Interislander Bean Rock Swim – 2021 Event Report

INTERISLANDER BEAN ROCK SWIM –  COMMONWEALTH GAMES SWIMMER DOMINATES 3.2KM 

It was a calm, serene, and simply stunning morning at Auckland’s Mission Bay this morning. 

We welcomed nearly 1000 swimmers onto the beach, all excited to take a closer look at the iconic Bean Rock Lighthouse.  

Built in 1870, it is the only wooden cottage-style lighthouse remaining in New Zealand, and is one of only a few worldwide. 

A familiar favourite on Auckland’s ocean swimming calendar, we were honored to have Hayden Wooley present at the briefing, in recognition of his part in bringing this amazing event to our community.  

Today was the 10th race around the historic navigational marker, and the first time within the Ocean Swim Series.  

Being back in Auckland, the local ‘grown ups’ came out to play giving the teenagers something to be worried about.  

In true form, Brent Foster (53yrs) backed up his win at Swim the Shore with another outstanding performance, taking the win in the Full Bean (3.2km) in 39:23!  

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – February 27: Ocean Swim – Interislander Bean Rock Swim February 27, 2021 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Elias Rodriguez/ http://marktantrum.com)

Teenager Alex Dunkley was second just 13 seconds behind, and another 13 seconds ahead of Nick Bone who came in third.  

The first three girls came in 6th, 7th and 8th place overall with teen star Abbey Smale retaining her incredible winning streak, finishing in an impressive 40:52. 

Rebecca Clarke (32yrs) managed to hold off yet another teen star, Ella Crowe, by just 2 seconds to take second place 39 seconds behind Smale.  

It was quite a spectacle to see with a large, vibrant crowd on the beach eager to see their friends and family finish the Full Bean (3.8km), or the Half and Quarter Bean events that followed shortly afterward. 

We could say everyone was simply full of beans!  It was a great day!