Big day at Kaiteriteri for midwinter swim festival

July 4th, 2011
[by Sophie Harrison]

Swimmers and spectators lined the shore of Kaiteriteri Beach last Sunday in anticipation of Kaiteriteri's Midwinter swim and festival.

Although a picturesque day, the morning's frost offered a prominent chill, leaving onlookers rugging up warm. This, however, did little to deter young and old from braving the freezing ocean, even if just for a minute or two.

With best-dressed prizes up for grabs, many deserted their usual swimming attire and opted for something more elaborate. Among the crowd of swimmers, a trio of dinosaurs paraded the water alongside a mummified child, superwoman, pyjama clad girls and ballerinas.

Once the countdown was finished the cluster swarmed towards the water, with an uproar of squeals heard as they took the plunge. Paint was quickly stripped and clothes hung heavily on goose bumped bodies. For most a quick dip under and a mad dash for their towels was the general idea while others were there to prove they could stay in the longest and win the title and prize that accompanied it.

Kaiteriteri's beach front car park was closed off for the event, allowing a children's bouncy castle, face painting, food carts and an entertainment truck to be set up. Throughout the day Zumba instructor, Lynn Herbst, her crew of dancers and the local ukulele group 'Ukes of Hazard' performed.

At midday an Engelfield duck race was held with many lucky duck number holders willing theirs to cross the finish line first. The midwinter swim and the festival that follows are held annually to raise funds for Riwaka School.

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