As the memories of no alarms, undisturbed sleep-ins and endless free time fade into history it is time to work off those extra pieces of pavlova and medicinal xmas morning samosas with a short sharp shock to the system being a friendly evening swim in the clear blue waters of the Nelson Harbour (creative license taken). It would seem that 121 of us made a new years resolution to get more active as some of those wetsuits needed more than one person to zip up. Thankfully, Brendon decided on a course design that would ease us into 2026 but then bloody James Blacklaws had to ‘poke the bear’ and we ended up with a long haul for both the long and short courses. A massive acknowledgement to the volunteers, whom without, we couldn’t enjoy this much self-flagellation safely, and the continued support of Rylock who clearly take pleasure in watching their fellow nelsonian’s experience near death experiences on a weekly basis. Mental note: A defrib kit is available in the upstairs restaurant.
The 1,419m long course (don’t get me started) ensured those who choose to partook in this option would be regretting their xmas break food and beverage choices (and the break from training) for days to come. Being a new year, we have new leaders with Austen Dean and Nia Linyard being first over the line in the rubberised section in times of 16:08.6 and 16:11.0 respectively. Finbar Hansen breaks to the top of the list in the naturalist male section in a time of 19:49.5 and Fran Harris first in the women’s naturalist section in a time of 19:49.5. The points table could be in for a shake up in 2026 so stay tuned.
Not to be outdone, the 700m short course also saw a shake-up of leaders with Ardan Warner (another speedy whipper snapper) crossing the line 11:51.6 in the rubber male section and Chloe Styles first in the rubber women section in a time of 12:31.0. Rodney Hansen returns to winning form in the speedo section with a time of 15:07.6 and a new female speedo winner Sarah Leitch in a time of 16:18.8. The points table in this section looks pretty even so break out the popcorn we could be in for an interesting ride.
As the working year limps into gear, the organising team and volunteers have ensured that the indemnity insurance is paid up, the first aid kits are bursting, and the medicinal alcohol stocks are – let’s just say – generous! 2026 is shaping up to be a vintage year for challenges, surprises, and the kind of gentle mockery only the Nelson Harbour can dish up. Bring on another round of Thursday swims and remember: Nothing says ‘Happy new year!’ quite like something grabbing your foot in murky waters – enjoy!
Full results
Series points
Photos by Pete Marshall