I think that part of the reason I like and live in Islands, is that they are a bit like boats. Small societies, you know the crew… the crew knows you. You don't have to like everyone and not everyone needs to like you. Yet when shit hits the fan you need to trust their abilities, know their limitations and strengths and the same for them with you.
The 20 km from Kennedy Point (Waiheke) to Okahu Bay (Auckland) need to done under 7 hrs
And while I love that closeness, I know from own experience that when you are sick or had an accident they are really isolated places to be.
Here on the Waiheke island, we all know someone who still alive just because of the helicopter rescue, simple as that!
Furthermore, many years ago while I was still fishing commercially they picked up one my fellow crew members with an exposed fracture, it would have taken us a day of agony for him to come back to port. He was in the operation table a couple of hours later thanks to the rescue helicopter. I did my knee on board a trawler in the South of Argentina and took 3 days to be back… I don’t wish that on anyone
Waiheke Island has been home for over 15 years for me and my family. I have been welcomed at different times by the community and they made me feel one of them. As I cannot pay back the community directly, hence my motivation to do this swim and support a service vital to the island (that I hope never to use!)
The 2020 Chopper Swim that covers the 20km in between Waiheke Island and Auckland’s Okahu Bay will take place on the 20 March. The distance needs to be covered under 7 hrs.
And while initially, I wanted to do it alone and started training in October, I soon realize that this is a community thing so it doesn’t make sense to play lone wolf, furthermore by going alone I wouldn’t push myself as much as with others, so I found a group of locals motivated by the same idea of helping. And me being 15 years older than the oldest one in the team… the fact that they will be pushing me is guaranteed! particularly because I’m the only one doing it without a wetsuit (well yeah… you all knew that I’m a bit mad)
In the 5 years I have been writing this blog I never asked for anything, so here is the 1st time (and maybe the last one). So if you want to also push me in this swim (is twice the distance of the longest ocean swim I ever did), please do it by giving whatever you can be using the 'Give Now' button in this linked page. ( for reference 10 NZD are 6.3 US, 9.5 AUD, 5.8€).
Please also spread the word about this page with your friends and family. Gracias in advance for your generosity, it means a lot!