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Jono Ridler completes his epic Swim4TheOcean after 90 days, covering 1,367 kilometres and swimming for over 468 hours. He finishes strong, freestyling into Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington at noon on Saturday. Partnering with marine conservation group Live Ocean, Ridler delivers a powerful message: end bottom trawling now.
This swim is poised to be ratified as the longest unassisted staged swim ever. Ridler takes on the challenge with no wetsuit, just togs, a swim cap, and goggles. As he emerges from Whairepo Lagoon, he receives a warm welcome from Te Ati Awa mana whenua and a large crowd, marking the end of his three-month journey.
“I’m over the moon to have done what we set out to do,” Ridler states, reflecting on the emotional day.
He walks to Parliament, meeting the Hon Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation, symbolizing the delivery of his message to decision-makers. Ridler hopes this moment inspires collective action for ocean health.
Since leaving Waikuku Beach on January 5, he has faced challenging conditions, including remote coastlines, cold waters, and fatigue. His journey captures public attention, with 67,464 New Zealanders signing a petition demanding an end to bottom trawling by 2027.
Live Ocean Co-founder Blair Tuke calls Ridler’s achievement one of the greatest endurance feats ever.
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