About The
State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series
Quantum Events, together with our principal sponsorship partner State Insurance, are bringing you a bigger and better six-event ocean swim series this summer. This season we are proud to announce we are clocking up 10 years’ proven event success, founded with an excellent reputation and a promise to deliver first-class events.
The State NZ Ocean Swim Series has grown over the years to a full cache of six equally outstanding events, showcasing some of our most unique and stunning beaches and waterfronts. With the aim of promoting fitness and health through ocean swimming, five of our six events offer four achievable distances on the day – presenting a range of goals suitable for most ages and abilities. The State Harbour Crossing is our only event that boasts only one distance, the iconic 2.9km ‘I’m Going Long’ swim across Auckland Harbour.
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful beach and waterfronts in the world and we want to encourage everyone to take advantage of our greatest natural resource. Unfortunately, New Zealand also has a poor water-safety record and with most cities and towns situated on or near water, it’s important we are encouraged to safely understand and enjoy this beautiful natural resource. Swimming is invigorating, fun, and can be extremely relaxing. Take your pick – the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series will allow you to achieve your goal, whatever it is! Whether you’re training for a triathlon, wanting some fitness training or just enjoy open water swimming, join up for the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.
How much does it cost? Full event costs here
The ‘I’m Going Long’ swims
The ‘I’m Going Long’ swim is a great challenge for individuals who have trained or have swimming experience. This swim distance varies from 2.6km up to 3.3km – check event pages for distances of each race. If you have ever considered entering a longer open water swim, the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series provides an ideal environment to do this. For the duration of your swim you will have Surf Life Saving New Zealand guards on the water with you and will be surrounded by fellow swimmers who are on the same journey.
The ‘I’m Going Long’ swims are focused on swimming some of New Zealand’s most iconic waters like Auckland’s Harbour in the State Harbour Crossing or swimming around Pt Jerningham Lighthouse in Wellington’s State Capital Classic. Buy a 3 / 4 / 5 or a full (6) series pass, receive awesome savings and a bonus pair of goggles (whilst stocks last – see Entry Fees page for details). Buy a full series pass and you’ll also receive a State Ocean Swim Series branded baseball cap for when you come out of the water (whilst stocks last – see Entry Fees page for details).
Because of the duration of time in the water we recommend wearing a wetsuit for the ‘I’m Going Long’ swim to assist with buoyancy and warmth but these are not compulsory to enter the event.
‘I’m Going Long’ swims are split into wave starts (start groups), seeding you with swimmers of similar ability. This is calculated by the estimated swim time selected during your entry process. We also have a ‘novice only’ wave for swimmers new to the longer swims, who would like a little more space and less pressure on the starting line. You can select the ‘novice only wave’ during the entry process.
The’ Step It Up’ 1000m swims
The ‘Step It Up’ 1000m is ideal for those swimmers who would like a challenge but perhaps aren’t quite ready to enter the ‘I’m Going Long’ swim. This is a good swim distance for those with swimming experience that haven’t swum in open water before, are training for a triathlon or who have previously swum in the ‘Give it a Go’ 300m swims.
There are two or three wave starts in this event distance, dependent on entry numbers. Wetsuits are not compulsory in these events, but will provide assistance with warmth & buoyancy. These events are patrolled by trained Surf Lifesaving NZ lifeguards who can assist you at any time
The ‘Give it a Go’ 300m swims
The ‘Give It A Go’ 300m swim is a great introduction to ocean swimming and is suitable for most swimming abilities and ages from young to old! The ‘Give it a Go’ 300m course is typically a triangular course which is close to the beach. These events are patrolled by trained Surf Lifesaving NZ lifeguards who can assist you at any time.
OceanKids 200m swims
The OceanKids 200m swim is a great ocean swimming event designed for kids wanting to get into ocean swimming or for those who can swim 200m in a pool. Through a combination of pre-race fun beach and water safety activities and a shore line 200m ocean swim, OceanKids will come away enthused, educated and rewarded for their effort.
Quantum Events Ltd
Quantum Events Ltd has established itself as one of New Zealand’s most well-respected events’ companies. We manage and own New Zealand’s largest swimming event – the State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series as well as a local State Beach Series event held on Auckland’s North Shore, with disciplines including beach running, swimming and paddling. We are a team passionate about creating inspiring events that help participants reach their personal goals in some of New Zealand’s stunning locations.
Our vision
To be recognised as New Zealand’s leader in event experiences by participants, partners and our competitors.
Our mission
Quantum Events’ mission is to create, promote and deliver innovative, professionally managed public events that offer attendees unique and memorable experiences whilst providing value for money, marketing, branding, communication and sales opportunities for sponsors and partners.
