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Bonjour Akaroa! We’re back again in this picturesque seaside village, with an incredible line-up of swims to choose from, starting in the morning this time around to maximise the tranquil conditions in the bay.

The Generation Homes La Grande Swim is essential for your ‘Kiwi Summer Swimming Roadie’ if you’re taking on the only endurance distance in the Series, the 5km ‘Wainui to Akaroa’. Now that’s a reason to fist-pump the sky when you cross that finish line!

Why not make a weekend of it in the beautiful bay area and experience the distinctly French-influenced restaurants, boutiques and galleries.

Swims on offer:

• Wainui to Akaroa – 5km – cross the Harbour in our longest swim of the Series
• The Akaroa Bay – 2km
• Beach to Rec Grounds – 750m
• Banana Boat OceanKids 100m and 200m (7-10 years)

Swim pack pickup

Multi-Event Pass Holders.

If you have a Multi-Event Pass, you can pick up your swim pack on Friday 19 February between 3:00 -5:00 pm from the main event site at Akaroa Rec Grounds or on Saturday 20 February between 6:30 – 8:15 am from the long swim start line in Wainui.

Individual event entry (If you have entered two or more swims in the Series).

If you entered La Grande as a single event you must collect your swim pack on the morning of the event. Your swim pack will contain a swim cap, sunscreen, timing chip & velcro strap (both must be returned). The swim distance you entered will determine where you will collect your swim pack from.

Wainui to Akaroa 5km: Saturday 20 February between 6:30 – 8:15 am from the long swim start line at Wainui.

The Akaroa Bay 2km: 8:45 – 10:05 am from the main event site on the Akaroa Rec Grounds

Beach to Rec Grounds 750m: 9:30 – 10:50 am from the main event site on the Akaroa Rec Grounds

Banana Boat Ocean Kids 100m & 200m: 11:00 am – 12:35 pm from the main event site on the Akaroa Rec Grounds

Cut-off times

For safety reasons and to ensure the day runs to schedule, our swims have a cut-off time. The times vary for each swim distance.

Wainui to Akaroa 5km:  3hrs 10mins

The Akaroa Bay 2km: 1hr 15mins

Beach to Rec Grounds 750m: 30mins

Banana Boat OceanKids 100m- 5mins,  Banana Boat OceanKids 200m- 10mins

Age limits

Wainui to Akaroa 5km:  12 years and above

The Akaroa Bay 2km: 12 years and above

Beach to Rec Grounds 750m: 10 years and above

Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m 7-10 year olds

Swim caps & start groups

As part of your swim pack you will receive a silicon swim cap. Each start group has a different coloured cap. Start groups are determined by the speed group you selected in the entry form.

The start groups are calculated by our operations team and are organised by speed groups & entry numbers. These can vary from event to event and we are reluctant to change these as it can affect results.

Results

Live results will be available as soon as you have crossed the finish line. The results link will be updated prior to event day

Post event nutrition

Once you have crossed the finish line one of our awesome crew will be there to meet you with some SOS Hydration or water and a Banana. You will also receive a Tasti bar with your swim pack

BYO drink bottle

As part of our goal to have a greener footprint, we will no longer be offering drinking cups so please remember to bring your own drink bottle. Thanks to the awesome team at SOS Hydration, you can fill your bottle with SOS or water. Look out for our new water station and stay hydrated!

Prizegiving

There will be one prizegiving at this event.  The 5km & 2km prizegiving will be held at 11:45 am at the main event site on the Akaroa Rec Grounds. There are medals for overall winners male & female and age groups. All swimmers are welcome to stay around to celebrate and be in to win some awesome spot prizes including a blueseventy wetsuit. You have to be there to win!

Spot prizes

Spot prizes are randomly drawn at each compulsory safety briefing. Listen for your name and go to the registration tent after your swim and collect your prize.