Tata Beach turned on a classic Golden Bay morning for our annual swim, with 131 swimmers taking to the smooth, calm water. The clouds hung around, but the conditions were perfect for an enjoyable race — a great mix of confident regulars, first‑timers, families, and returning faces like Dame Sophie Pascoe, who joined us again this year.
The 600m short course came right down to the wire, with Kiara Vather taking the win in 12:26.4, just a second ahead of Riley Kenyon in 12:27.8. Andrea Skatrud claimed third in 14:35.9, and the first male home was Charlie Cocks in 15:26.2.
In the 1200m long course, the front pack set a cracking pace. Max Stanton took the overall win in 17:42.3, followed closely by Hayden Squance in 17:45.3. Nia Linyard rounded out the top three — and was first female — finishing strongly in 17:54.4.
A huge thank‑you to Rylock Windows & Doors, our amazing volunteers, and the Golden Bay Swim Club for helping bring this event together.
Our next endurance swim is Race 2: Rylock 2km Eyebright Mile on 15 February. More details and registration can be found here: https://nelsontriclub.co.nz/events/race-2-rylock-2k-eyebright-mile-2026/