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

Follow our swim - @teamnzblue

''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
No ocean? No problem!🌊🌊 Open water swimming can be tricky when you are 500km from the closest coast, but lucky for us, team swimmer Sam is one step ahead of the game! In his latest training session, he’s been travelling just 30km away to "Der Kinzigsee" in Germany for a bit of open water practice. There may not be any waves, tides or problems trying to sight where to swim, but at least it’s better preparation than a 25m pool! * * * * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Checking in with @ben.nzblue & @mark.blake.948 from the VERY sunny and beautiful Queensland as they begin this mornings training session! Distance : 8km Location :  Mooloolaba Temperature : 31c  The countdown is on...1 month to go! 🏁 * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 @swimtastic_nz @swimming_nz
Our charity!🙌🙌 Last year during Race Across America, each rider from Team NZBLUE had a direct link to the charity of their choice. The Harcourts Foundation is the charitable arm of Harcourts and since 2008 the foundation has existed because of the generosity of the Harcourts network. At the heart of their core values - people first, doing the right thing, being courageous, and having fun and laughter - lies the Harcourts Foundation. In New Zealand, the Harcourts network is dedicated to supporting the Harcourts Foundation in making a meaningful and positive impact on communities nationwide. Funds donated are 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 donate to this wonderful charity, and help create a better life for those in need within New Zealand, you can donate here – www.nzblue.org * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT! 🏁🏆🏁 Today, Mark not only smashed the World Aquathon in Townsville, but he took out 3rd place! Such an incredible achievement, and we could not be prouder! • • • • #triathlete #triathalon #townsville #aquathon #teamnzblue @mark.blake.948
WORLDWIDE TRAINING!🌍🌍 There are only a few weeks to go and the training sessions have ramped up with each of our team training in their current locations. Sam is training from the stadium pool in Frankfurt. Battling through the current heatwave with temps hitting 35+, the pool has been VERY busy! It’s quite the opposite to the cold beach swims in dark New Zealand. Ben’s in Arrowtown and absolutely loving the bluebird yet chilly mornings training in the Queenstown pools! Marks celebrating the stunning blue skies in Mooloolaba. It’s currently 27C so his training is filled with early morning 3km ocean swims with water temps of 20C – We’re not jealous at all 😉 Aaron is pushing through these dark and cold early mornings in Auckland's @swimtastic_nz facility. He may have the least picturesque conditions, but the pool couldn’t be more perfect! * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
5.30am training sessions with a VERY enthusiastic Ben! 😀 The countdown is on! * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
THE TEAM!! 💪💪 With only a few weeks left before our team head off on their next adventure of a lifetime, now is the best time for a little re-introduction! We have quite the team of athletes this year who, together will make up our team of 4 swimmers and Kathy, our crew mum for the trip! 🏊‍♂️Aaron – As an ex-competitor swimmer, Aaron is looking to dust off the speedos and complete another challenge by swimming the strait of Gibraltar and then hopping back on the bike for the 5 passes tour. 🏊‍♂️Sam – Ex Triathlete, this swim will be a challenge to motivate and return to the water, working on his upper body strength. Living on a different continent from the rest of his family, the chance to do something like this with his dad, Mark, is a bucket list moment to make special memories like this count. 🏊‍♂️Mark – When the opportunity to swim Europe to Africa was put on the table, it was a no-brainer. This challenge however will be additionally special as he shares it with his son Sam (who may get sick of waiting for us old men in the swim). 🏊‍♂️Ben - Ben started swimming from an early age at the Wharenui Swim Club in Christchurch and despite having completed 5 Ironman Distance Triathlons, and representing New Zealand in 1992 at the World Champs, getting back to race-pace swim fitness is going to be a big challenge after spending most of 2023 on the bike. 👩‍🦰Kathy – When opportunities arise that involve travel, sport and socialising she is a person that puts her hand up. Getting to share this experience with her number 1 mate – Blakey and her son will be such an adventure and she is thrilled by the ‘Epicness’ that this event will provide! * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Training is easy when you have views like this!! 🙌🙌 Ben is winning for the most picturesque training spots, that's for sure! * * * * #teamnzblue #bikelife #cycling #Training #5passestour #cyclechallenge #newzealand #cycletouring #newzealandtravel
An update from Aaron! ✨️✨️ You may not see much of the team over socials, and that’s because outside of their full-time jobs, they are all training HARD! Here’s a snippet of Aaron after his early morning training sesh…and for those not too savvy with all the swim figures, effectively, he’s smashing it!   * * * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
How does the swim work? 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️ Great question! Our team will be escorted by two boats. One is a larger boat that steers the course, and stays about 50-100m ahead of the team. The second is a rib and this boat will stay next to our team which they will feed from. The rib aims for the larger boat, and our team of swimmers will sight off the big boat. Before the swim, the team will meet at the port/marina 30-45mins before kick-off. They will hop aboard one of these boats and motor round to the start point. From there our team will hop in, touch the rock starting point and SWIM, SWIM, SWIM!! At the other end, the team will finish, take a few seconds to soak in their accomplishment, clear the water or touch the rock, before a huge celebration that evening (if they are not too tired 😉) * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Early morning swim for Aaron and Ben this morning. The sign doesn’t lie as both these images came through at 5.59am and 6.02am 😂😂 At least parking will never be an issue @swimtastic_nz with their member's spot for life! 🙏🙏 Thank you Swimtastic for being one of our biggest supporters as we train for our upcoming swim! The countdown is officially on! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️ * * * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts
Check in!🏁 Today we’re checking in with Ben to give us an update on race timelines, the training sessions involved and to introduce our wonderful sponsor, helping our team tick off these epic challenges – Peroni! Check out www.nzblue.org for information on how you can help Team NZ Blue raise money for @harcourtsfoundationnz 💙💙   * * * * #harcourtsfoundation #charityrace #raisingmoneyforcharity #5passestour #swimmingchallenge #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Speed vs. Endurance... Did you know that swimming across the Gibraltar Strait can take anywhere from 2 to 8+ hours? It's not just about speed. Endurance plays a huge role in conquering this iconic open-water swim! 🏆 Fastest Time: 2 hours 16 minutes by Christof Wandratsch in 2008 🏊‍♂️ ⏱️ Average Time: 4 to 6 hours 🕒 Longest Recorded Swim: Over 8 hours of pure endurance! So, let’s place your bets now! In the comments below, guess how fast you reckon @teamnzblue will do! ⏬️⏬️⏬️   * * * #openwaterswim #swimmingforcharity #teamnzblue @harcourtsfoundationnz #GibraltarStrait #OpenWaterSwimming #Endurance #MarathonSwimming #SwimChallenge #CrossingContinents #SwimmingGoals #AdventureSports #OceanSwim @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948
Calendar of our 2024 events! 🗓 Ok, so it started with RAAM last year, and since then, our adventures have grown legs (and wheels) To keep you up to date, these are the 3 events we have coming up before we close out 2024. 1️⃣ In August, the World Triathlon Multisport World Championships is coming to Townsville, where Ben will compete in the AquaBike, and Mark will compete in the Aquathon and the Long Distance Triathlon. 2️⃣ In September, Team NZBLUE is switching Bikes for Speedos and Goggles to take on one of the 7 major straits in the World - The Gibraltar Strait! 3️⃣ In November, our team are back on hometurf challenging themselves by taking on the 5 PASSES TOUR in the South Island. Traveling from Christchurch, the team will cycle across 5 passes over 4 days. 💪In both September and November, we will be raising funds for the Harcourts Foundation, the charitable arm of Harcourts that continues to support our communities in New Zealand and beyond. For more information and details on how YOU can help us raise funds, please head to www.nzblue.org 📸 Thanks to 5 passes tour, ACNEG, and Race the Reef. • • • • #Triathlon #swimingchallenge #5passesnz #aquathon #triathlete @harcourtsfoundationnz @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 #swimthestraight #challengeaccepted #swimforcharity
Training for swimming the Strait 💪💪 Will there be any issues the team can run into? We know it will run smoothly, and our team is very well prepared, but of course, there are elements that can make this challenge a little extra tricky: 🌊Strong currents that can reach 3 knots (5.5 km / h) or even more, and that, depending on their direction, can make swimming easier or even more difficult (we are hoping for easier) 🌊The date of the crossing does not only depend on weather conditions but also on strong currents. As a result, this date can not be determined until the last minute. 🌊The water low temperature (15º in winter and 22/23º in summer) and the risk of hypothermia is real! 🌊Strong winds can really affect the swim, and these wind conditions can change instantly. 🌊Heavy maritime traffic. The Straits of Gibraltar is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (more than 300 ships a day).  it will certainly be a little trickier than a pool swim! * * * 📸Photo Credit - ACNEG   #swimthestraight #swimforcharity #teamnzblue #newgoals @teamnzblue @ben.nzblue @aarondavis.harcourts @mark.blake.948 #strongmindset #resilience #raisingmoneyforcharity #challengeaccepted #newzealandcharity #swimingchallenge #swimnz