Attracting thousands of swimmers from all over the country for the past twelve years, the Generation Homes Sand to Surf ocean swim event at Mt Maunganui is entering into its teen years on Saturday February 9, and celebrating with brand new experiences and family festival atmosphere.

The third event in the annual Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series calendar, the country's original ocean swim series which has played host to more than 35,000 swimmers since 2006, the annual Mt Maunganui event is a firm favourite for swimmers of all ages and abilities, including local legend John Marshall who is the oldest swimmer in the series at 83 years old.

To really make the event even more fun for the local community and visitors, a host of brand new experiences are being introduced including the first ever Amphibian swim/run event, world-class sand sculpture display, family fun activities and the Generation Homes Sandcastle Competition for kids.

The event will also play host to the New Zealand Secondary School Open Water Championship where the next generation of top ocean swimmers will battle it out for top honours.

From the short and snappy 500m swim to the brand new 1.25km lap around Moturiki Island or a longer challenge with the 2.6km swim around Moturiki and Motuotau Islands, every swim distance is overseen by Surf Lifesavers.

Three distances in the Banana Boat Ocean Kids Series gives young swimmers confidence and new skills in the ocean.

The 100m swim is for the kids aged seven and eight years old, the 200m distance is ideal for nine and ten year olds, and for 11 and 12 years olds looking for a bit more of a challenge, the 300m distance is perfect.

In the most innovative move in the history of the series, the Generation Homes Sand to Surf will host the debut Amphibian event, a swim and run that can be done as an individual or a duo. Head into the surf for a 500m swim then a 4.5km run around the base of Mt Maunganui before finishing strong back on the beach.

Founder and event director Scott Rice says that this coming event was carefully designed to be both an incredible experience for participants, as well as a great day out for spectators and families wanting to spend time at the beach together.

'Families are a huge part of our series, either multiple members swimming or supporting, or families just popping down to enjoy a day at the beach, so we wanted to do something extra special for this event.

'Beyond the brand new Amphibian and new swims, we have created a festival atmosphere with amazing Kiwi sand sculpture artists, a sand castle competition for kids and fun activities, plus all the finish line action.”

FAST FACTS: Generation Homes Sand to Surf

Date: Saturday February 9 2019

Location: Main Beach, Mt Maunganui

Time: Staggered starts from 9.00am - 1.45pm

Age range: 7 - 83 years old