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Annual Boxing Day swim to Rangitoto - 26th December 

2024 BOXING DAY RANGITOTO SWIM & RUN REGISTRATION FORM 

&

 SAFETY INFORMATION

The 24th Annual Boxing Day swim to Rangitoto Island is all go for this year.  This year, we’ve got a 10.32 am predicted low tide which means we’ll need to get our navigation right in the early parts of the swim.  As per previous years, we plan to split the swimmers into three ability groups, each with their own support kayak and support boat.  

We will send the groups off at 15 minute intervals with the slowest group leaving first.  We’ll also re-grade at about 1000m to sort out those who have “confused ability with ambition.”  Due to the numbers, we’ve got a few simple rules (below).  Anyone that doesn’t want to follow these rules shouldn’t join us.  If you’re keen to do the swim with us, please register using the Google registration form.  

Note: You must register by Saturday 14th December this year, due to a large number of expected participants and the organisation required to plan a safe and enjoyable journey for all.

The Distances: McKenzie Bay, Rangitoto Island, is approximately 5 kilometres from Takapuna Beach.  The trail to the summit and around the island is approximately 20 kilometres, with a number of shorter trails.

Our Mission: To have a safe, fun, and leisurely training session with fellow athletes by swimming/kayaking to Rangitoto then running to the summit and around the island.

Execution: There will be three swim groups, referred to as: slow, average, and fast.  The following timings have been planned:

5.45 am:      “Slow” group sign in at Takapuna Beach Boat Ramp

6.00 am:      “Average” group sign in

                  Slow group safety briefing and personal gear check with Stephen

6.15 am:       “Fast” group sign in

                  Average group safety briefing & personal gear check with Stephen

                  Slow group start swimming to Rangitoto

6.30 am:      Fast group safety briefing and personal gear check with Stephen

                  Average group start swimming to Rangitoto

6.45 am:      Fast group start swimming to Rangitoto

8.15 am:       Approximate arrival time on Rangitoto 

8.25 am:      Team photo on Rangitoto Island (mandatory)

8.30 am:      Start run/non-runners return to Takapuna by boat

9.30 am:      First group finish run and ferry back to Takapuna

10.30 am:     Second group finish run and ferry back to Takapuna

11.30 am:     Brunch at a Takapuna café (to be decided).

·    There will be three separate ability groups leaving at 15 minute intervals.

·    In each group, slow swimmers will climb onto the kayak/s when instructed and paddle to the front of their group.

·    Anyone still struggling to keep up with their group will be picked up by the safety boats and dropped forward of their pack.

·    The captain of each boat will determine if a swimmer is too tired to continue and has the authority to order them to stay on the boat.

·    Safety boats will trail behind swimmers and blow their whistle to get swimmers to re-group (only if needed).

·    Safety boats will float in neutral when picking up swimmers (no prop guards).

Administration: 

• Everyone should have their own water and snacks.  We will have short breaks during the swim and will have something to eat before we start the run.

• No “Prima Donnas” please.  We all pitch in with moving gear.  Anyone under tight time pressure should organise their own support vessel or chose not to come with us (we move athletes on our time frame not on any personal schedules). 

• The photo at Rangitoto is compulsory.  

• If you miss the safety briefing you miss the swim.

• Cost is $55 for NHTC members who hold a current training card and $95 for those who don’t hold a current training card (pays for petrol and breakfast for our safety crew).  This must be paid by 14th December 2024 to allow us time to confirm safety support.  Note: this is the same cost as the Fullers Ferry ($55)

• Late fee (any registrations received after 14th December & on the day if there is space available): Add an extra $40.  (The price hike is to discourage late registrations)

Command and logistics

Head Coach (Stephen Farrell) will be in control on land – Mobile: 021 348 367.

Safety Flotilla Captain (Dave Teesdale) will be in control on the water.

Mobile: 022 613 1690 

VHF Call sign: ZMY5900

All boats to keep a listening watch on Channel 12 on approach and while crossing the shipping channel

VHF Listening watch: Channels 12 & 16

Upon our return to Takapuna Beach we’ll go to a café in Takapuna for brunch. 

Kayak equipment (Fit for Fun to provide 3 kayaks plus other kayakers)

• 3 x double kayak for slow swimmers (one permanent paddler per kayak)

• paddles as needed

• water

• 1 x whistle

Personal Equipment (every athlete to bring)

• 1 x socks      

• 1 x plastic rubbish bag/dry bag

• 1 x pr running shoes

• 1 x poly prop. top

• 1x set running gear

• 1 x light weight wind-proof jacket

• sunscreen

• 1 x togs

• 1 x small towel

• Wetsuit

• Lubricant for wetsuit

• Goggles

• Bright coloured swim cap

• Money for café

• 2 x Water bottles

• Training Food

Other:

• We check the weather forecast and tides and alter plans as needed.

• Low tide is at 10.32 am this year so we’ll be swimming through the middle of the tide with moderate flow.  

• Swimmers should aim for the summit of Rangitoto Island and allow the tide to take them North past the lighthouse. Swimming the direct line  through the rocks is not a good option at low tide.

• We will swim one way only and use the support boats to ferry athletes back (there is usually a small group swimming back with kayak support)

• There is an inclement weather plan.  No matter what the weather brings, we will swim 5k and run approximately 20k (some will run shorter).  

• Anyone who can organise extra kayak or boat support will have their registration fee waived (please note on registration form).

Safety:

Safety boat

·        All boats fully equipped

·        First aid kit with Stephen Farrell’s gear on boat

·        Stephen’s cell phone no: 021 348 367

·        Orange, red, yellow, or pink swim caps only (can’t be seen otherwise)

Most important: Group dynamics.  

·    The biggest hazards to the safety of the group are a combination of pleasure craft and stupidity.

·    We will be crossing a shipping lane.  All groups will reassemble and wait for clearance from their pilot boat before crossing the shipping lane.

·    This is not a race and each group must stay together until the last 200m into McKenzie Bay!

·    No more than 50 metres total distance apart for each group at any stage of the swim journey.

·    Fast swimmers must look back constantly and stay with the group (swim backstroke of butterfly for a while if you’re too fast)

·    Slow swimmers must not hold up the group unnecessarily and MUST get into kayaks/boats when asked.  They should immediately be transported to the front of their swim group and continue swimming or retire onto the safety boats.

·    Slow swimmers should be familiar with paddling a “right hand” paddle in preparation for being picked up by kayaks.

·    Slow swimmers should be comfortable steering a kayak with a paddle (no rudder).

·    All swimmers must stop for 3 whistle blasts and swim towards the safety vessel assigned to their group.

Stephen Farrell 

Head Coach - Fit for Fun/North Harbour Triathlon Club

Fit For Fun (Ltd), 26a Mahara Ave, Birkenhead, North Shore, Tel. +64(0)9 419-0886, mob. 021 348-367

"The place to train on the North Shore for triathletes, swimmers, cyclists, and runners"

Click here to go to the Google Registration Form