State La Grande Swim, Akaroa

Akaroa, Christchurch

We are excited to announce the new Canterbury swim venue of Akaroa!

La Grande Swim is the fourth race in the hugely successful State New Zealand Ocean Swim Series. For the first time since 2007, the Christchurch event moves to picturesque Akaroa, the quaint French community 75km from city centre.

All swimmers of Christchurch are welcomed and encouraged to come over to enjoy a relaxing day or weekend of swimming.

Choose to take part in one of four achievable swim distances on the day including the 200m State OceanKids, ‘Give It A Go’ 300m swim,  ‘Step It Up 1000m swim or the more challenging ‘I’m Going Long’ 2.8km swim around the Bay.

The State La Grande swim is Christchurch’s largest open water swimming event so why not come and be part of something special.

Every entrant receives a free pair of State goggles*, swim cap and goody pack with their entry.

Visit www.oceanswim.co.nz to find out how to prepare for your swim, learn more about the event and to enter today.

50% Discount for Christchurch Residents

To help in the physical and emotional rebuild of Christchurch the event is offering anyone currently living in the Christchurch City area a 50% discount off any of the 4 swims distances offered on the day.

To redeem this offer, enter online and input the promotional code CHCHRESIDENT2012. Please note that if you use this code you will be required to bring a proof of your address to the event pack pick up function. This discount applies to residents within the Christchurch City Council (incl Akaroa, Selwyn, Kaiapoi), Selwyn District and Waimakariri district council boundaries.

*One pair of goggles per person per season.

Registration Details

Swim pack pick up/registration will take place in the following centres on the dates below. Venues will be updated as soon as they are confirmed.

• Christchurch Central - 12:00PM - 2:30PM Saturday 18 February 2012 at Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Central, 295 Ilam Rd, Burnside, Christchurch
• Akaroa - 7:00AM - 9:00AM (For the 'I'm Going Long' 2.8km swim, all other event registrations will close 30minutes prior to the race start) Sunday 19 February 2012

If you are unable to make it to one of the times above and don't have friends or family that can register for you please contact us for alternative arrangements.

Entry confirmation

Check your entry, make changes or print your e-ticket for the State La Grande Swim

Individual Entrants

Series Pass Entrants

Race day transport

A charter bus is available for participants travelling from Christchurch to Akaroa. Tickets can be purchased for $20 per person for a return trip:

• When entering online
• At the Ocean Swim Store
• From Jellie Park Recreation & Sports Centre
• Pioneer Recreation & Sports Centre

The pick up and drop off points and times for this service are:

1. Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre, 295 Ilam Rd, Burnside - 6:10AM
2. Bus Exchange in Lichfield St (City Centre) at river end - 6:30AM
3. Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre, 75 Lyttelton St, Christchurch - 7:00AM

The bus will depart Akaroa at 2PM to return and drop off at the same stops above.

Visiting Akaroa or Christchurch for this Event?

To find helpful information for your stay, visit www.christchurchnz.com   

phone +64 3 379 9629 or visit www.akaroa.com

email akaroa@christchurchnz.com or phone +64 3 304 8600

Official Charity – Surf Life Saving NZ

Surf Life Saving NZ provide an essential service on New Zealand’s beaches and at the State NZ Ocean Swim Series. They keep all of us safe on the beach and in the water which is why they are the official charity of the State NZ Ocean Swim Series.

Please give generously to Surf Life Saving NZ. All donations will receive a free gift. You can donate when you enter or through the Ocean Swim Store. You can also donate on event day.

• Donations of $5 and $10 will receive a Surf Life Saving NZ 100 Year Centenary key ring
• Donations of $20 will receive a Surf Life Saving NZ toy IRB boat
• Donations of $40 will receive a Surf Life Saving NZ Teddy Bear
• Donations of $90 will receive a Surf Life Saving NZ Centenary book

All gifts will be handed at your event registration or couriered if you have pre-booked the courier service.

TV Schedule

Coverage of the State La Grande Swim will be shown at the following dates and times:

Thursday 23 February 2012, 7:30PM, Sky Sport 2
Friday 24 February 2012, 1:30AM, Sky Sport 3
Friday 24 February 2012, 5:30AM, Sky Sport 3
Sunday 26 February 2012, 2:30PM, TVNZ One
Sunday 26 February 2012, 4:10PM, Sky Sport 1
Sunday 26 February 2012, 9:00PM, Sky Sport 1
Sunday 5 February 2012, 3:00PM, Channel 1