FAQs 

How do I enter?

Enter any ocean swim online here

How do I know I am entered?

Online entries: you will receive an email confirming entry details and receipt of payment. You can also click on 'confirmation' under 'your chosen event page to check your entry.
Please note - if you are paying by bank transfer or cheque you will receive your confirmation once the payment has been received. Bank transfers are usually processed overnight.
Postal entries: you will receive an email confirming entry details and receipt of payment. Allow 3-4 working days. If you do not receive an email, you may have entered an invalid email address. You can also click on 'confirmation' under your chosen event page to check your entry.

I don't have my e-ticket, can you send it again?

The e-ticket is sent to your nominated email address as soon as you enter online.  If you do not see this in your inbox, please have a look in your intercepted spam folder to see if for some reason it moved into this folder.  For any queries, please contact us here.

I can't open my e-ticket, can you send it again?

If you are unable to open the website-generated e-ticket, please contact us here and we would be able to forward this to you in a PDF format.

What time does my race start and from where?

Please refer to the event page on our website for full details.  We also send regular email newsletters, so be sure that you have subscribed to this.

I thought I entered online and now I can't see my entry.  Do I need to enter again?

Please contact us here to verify.  This will prevent a possible duplication.

I'm looking for my entry online, but can't find my entry.  Money has been deducted from my account, can you please investigate?

Please contact us here.

I recently entered and gave an estimated completion time.  Is it possible to change this?

We allow any changes up to close of business the day prior to your swim pack collection event.  Thereafter we allow only limited changes as we allocate the different starting waves.

I registered for my swim, is there anything else I need to do after receiving my registration confirmation?  When do I need to get my swim pack?

You need to collect your swim pack at our swim pack collection event.  This is usually the day before the race.  Please refer to the event page on our website for specific time and venue details.

Is there any way that I am able to pick up the swim pack earlier than your specified times?

No, unfortunately we use the time prior to the swim pack collection start time to set up and finalise last minute details.  We would likely not be ready if you arrived outside our stipulated times.

What am I meant to do with the e-ticket?

Please bring the e-ticke talong to the swim pack collection event the day before the race.  This contains important information and will speed up the process.

When will I get my ferry ticket?

If you have booked a ferry, you will receive your ferry ticket when you collect your swim pack the day before the race.

The ferry is not showing up when I try to book online.  Can I still book a ferry?

This likely means tha the ferry is fully booked.  Should you require this transport, please contact us here.

Where do I catch the ferry?

Full details will be on the event page on our website.

How do I attach the timing chip to my ankle?

Thread the Tyvek / velcro strip through the timing chip adn tie as securely as possible around your ankle.  If possible try to put this underneath your wetsuit to keep it secure.  If you lose it,  you will be liable for a replacement cost of $50.  Once you have completed the race, the race officials will remove it.

How does the 300m tag teams relay' work?

Get active as a workplace, family or group of friends and enter the 300m tag team relay. It's quick, achievable, and close to the beach. Categories include male, female, mixed, corporate, family, intermediate and secondary school.
All teams consist of three team members except for family teams which may have four team members.. The team’s average time is used to determine your overall place in your team category.

Are there entry limits for the events?

Yes. For safety reasons, there is a maximum number of competitors allowed at each event. It is best to enter early to avoid disappointment.

When is the lastest time I can enter?

Please see late entries for entry closing dates.

Are late entries accepted?

Please see late entries.

If I do a late entry at your swim pack collection event, will you accept credit card or EFTPOS?

No, we will only accept cash or cheque payments.

What is a 'Swimmer Pack Collection?

You are required to register your participation in the event. Previously registration took place on event morning at the event location. Due to the fact that we can't control the weather all event registrations will now take place the day prior to the event in an easily accessible venue.

Where and when is Swimmer Pack Collection?

See your chosen event page for all registration information.

What if I can't make Swimmer Pack Collection?

Swimmer pack collection always takes place prior to event day for the following reasons:

• To ensure event day runs to the advertised times
• In the event of strong winds or rain it is unsuitable to have packs outside or to have swimmers queuing without adequate cover
• The swimmer pack pick up has become efficient and effective leaving swimmers very little time queuing or waiting, if we moved this to event day this would change dramatically.

If you are from outside of the event area you can arrange for friends or family to collect your swimmer pack for you - friends or family will need to confirm your date of birth and if you will be wearing a wetsuit. If you are unable to attend swimmer pack collection and you do not have friends or family that can attend please email our event team here to make alternative arrangements.

What do I get in my swim pack?

Long ocean swim entrants - All entrants will receive a swim cap, complimentary Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series kickboard in conjunction with blueseventy* and other sponsor goodies.
*entrants receive one kickboard for the 2009/2010 season
750m ocean swim entrants - All entrants will receive a swim cap, complimentary Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series kickboard in conjunction with blueseventy* and other sponsor goodies.
*entrants receive one kickboard for the 2009/2010 season
300m Tag Team Relay entrants - All entrants will receive a swim cap and other sponsor goodies.

How can I see the results?

These will be published online on the evening of each event. Check this website under results after 7.00pm.

How are we timed?

The event will be timed by Championchip Timing Services. You will be given a timing chip at registration. Please keep this safe. Secure to your ankle prior to the race briefings and, if wearing a wetsuit, pull the suit over the chip if possible. Please be aware that if you lose this chip either prior to race start or during the race, you will be liable to pay NZD 50 for a replacement (as stated in the event Terms and Conditions).

What is a ‘wave start’?

A ‘wave start’ requires smaller groups to start at different times to reduce congestion. For example, all women may start two minutes behind all men.

Will there be a wave start?

The start of the events will be split into multiple starting waves. The waves will be determined by event organisers after accessing competitor numbers in the days leading up to the race. Wave starts will be split by the estimated time you selected in your entry form.

May I change to a different wave start?

We allow changes up to close of business the day prior to the swim pack collection event.  After that we only allow a limited number of changes for safety reasons as we allocate the starting waves prior to the swim pack collection event.

Where do I leave my gear?

Place your gear in the designated area for bags at race start - look for the 'Bag drop-off' sign. To make it easier for us to identify your bag, we ask you to clearly name it. These will be transported to the finish for you to collect when you exit the water ( Russell to Paihia, Harbour Crossing and King of the Bays long swims only). Please collect these promptly once you have finished the event. We have an all care and no responsibility policy.

When and how do I give my timing chip back?

Immediately after you have finished the race, a crew member will remove the chip for you.

Do I wear an event number?

You will have an event number written on your hand. Please ensure this numbers is legible until after the event.

Am I capable of swimming in the ocean?

Yes! Because of the preparation requirements for the sport, swimming is an excellent way to get fit and get in shape. Anyone who has the desire and a fist full of determination can become an ocean swimmer. These ocean swim events will not only give you something to work toward, but will be a wonderful experience on the day.

What accessories may I use during my swim?

The event organisers have approved the use of the following:

• booties,
• skull caps - the Sovereign OceanSwim series latex swim cap must be worn over the skull cap and must remain visible for the duration of the race,
• gloves - may NOT be webbed.

What happens if it rains?

Unfortunately we cannot account for the weather. So if it rains, it rains. You’ll be wet anyway!

What happens if it is very stormy?

A decision to run with the contingency plan for the ocean swims will be made in the event of bad weather or circumstances beyond the control of the event management. The Race Director will make this decision on race morning in the interest of your safety. This decision will be final. Updates will be given to you on race morning. Please listen to More FM or Newstalk ZB for information on the morning of your event.
See Course Info & Maps for your event for contingency plans.

What happens if I have difficulties in the water?

Simple! Stop! Raise your arm high into the air to identify yourself to a lifeguard. If this is not possible, simply roll on to your back to float in a relaxed position.  If you are near an athlete experiencing difficulties, please make sure they are alright, assist if necessary, and alert a lifeguard.

Are there finish photos?

Yes. These will be taken by Marathon Photos. Visit their website www.marathon-photos.com and follow the links to purchase photos of your great day.

What is the policy on refunds?

Refunds are not available. Should you decide not to swim, you are still entitled to collect any merchandise and your swimmer pack at swimmer pack collection. Please advise crew of your decision so that you are not issued with a timing chip.

I am not quite ready for my event, could I transfer to another race?

Yes, please contact us here to discuss.

What billing name will appear on my credit-card statement?

Quantum Events Ltd.

Will I need a wetsuit?

Although not compulsory, we suggest wearing a wetsuit for the long ocean swim distances. Please see wetsuit information for wetsuit hire and sales information.

Where could I buy or hire a wetsuit?

Please see wetsuit information for wetsuit hire and sales information.

Do I need to wear a swim cap?

Yes. You will be issued with a free Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series swim cap - this must be worn throughout the swim for safety reasons.

Do I need to bring my own swim cap?

No. You will be issued with a free Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series swim cap at race registration.

Where can I read the Terms and Conditions and Waiver?

See race safety information.

Where can I read the health and safety information?

See race safety information.