Swim and enjoy all Akaroa has to offer

The State La Grande Swim, an ocean swimming event, takes place in Akaroa on Saturday 23 February 2013 and Christchurch residents are encouraged to go to Akaroa for the weekend, take time to enjoy the unique French-heritage community, the market, food and craft stalls. This event, part of the State NZ Ocean Swim Series, is proudly supported by State and the Christchurch City Council.

And for Cantabrians, if you train for this event at one of Christchurch City Council’s Recreations and Sports facilities, you can track your swim and be in to win great prize packs.

With four different race lengths to cater for all abilities, approximately 800 swimmers with ages ranging from six years through to 80 years are expected to enter the State La Grande Swim this year.

The action kicks off at French Bay at 1.15pm on Saturday 23 February 2013. This swim is called ‘I’m Going Long’ and is for serious competitors covering a distance of 2.8 kilometres. For recreational swimmers who like a challenge there is ‘Step It Up’ a 1000 metre ocean swim at 3.15pm, also at French Bay. Both of these swims finish at Children’s Bay.

At Children’s Bay Beach less confident swimmers can enter the ‘Give It A Go’ 300 metre swim starting at 4.05pm and children can enter the State OceanKids race for ages six to ten years starting at 4.10pm. This specially designed children’s event has a fun 30 minute safety activity session followed by a 200 metre shallow water triangular swim under the supervision of Surf Life Saving NZ guards.

The State La Grande Swim prize giving will be at 5pm at the event registrations site in Jubilee Park, Akaroa. Overall and age group winners and place-getters will be awarded medals and awesome spot prizes will also be handed out.

"We're thrilled to have this event again in Canterbury,” says Mayor Bob Parker. “With so much on offer with the race and the carnival atmosphere in Akaroa, it would be great to see Christchurch residents pop over for the day or even the whole weekend.”

Scott Rice, event director of the State NZ Ocean Swim Series, says swimming is a great way to get fit, de-stress and socialise. “This is your time to have a go – come over, enjoy an ocean swim, challenge yourself or just have fun.”

Postal registrations for the State La Grande Swim close at 12:00 noon Wednesday 20 February and online registrations close at 11.59 pm Thursday 21 February 2013. After Friday 15 February a small late entry fee will also apply. And for the spontaneous, you can still enter on the day. Visit www.oceanswim.co.nz for more information or to enter.