 5km offshore to straight-line the route and optimise progress, Wednesday, 11 February delivered calm, swimmable conditions. Jono was in the water for six hours and 20 minutes, consolidating his effort into one long swim to minimise time spent in adverse current. 

He got underway at around 2pm, covering 18.02km at an average pace of 2.87km/h. 

On-Water Operations Lead Andy Tuke described seeing “the craziest currents we have experienced to date” while taking half-hourly tide readings – a reminder that even on calm days, there are other factors which impact Jono’s swim.   

Base camp was set up at Ōpōtiki Surf Club, where locals extended a warm welcome as the Swim4TheOcean crew came ashore late in the evening. 

Jono is now closing in on the halfway point of this monumental, purpose-led challenge – but the next phase brings increasing complexity. The approach to and rounding of East Cape will present significant logistical challenges, and beyond that the team is preparing for remote stretches of coastline where beach access points are limited. 

There is also more unsettled weather forecast in the days ahead. 

Total distance covered: 621.05km 

Yesterday’s swim — at a glance 

Swim 1

Time: 6 hours 17 minutes

Distance: 18.02km

Average speed: 2.87km/h