Weather gods shine on mid-winter swim

Kāpiti Community: Brave, fearless or just plain crazy – whatever it was, these intrepid mid-winter Kāpiti Coasters took to the coldest water off Waikanae Beach. Photos by Roger Smith.

The weather gods were certainly on side as 78 people took the polar plunge at Waikanae Boating Club’s recent mid winter swim. The community event drew a good crowd with over 150 people coming down to the beach.
The youngest swimmers were Tilly and Raffy Parr who had a great time. Fourteen year old Lucille Delaney was first to swim round the buoy as was 15 year old Sonny Edwards.
But it wasn’t just about the kids, adults of all ages joined in including a couple of crazy pirates and toga lovers.
Jeanette Manson of the WBC committee says the club is super proud to support this community event. She says the gold coin donations raised will be split between the Boating club, Coast Guard and the Surf Club – who all play a part in keeping our coast safe while we are having fun out on the water.
Ms Manson says all in all it was a great morning with well deserved hot milos and sausages being dished up after the swim.
She thanked and acknowledged the support of the Waikanae Boating Club, Waikanae Surf Club, Coastguard Waikanae, Waikanae Fire Brigade and all our local community who came down to watch, cheer on and swim in this event.
Many thanks to photographer Roger Smith who captured the action.