Blue70 Beach to Bay – 30 November 2024
Conquer the Tranquil Waters of the Far North
Experience the Breathtaking Banana Boat NZ Ocean Swim Series in the Bay of Islands
Challenge Yourself in the Premier Beach to Bay 3.3km Swim
Prepare to be left in awe as you depart from one of the Far North’s most stunning beaches and find yourself in the charming, heritage-rich town of Russell. This scenic harbour crossing will challenge you both physically and mentally, delivering an unforgettable experience.
Swim for the Whole Family
With a range of distances on offer, the Banana Boat NZ Ocean Swim Series has something for everyone. From the thrilling 1000m Round the Bay to the 500m Beach Blast, there’s no shortage of opportunities to push your limits and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Tire Out the Kids with the Banana Boat OceanKids
The Banana Boat OceanKids events, featuring 100m and 200m distances for ages 7-12, are the perfect way to keep the little ones entertained before you explore the beautiful sights, sounds, and flavours that Russell has to offer.
Swims on offer
- Beach to Bay – 3.3km
- Round the Bay – 1000m
- Beach Blast – 500m
- Banana Boat OceanKids – 100m and 200m (7-12 years)
Come join us in the amazing Bay of Islands
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Get the clearest vision possible with Zoggs Predators
COURSE MAPS
BEACH TO BAY 3.2KM - PAIHIA TO RUSSELL
ROUND THE BAY 1KM
Date | Time | Event |
---|---|---|
Friday 29th November 2024 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Registration series pack pick-up at the Finishline - Russell |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 5:30 AM | Beach to Bay 3.3km Paihia to Russell registrations open & swim pack pick-up at Paihia (The start line) |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 5:40 AM | Charter ferry leaves from Russell for the 3.3km Swim |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 6:30 AM | Beach to Bay 3.3km Paihia to Russell compulsory safety briefing, Paihia Beach |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 6:45 AM | START - Paihia 3.3km event |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 6:45 AM | Beach Blast 1km and 500m registration opens, in Russell |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 7:40 AM | Beach Blast 1km & 500m compulsory safety briefing at the Startline on the Beach |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 7:45 AM | High tide |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 7:50 AM | START - Beach Blast 1000m & 500m events |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 8:50 AM | OceanKids compulsory safety briefing at the Startline on the Beach |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 9:00 AM | START - OceanKids 100m & 200m events |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 9:10 AM | All courses close |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 9:30 AM | Prizegiving for the 3.3km Swim |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 10:30 AM | Crew Pack down |
Saturday 30th November 2024 | 4:00 PM | Dinner and celebration with the crew - All welcome at The Nauti Penguin |
Event | Age | Super Earlybird Price (16 June - 13 July) |
Earlybird Price (14 July - 10 Aug) |
Standard Price (11 Aug - 23 Nov) |
Late Entries (24 Nov - 29 Nov) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beach to Bay 3.3km | 12 yrs + | $99 | $109 | $114 | $124 |
Round the Bay 1000m | 10 yrs + | $65 | $75 | $80 | $90 |
Beach Blast 500m | 10 yrs + | $55 | $65 | $70 | $80 |
Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m | 7-12 yrs |
Key Event Information
Event Day General Info
Event location
The event headquarters is located at The Village Green, Russell – and Paihia Beach, Paihia, we recommend everyone to stay in Russell if you want to make it easier to attend our end-of-event Mix and Mingle.
Free with your swim entry
- Silicon swimming cap (you wear on event day)
- Branded finish line photo (digital sharing quality)
- Electronic timing device
- Sports drink, and a banana and more to refuel post event
- Trained lifeguards to watch over you while you swim and advanced medical personnel on site
Cut-off times
For safety reasons and to ensure the day runs to schedule, our swims have a cut-off time. The times vary for each swim distance.
Beach to Bay 3.3km Cut-off: 2hrs
Round the Bay 1000m Cut-off: 40mins
Beach Blast 500m Cut-off: 20mins
Banana Boat OceanKids Cut-off: 5mins - 100m / 10mins - 200m
Age limits
Beach to Bay 3.3km Age: 12 years and above
Round the Bay 1000m Age: 10 years and above
Beach Blast 500m Age: 8 years and above
Banana Boat OceanKids 100m & 200m Age: 7 – 12 year olds.
Swim caps & start groups
As part of your swim pack, you will receive a silicon swim cap. Each start group has a different coloured cap. Start groups are determined by the speed group you selected in the entry form. If you have swum with us already this season please bring your cap to minimise the number of caps you collect and reduce our environmental footprint.
The start groups are calculated by our operations team and are organised by speed groups & entry numbers. These can vary from event to event, unless you are a Multi Event pass swimmer, and we are reluctant to change these as it can affect results.
Speed 1 & 2 – Fastest swimmers
Mid 1 & 2 – Competitive but like a little bit more space on the start line
Comp 1 & 2 – Out there to challenge yourself and swim with friends and family
Results
Live results will be available as soon as you have crossed the finish line. If you can not see your result or think there is an error please come and see the team in registration as soon as possible and definitely BEFORE prizegiving. You can find the results here.
Post-event nutrition
Once you have crossed the finish line one of our awesome crew will be there to meet you with water and a banana.
BYO drink bottle
As part of our goal to have a greener footprint, we will no longer be offering drinking cups so please remember to bring your own drink bottle. Thanks to the awesome team at the hydration station, you can fill your bottle with water. Look out for our water station and stay hydrated!
Safety
All Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series events are patrolled by trained lifeguards and first aid qualified personnel who are present to assist you at all times.
So that the events are safe and enjoyable for all swimmers, there are some rules for the event. Find out more here.
Bag Transfer & Storage
Bag Transfer
3.3km swimmers – We will transfer a small gear bag for you, from Paihia to Russell. Please label your bags. The bag drop will close just before the compulsory safety briefing to make sure we get your bags back before you! If you are swimming non-wetsuit and need a jumper or jacket, feel free to wear one and our team will collect them at the race start and bring them to Russell for you.
Bag storage area
All other swimmers, there will be a designated bag drop area for you on the Russell Village Green. Please note that this is an all-care, no responsibility service so please don’t pack valuables.
Transport
Ferry Options
You can catch our charter ferry from Russell to the 3.3km start on Paihia Beach. Purchase your tickets when you enter, or add them to your looking later.
You can either take a passenger ferry from Bay of Islands (or swim) to get to Russell or take your car! You can check out all the prices and timetables on the Northland Ferry website.