Living in such a digitally saturated age, it’s inspiring to meet three children who spend more time swimming in the ocean than they do on a smart phone.
Anna Lepua and Alex Dunkley, both 12, and Mackenzie Rogers, 11, started swimming as toddlers and between the ages of six and nine, developed an unwavering passion for the water. They progressed from the swimming pool, to Surf Lifesaving, to competitive ocean swimming and more recently even to water polo. Basically they live and breathe the water.
The trio started their ocean swimming with the Takapuna Beach Series 250m Junior Ocean Swim and after working their way up to top of the podium, they set their sights on the longer distances and then onto a second ocean swim event each week, the G.J. Gardner. Homes Orewa Beach Series.
Alex has never been one to shy away from the open water; easily completing the Auckland Harbour Crossing at just 10! Last season he showed his speed at Orewa, beating out many seasoned swimmers twice his size to place 1st overall 1500 metre swim. After taking out the Junior 250m swim, Anna and Mackenzie overcame their nerves and posted some top 500m, 1500m and 2000m swim times, Mackenzie placing 3rd overall in the 500m and Anna placing 2nd overall in the 1500m.
While it’s daunting for the children’s parents to watch their kids competing in such demanding open water conditions, Alex’s father explains that “Helping conquer that fear, to see that smile, that’s magic; it’s gold.”
And what advice do these three give to kids making the switch from the pool? Build confidence by “playing in the water in all conditions”, says Mackenzie. Slowly grow your distance, train regularly and above all have fun.
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