Six swimmers complete open water swim to Fafa Island [1]
Tuesday, September 20, 2016 - 20:31. Updated on Friday, January 26, 2018 - 19:06.
Six swimmers stepped up to taking part in the inaugural 6km open water swim to Fafa Island on Saturday 17 September, initiated by the Malolo Swim Club,
Supporters including Tonga’s famous Olympic flag bearer, Pita Taufatofua, wished them well at Faua Wharf as they prepared for the challenge.
Race organizer, Vila Day, said that during the course of the race, the swimmers faced a strong current flowing right approaching Fafa Island and that ‘a few swimmers had to fight extra hard against the current’.
“All swimmers gave an impressive performance and showed true positive spirit in taking on the challenge with great heart,” she said.
Each swimmer was escorted by kayakers and successfully reached the pristine shores of Fafa Island without needing assistance from the Police Safety Boat that was also monitoring them.
The results of the swim were:
- Noelani Day (13), Malolo Swim Club, 2:02
- Finau 'Ohuafi (15), Malolo Swim Club, 2:10
- Calina Panuve (19), Malolo Swim Club, 3:08
- Jasmine Dodge (29), (with fins & goggles), 3:48
- Andrew Kay (64), 4:28
- Heidi Brenner (45), (with fins), 4:40
The Malolo Swim Club is looking to make the swim to Fafa Island an annual event and hopes to attract more swimmers locally and internationally.
The club’s next event is the Pangaimotu Open Water Swim Series in November.