Events
2024 Calendar
January
Boiler Swim
5
29
Swim in Schools Starts
March
1-10
Kau Moana Series (Raro & Aitutaki)
11-15
NZ Meet
20
Swim in Schools Ends
21-22
2 day Primary Kau Camp (Raro)
April
Boiler Swim
5
15-9
Aitutaki Comp & Camp TBC
June
7
Local swim series - Boiler Swim 800m
14
Local swim series - Muri 1.2km
21
Local swim series - King & Queen of the harbour 1.6km
September
Kau Moana Series (Aitutaki)
1-8
9-13
NZ Meet
October
29
Swim in Schools start
November
5
Swim in Schools Finish
December
9-13
Mangaia Camp & Comp (TBC)
20
Boiler swim
Open Water Swim Series
Kau Tai Roto(Lagoon Swim Series) -
A lagoon swim series previously held at at the start of every year for swimmers to dust the cob-webs and build up some fitness and training towards the final swim: 3km from Muri to Tikioki through two “Marine Reserves” in the clear blue lagoons
Starting with shorter distances to encourage new swimmers to open water swimming, the different distances held within the safe and sheltered blue lagoon in Tikioki offers breathtaking scenery and warm conditions. However, the weather can change (as it often does in the islands), so currents and small “wind chop” can make the course more challenging. Future events currently under review
The Boiler Swim
The 'Boiler Swim' has always been an integral must do “local” swim and is often a regular fixture prior to the annual Rarotonga Triathlon, outrigger canoeing and open water swimming events. The 775 metre course starts out in front of the world famous “Trader Jacks” bar and runs along the deep passage towards the “Boiler” and back again. NZ Olympian Nathan Richmond holds the course record of 9 minutes set in 2001. The 2019 Boiler Swim champion is Tina Loveridge who won with 11 minutes 4 seconds.
'The Boiler' is the visible remains of the Union Steam Ship Company's RMS Maitai, which was wrecked on the reef at the entrance to Avarua Harbour on Christmas Day in 1916. It is also well known as a snorkeling and surfing spot and a “diving platform” for the more adventurous.
The Boiler Swim is a definite must and recommended event for locals, the adventurous and international athletes looking for swimming around a bit of Cook Islands history.
King & Queen of the Harbour
The inaugural King and Queen of the Harbour started in 2010 and has grown ever year.
The 1.5km course from Avatiu Harbour to Avarua Harbour finishing at Trader Jacks is the only “over the reef” race that CIAF runs. It is an exciting course which starts in the calm waters of Avatiu Harbour and each swimmer has to define their own course along the coastal reef in the open ocean towards Avarua Harbour. There are safety boats and kayaks to assist all swimmers around “The Boiler” and then into the final straight to Trader Jacks.
Several fish, turtles and sometimes whales allows for a spectacular race along one of Rarotonga’s beautiful coastline.
