Swim 'n Pick at Fiji Ocean Swim Series

Saturday, 29 May 2010 07:22

Race three of seven in the Fiji Ocean Swim Series was held at Yatule Beach Resort, Natadola on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May, and took on the theme 'Swim 'n Pick' in recognition of World Oceans Day on June 6th.

The Swim 'n Pick theme focused on the plastics problem in our oceans, with a short talk and exhibit highlighting the damage plastics are doing to our marine environment. A clean up of Natadola Beach then followed. 

There was also information on Project Kaisei and the research being conducted to find collection and recycling solutions in areas such as the North Pacific Gyre.

This is a vast area in the North Pacific where currents merge and have formed a sea of plastic and other dumped materials.  

There was some great swimming too, rough conditions for the 1km and 2.2km races held on Saturday, and a complete contrast with calm seas on a gentle swell for Sunday's 5km and 5 x 1km Relay.

Nic Gilbert from Melbourne, on holiday at the Fiji Intercontinental, was on his way to breakfast when he noticed the buoys being set in Natadola Bay ready for the swim.

The competitor in him took over and he came jogging down in his boardies just in time for the start

The format of a 700m - 1km distance and a 2.5km on the Saturday and a 5km and 5 x 1km relay on the Sunday

Top pic: Nic Gilbert and Chris Hains finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the 2.2km swim.
Left: Young Mako swimmers with a plastic bag full of plastic