Swimmers of all experience levels and ages took the plunge today as part of the State Sand to Surf swim from Mount Maunganui main beach.

The event is part of the State Ocean Swim series with six events happening at various locations around New Zealand.

One of the young competitors finishing the 300m 'Give It a Go' race. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Media liaison Ian Hepenstall says the turnout is fantastic with over 800 competitors braving the clouds at Mount Maunganui main beach.

'The conditions are still, but there is a bit of surf coming up. This event is one of the only ones held at a surf beach so it really is a different skill set for these swimmers.

'We have had two of the five races already, with the 1000m swim about to start and then it is time for the big 2.6km race this afternoon.”

Tabitha Marshall, 11 and Grace Westenberg, 11, from Tauranga after swimming the 300m race.

Ava Stevens, 8, Sophie Martin, 9, Ruby, 11, and Eadie, 9, Stevens from Auckland warm up after the 300m race.

The State Sand to Surf has various options for experience levels. The State OceanKids is for children aged 6-10 years old and consists of a 200m shallow water swim along the shore line which is lined with Surf Life Saving NZ guards.

The ‘Give It A Go' 300m Ocean Swim is a great introduction to open water swimming with a triangular course off Main Beach.

The ‘Step It Up' 1000m Ocean Swim is an achievable distance which starts and finishes on Main Beach for individuals with swimming experience and could be training for the ‘I'm Going Long' swim at one of the other events

The 'I'm Going Long' 2.6km Ocean Swim takes you around Rabbit Island and Moturiki Island - this provides swimmers with the ultimate challenge so it is important individuals that take part have swimming experience and have trained to complete this event.

Competitors line up for the start of the 1000m race.

Last year the event was held in Pilot Bay due to rough weather conditions. The event is due to wrap up this afternoon with prize giving.




Matthew Wagstaff, 8, from Mount Maunganui finishing the 300m race.

Isabelle Hunt, 9, Lucy Mano, 9, and Chanelle West, 9, from Tauranga after their race.