Takapuna Event

During the spring and summer (and I suppose fall) the little city of Takapuna sponsors what they call "The Event" that takes place each Tuesday night. We were at the beach Tuesday night and did not realize that was why we could not find a parking place until we were there. But persist we did and we finally found a place to put the little auto we drive and walk down to the water. The event is really fun. They have it all set up like a race.

All the events go on at the same time but are staggered start time. They start with a swimming race.  There are two of them. 3000 meters (1.86 miles) and 5000 meters (3.1 miles). They have bouys in the ocean so you don't get lost. Most of them were wearing wet suits but a few braved it without. When they registered they were given a white swimming cap that they wore and when they came back in they gave them the cap back. That was how they knew if they were all in.  There was a lifeguard boat out in the water and you could see them picking up people all the time.  Only once did they come right back in immediately with whomever they rescued but then they went back out. 

These were some of the first that came in. They were fun to watch as they would dive over the waves as they came in and then kind of duck walk/run to get through the water. Then they would sprint up the boat dock and through the arches for their time.  In the distance here you can see the stand-up paddlers. 

They were all wearing orange lifevests.  They also had bouys to follow and they went out and then in and out and in again.  Not sure how far it was but they too would get their boards to the beach and then drop the paddle and run to the arch to get their time.  

The least exciting was the run. I am not sure how many ran but it had to be in the hundreds and they were all ages from very old to very young. Some dads were going slowly so they could keep with their kids but some of the kids, maybe 7-12 just took off and ran. It was to the south end and then back to the north end and then back to center. They all had on orange tank tops. I could see many of the grandkids out there just giving it their all to participate.

All is all it was fun to see. We walked for about an hour but then it got exciting and we just kind of stood and watched. Turned out well since Dad had to take a phone call or two during that time.