8000 swimmers to Nelson
A national swimming event is expected to bring a wave of new visitors to Tahunanui’s shores next March.
The New Zealand Ocean Swim Series’ South Island event is relocating to Nelson, after 10 years in Christchurch.
‘The Big Tahuna’ ocean swim race will be held at Tahunanui beach on March 31 next year.
Event organiser Scott Rice said ’’logistical and commercial considerations’’ meant the long-term future of a Christchurch location had become a bit questionable.
‘‘We looked at other locations in the South Island and we know that Nelson has wide appeal across the country and the city has done a great job of marketing its assets,’’ Rice said.
‘‘With the help of a couple of airlines now flying in, major commercial airlines, it’s made it a lot more accessible.’’
He said he expected it would be a great event, especially given it was only a five minute drive to Tahunanui Beach from the airport.
Rice said they’d set a target of 800 to 850 competitors for the Nelson race in its first year, with the same amount again expected in supporter numbers.
‘‘A lot of the attraction of coming to these events is selling the destination and selling the city,’’ Rice said.
He said the race tended to have competitors in the 40 to 50-year-old
"We know that Nelson has wide appeal across the country and the city has done a great job of marketing its assets." Event organiser Scott Rice
age group who would likely be drawn to Nelson’s strong food and wine reputation.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese said having the event gave Nelson a chance to showcase some of its outstanding natural landscapes, such as Tahunanui Beach, to the rest of the country and the world. ’’What better way to inspire young and old to engage in a healthy lifestyle than by tackling one of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events in one of the most stunning settings in New Zealand,’’ Reese said.
‘‘[It’s] a national swim series with over 10 years of history, which has raised over $200,000 for Surf Life Saving NZ.’’
The series attracts more than 8000 swimmers nationwide each year. It is entering its 12th season and includes multiple distance events for elite athletes as well as adults and children of all abilities in the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Mt Maunganui, Wellington, Rotorua, and now Nelson.
Registrations open Thursday, August 24. on