"Tiny" Freyberg Memorial ANZAC Day Swim

Hi all,

Below are details of the Anzac Day swim, as proposed by Anzac Day MC Peter Janssen.. 

Just to add that Plan A is to picnic afterwards at Milford Reserve. So it may be a good idea to bring flasks of hot water, a plunger mug and tea/coffee and milk, because the coffee shops are not that close or may not be open. Bring a plate to share (if you want to stick around for the post-swim yarn and handover of the Gulf Cup... of course you do).

Swimmers and supporters all welcome.

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Takapuna to Milford with a 'landing' at Thornes Beach (3km approx)  

When: ANZAC DAY Wednesday April 25th 2018

Where:  Takapuna Beach toilet block at the Strand.

Time:  7.30am start at Takapuna. Meet at Milford at 7.15am to car pool back to  Takapuna

Tide: Awkward tide this year but we have an outgoing tide with low tide at 9.00am. Will need to swim wide to avoid the reefs at Takapuna and Milford.

Parking: The Takapuna Anzac Day Parade is at 9.30am so parking shouldn't be a problem.

Bring some to eat and drink at the reserve at Milford as it is unlikely much will be open on ANZAC morning.

What are we commemorating?

Bernard Freyberg was a champion New Zealand swimmer known for his epic swims. 

At Gallipoli he swam ashore on the night of April 24th to plant flares to divert Turkish attention away from the real landing sites. Freyberg towed a small raft with the flares, set them off on the beach, and then, under heavy Turkish fire swam back to his ship. However, in the dark he became lost and wasn't picked up until dawn totally exhausted. Not only did he tow the raft, but he swam alone and naked in water that would have been very cold at that time of year.