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In this episode we dive into the life of Peter Gibbs—a spirited adventurer from Nelson, New Zealand. Peter's journey from triathlon to the open waters of Abel Tasman National Park showcases his enduring passion for endurance sports. As a seasoned writer, he shares tales of his aquatic escapades and the vibrant community that surrounds them. Join us as we explore Peter's stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the call of the sea.

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After four and a half years of relentless training, countless setbacks, and a swim dream rooted in childhood memories, Mark finally conquered the mighty Cook Strait. What started off as a tribute to long summer days at the Te Awamutu Swimming Baths—run by his late father, Cor—evolved into a powerful personal journey of resilience, love, and legacy. Pushed by a deep family connection to swimming but also a desire to inspire his wife Michelle and their three young children, Mark endured 100 days across three summers waiting for the perfect conditions. When his moment came, he embraced it fully—completing the 27.6 km swim in 7 hours and 15 minutes. In this episode, we dive into the story behind the swim: the cold-water fear, the tidal heartbreaks, the support crew who stood by him, and the voice of his father echoing, “Go Mark,” as he powered across the strait.

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Today we’re diving into a fantastic tool designed to help everyday Kiwis enjoy our beautiful beaches more safely - Safeswim.

Safeswim has had some bad press within the Open Water Swimming Community, but when you remember that it was built for the general public — families, casual swimmers, and anyone heading to the beach — giving clear, accessible information so you can make safe and confident decisions before getting in the water, it starts making more sense.

The platform is constantly learning and evolving, and now it’s even better thanks to its partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand. This means more accurate and timely updates, plus an improved understanding of local conditions. One of the most valuable features is that it doesn’t just tell you if the water looks good — it gives you a list of real-time hazards at specific beaches, from strong currents to pollution alerts, helping you avoid surprises and stay safe.

Great tool, getting better and better.