Ocean Challenge swimmers overcome tough conditions

DESPITE challenging water conditions, the third annual Four Elements Ocean Challenge was successfully completed by 91 keen swimmers who took to the choppy Indian Ocean on the morning of Saturday, 11 June for a gruelling five kilometre swim.

“It was another fantastic event, although the conditions were definitely the toughest they’ve been since the first swim in 2014,” said Four Elements Conservation CEO, Olivia Taylor.

“There was a strong wind creating a big swell, particularly later in the morning, and the water was cold and choppy but we still had 95 of the 120 entrants bravely participate, with only a handful not being able to complete the race.”

Safety officers from Durban Lifesaving Club were on hand throughout the event. The swimmers set off from the harbour wall at 9am, braving the swells for 5km to Bike and Bean at the Country Club Beach. The first swimmer came in at 10.05am with the last swimmer closing the event at 11.30am.

Participants competed in three categories and spot prizes were also given out at prize-giving, held directly after the swim at Durban Surf Lifesaving Club.

Winners in the open category were 2014 champion and previous SA swimming and surf lifesaving captain, Julian Taylor and 14-year-old Zoe Frank in the women’s category. They each received R3,000 in cash prize money. Second place went to Nicholas Forsyth and Sasha-Lee Corris Nordengen who received a R2,000 cash prize and third was Sanele Nxumalo, a South African lifesaver and last year’s third-placed swimmer and Lauren Bezuidenhout who received R1,000 each.

It was a good day for Nicholas Forsyth who also placed first in the 30 to 49 age category to receive R1,000, alongside fellow winner Barbara Bowley. Second and third place prizes were mixed hampers with Jason Cook and South African backstroke swimmer, Sarah Ferguson in second place and Garry Truyens and Carina Hambloch in third position.

The 50 and over age category saw all top three competitors receive hampers. Julian Taylor topped the rankings with World Master’s swimming champion, Heather Campbell, coming in for top female position. Michiel Kemper and Linda Ness placed second while Mark Taylor and Janine Serrurier came in third.

To add to the day’s events, spot prizes were given to a number of competitors:

• Niel Roos – Only swimmer from the Free State;
• John McCarthy (founder of the Bomb Surf and Ocean Child) – Most ‘fly’ outfit;
• Les Hadenham – Oldest swimmer;
• Dawn Rode – Longest in water;
• Alexandra Parry – Youngest swimmer;
• Kira Ribbink – Bravest swimmer;
• Dawn Rode – Gutsy performance and
• Johan Terblanche – Wetsuit winner.

Commenting on the swim’s origins, Taylor explained that it was about connecting people with the ocean while also raising funds for the Four Elements Environmental Scholarship. “Through this swim, we hope to bring about more awareness regarding the dire situation our marine life is facing,” she said. “This year’s World Ocean’s Day theme on 8 June was ‘Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet’, and the time is now for us to all work together to make a difference through our choices and actions.”

Taylor founded Four Elements Conservation NPC four years ago when she was just 14-years-old. Through this internationally-recognised organisation, Taylor runs a number of conservation initiatives, such as the Ocean Challenge, which raises funds for the Four Elements Environmental Scholarship awarded to eight environmentally-minded youth who go on an informative camp held in December/January.

This year’s swim challenge raised an incredible R50,000 for the second annual, four-day camp. Set in a nature reserve, the scholarship recipients are taught to develop their passion for conservation into tangible results by receiving clear instruction in marketing, fundraising and social media management skills. Each participant is given the tools to get started on their own conservation initiatives once the camp is completed, with ongoing support provided by Four Elements.

“Entries for the camp will open on 21 June and I’m really looking forward to another worthwhile interaction where young South Africans are given the guidance to truly unlock their potential and make an impact on the environment around them,” said Taylor.

Online entries can be found at www.fourelementsconservation.org.