A year ago I joined a Facebook ocean swim group for Wellingtonians and since then I have been amazed and impressed by the number of people who have undertaken the ‘Cook Strait swim’ (Wellington to Picton, 22km at its narrowest point). Apparently 130 people have completed the crossing since 1962.
It’s a cold, choppy body of water and the crossing can take anywhere between 4.5 and 20 hours, depending on the conditions. Swimmers wear a GPS tracker and the public can monitor their progress throughout the day on a map. By the end of the swim the line on the map can be straight between the North and South Islands, but more often it is a zig-zag as the swimmer navigates cross-currents and choppy waters. They always have a support crew nearby encouraging them, periodically dishing out food and water, and sharing photos and videos as the swim progresses. Not everyone is able to complete the swim, but even the training, the swim, the progress made – they are all massive accomplishments.
Just over a week ago a swimmer named Nick Hobson, who had recently moved to my part of Wellington, was crossing the Strait from north to south. He was an experienced and talented ocean swimmer. There is a lovely video of him swimming with dolphins during his swim. Tragically, he passed away later that day (the link is to a Stuff article). He has a wife and two young daughters and there is a Givealittle page to support them.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge that immense loss for his family and friends, for the local and international swim community, and for the residents in his neighbourhood (including me) who didn’t get a chance to know him better.
Secondly, I want to mention the tributes to Nick that have been shared in the swim group from all around the world – dozens of swims held in Nick’s memory, with photos of people alone or in small groups on local and distant beaches, holding signs that say ‘Swim for Nick’. He clearly touched a lot of people’s lives.
Early yesterday morning (Saturday) there was a swim held here in Wellington and attended by several local swim groups. A photo was taken of everyone on the beach.
Credit: Finelinephotography.net.nz
I went alone, but everyone was so welcoming and I chatted to several of them before the swim began. It felt like a privilege to be there and very special. I hadn’t brought my tow float so I didn’t swim very far and was by myself when I got out. Afterwards I had a little cry, because it is just so sad, but also what a meaningful tribute from so many kind people.
On the way to the swim, I stopped at the petrol station and there was a beautiful sunrise. It’s been another rough week of news but so many little moments really are precious, aren’t they?