- TEAM NZBLUE ARE BACK - Europe to Africa Swim commencing September 2024! -

Follow our swim - @teamnzblue

Shining a light on Mental Health Awareness week! ⭐ The 23 - 29 September 2024 is mental health awareness week in New Zealand and there could not have been a better time for our team to complete this swim to raise funds for @iamhope_nz through @harcourtsfoundationnz As much as the swim was mentally very challenging, the 'why' behind it was what kept the team swimming. It's now big smiles all round (and we’re sure A LOT of relief) You can still help the team raise vital funds for this wonderful charity - ➡️ www.nzblue.org ** 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #iamhope #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation #swimmingforcharity #GibraltarStrait #charityrace #charityswim
Friday feels!🙏🙏 After the team completed their challenge, it was time for a well-deserved beer (or maybe 2…but who’s counting) That’s when Aaron poetic skills really started to shine! Here’s his run down of the race in 16 seconds. The main question is – what challenge do you think the team should sign up for next? They just swam across continents so no suggestion is too big! Comment your answers below – crazier the better! …and remember there is still time to donate! **To donate and help the team raise money for I AM HOPE through @harcourtsfoundationnz visit ➡️ www.nzblue.org ** 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #iamhope #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation #swimmingforcharity #GibraltarStrait #charityrace #charityswim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @swimming_nz @swimtastic_nz
Analyzing the swim! 🌊🌊 Our brief was ‘easy’ – ‘’Swim in as straight a line as possible” Why is this so important? When you stop, or swim off course the current drags each swimmer off the line creating wasted time and also more distance to swim. HOWEVER, as you can see from the image our guys nailed it!! The line couldn’t have been straighter! The shortest distance they could have swum is 15.1km and they finished on 15.2km. @swimtastic_nz and @swimming_nz will be proud! 💪💪 • • • • #iamhope #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation #swimmingforcharity #GibraltarStrait #charityrace #charityswim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @swimming_nz @swimtastic_nz
The wave of relief! 👋👋 This is the moment the team arrived back to dry land after completing a pretty tough day! It's smiles all round! • • • • #SwimmingGoals #swimthestraight #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation #openwaterswimming #gilbraltarswim #GibraltarStrait @harcourtsfoundationnz @swimtastic_nz @iamhope_nz
And just like that... THEY DID IT 🏁 Not only did our team swim across the Gibraltar Strait... (A distance of 15.2km) BUT, they did it in an INCREDIBLE 4 hours 10 mins 🤯 We are all so, SO proud of what this team can do. Hard work, resilience, and the sheer determination to raise money for @iamhope_nz through @harcourtsfoundationnz helped them across the finish line! ...that and our amazing crew mum Kath cheering from the support boat! However, we still need your help! If you were waiting to see if we could actually complete a continent swim before donating, this is your sign! To donate and show your support ➡️ www.nzblue.org 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #iamhope #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation #swimmingforcharity #GibraltarStrait #charityrace #charityswim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @swimming_nz @swimtastic_nz
Interested in how the swim works? 💦💦 Kath explains all! **To donate and help the team raise money for I AM HOPE through @harcourtsfoundationnz visit ➡️ www.nzblue.org ** 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #gilbraltarswim #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation @iamhope_nz @harcourtsfoundationnz #charityrace #swimforcharity @swimtastic_nz @aarondavis.harcourts @ben.nzblue @mark.blake.948
The start line! 🏁🏁 The team is now fully into it. Our amazing crew mum Kath is keeping us updated with the teams progress, and so far, so good! The last message was to say they were only 5km off the finish line! **To donate and help the team raise money for I AM HOPE through @harcourtsfoundationnz visit ➡️ www.nzblue.org ** 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #gilbraltarswim #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation @iamhope_nz @harcourtsfoundationnz #charityrace #swimforcharity @swimtastic_nz @aarondavis.harcourts @ben.nzblue @mark.blake.948
✨️UPDATE✨️ They have arrived! The team has now touched down on the shores of Tarifa, Spain. This will be the starting point of the swim 💦💦 It’s 7am, and @aarondavis.harcourts & @mark.blake.948 have kicked off their morning with a quick jaunt to the beach to check conditions. Unbelievably, it’s flat with NO WIND despite being one of the top locations in Europe for windsurfing! No turning back now...it's happening! The team will now wait until they get the call that it's their time to start the swim. Each team are given a 10-day window to give them the best chance with the ever changing weather conditions. We will keep you posted! ✅️ **To donate and help the team raise money for I AM HOPE through @harcourtsfoundationnz visit ➡️ www.nzblue.org ** 🙏🙏🙏 • • • • #gilbraltarswim #swimingchallenge #harcourtsfoundation @iamhope_nz @harcourtsfoundationnz #charityrace #swimforcharity @swimtastic_nz
Holy Moly – departure day is here!! 🌊 Today is the day! 🏊‍♂️🌍 After months of preparation, Team NZBLUE are hopping on a flight to get ready to dive into the Gibraltar Strait to swim for a cause that matters. Let’s send them all the positive energy as they face the challenge head-on and swim to raise awareness and funds for 'Gumboot Friday' and 'I Am Hope' through @harcourtsfoundationnz. Whether they’re battling waves or overcoming fatigue, every stroke brings them closer to making a difference. 💙 Cheer them on and show your support by donating today! 🙌 – www.nzblue.org * * * * * #SwimDay #TeamNZBLUE #MakeAWave #GumbootFriday #HarcourtsFoundation #IAmHope #GibraltarStraitSwim #SwimForCharity @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Only 2 Days to Go! 🗓️✨ The nerves are real but so is the excitement! With only 2 days left before Team NZBLUE takes the plunge across the Gibraltar Strait, the team is feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and determination! It’s time to cheer them all on from the sidelines as they prepare for this incredible feat of strength, mental endurance and resilience, all for a cause that’s close to their hearts—mental health support for Kiwi youth. 💙 Donate now – www.nzblue.org * * * * #2DaysToGo #TeamNZBLUE #SwimForHope #HarcourtsFoundation #GumbootFriday #IAmHope #ExcitementBuilding @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
The Challenge Ahead 🌊💪 Swimming the Gibraltar Strait is no easy feat. Challenging tides, unpredictable weather, and hours of swimming await Team NZBLUE as they cross one of the world’s most treacherous stretches of water! 🌬️🌊 But with your support and their determination, the team are ready to face it head-on! What’s the hardest challenge you’ve ever overcome? Let us know in the comments and let’s encourage the team as they push their limits for a worthy cause! 💪 * * * * #ChallengeAccepted #GibraltarStrait #TeamNZBLUE #SwimForHope #MentalHealthAwareness #GumbootFriday #HarcourtsFoundation @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Why We Swim 💙 It's not just about the swim—it's about making a difference! Team NZBLUE is swimming for the thousands of Kiwis who benefit from the amazing work of 'I Am Hope' and 'Gumboot Friday.' With every km our team swim across the Gibraltar Strait, we’re helping provide free counselling and mental health support for our youth. Swimmers from all over the world aim to swim across the Straits of Gibraltar, and these objectives not only include individual challenges, but internationally recognised challenges such as the Oceans Sevens, which includes the Strait of Gibraltar among the most important open water swims in the seven continents - so, it's a bit of a big deal 😉 Want to get involved? We would LOVE you to! Every donation counts to support our mission - www.nzblue.org 🙏 * * * * * #MentalHealthMatters #SupportOurYouth #TeamNZBLUE #GumbootFriday #IAmHope #SwimForCharity #HarcourtsFoundation #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait
The final week! 🏊‍♂️🌍 It's go time! In case you missed it, this weekend, Team NZBLUE will embark on their epic journey to swim across the Gibraltar Strait kicking off in Tarifa, Spain (pictured). Why? Each member of the team simply loves a challenge... but more importantly - to raise funds for Gumboot Friday through the Harcourts Foundation NZ. The excitement is palpable as the team prepares to leave New Zealand! Are you ready to cheer them on? Stay tuned for updates and show your support by donating today – www.nzblue.org ! 💙 * * * * #TeamNZBLUE #SwimForHope #GumbootFriday #HarcourtsFoundation #IAmHope #CountdownBegins #GibraltarStraitSwim @harcourtsfoundationnz I AM HOPE Ben Davies
The countdown is on! 🕛🕛 We are preparing to swim the challenging Gibraltar Strait in support of the Harcourts Foundation New Zealand—an epic feat that at time of writing, only two Kiwis have ever completed! 🤯 Our team will brave the open waters between Europe (Spain) and Africa (Morocco), tackling a swim of up to 22km, depending on tides and conditions. We swim together as a pod of four, but each swimmer faces this test as an individual. Our dedicated team includes Ben Davies, Mark Blake, Sam Blake, Aaron Davies, with the incredible Kathy Blake as our invaluable crew mum. We’re raising funds for the Harcourts Foundation, specifically focusing on @i am hope , and we need your support! Help us achieve our goal and be part of this adventure of a lifetime by donating at nzblue.org/products/harcourts-foundation-1 @gumbootfriday @iamhope_nz * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
With less than 10 days to go Team NZ Blue are gearing up for their big swim! Through Harcourts Foundation we are proud to support Gumboot Friday as we raise money for its free counselling service for any young person in New Zealand aged 25 and under By supporting Gumboot Friday, you're making a real difference, helping Mike and the team keep up with the rising demand and ensuring every young Kiwi gets the mental health support they deserve. Together we can make a difference. Donate here: www.nzblue.org @gumbootfriday @iamhope_nz * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
''Well, that's going to be a lot of fun'' - 5.30am Aaron Davis In less than 3 weeks our team of 4 will be swapping early morning pool swims for the real deal! We would love your help and support to raise money for our charity. For all the info on how you can help this team of eager, enthusiastic swimmers, click here - www.nzblue.org * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
The time is fast approaching! With only a few weeks to go before the team hops on a plane and gets ready to start the adventure of a lifetime! However, adventure is not the only reason for this trip. Last year during Race Across America, each rider from Team NZBLUE had a direct link to the charity of their choice. Overall, we had 5 charities to raise money for. This year we have decided to shake it up a little and solely support the Harcourts Foundation which in turn supports other charities. These funds are then used to support local community groups and charities across New Zealand and beyond. 100% of the funds raised go directly to the charities that need it most, allowing Harcourts to make a meaningful impact and fulfil dreams. To help this incredible foundation and our team achieve their goal, simply click the link below: https://nzblue.org/products/harcourts-foundation-1 * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
The 5.30am training days will never fail to amuse… Who do you think hopped in first? * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
With only a few weeks to go, these are some of the biggest struggles the team may face before and during their swim: 1: Wildlife 2: Weather 3: Traffic 4: Swell Why are they doing this? To raise money for @harcourtsfoundationnz and help those in need within New Zealand. How you can help? Every donation is much appreciated https://nzblue.org/products/harcourts-foundation-1 * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming @swimtastic_nz #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @swimming_nz
Tuesday training tips with @aarondavis.harcourts 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️ With only 3 weeks to go, he makes it sound easy, right? Thanks as always to @swimtastic_nz for all our early morning training sessions 💪 * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948