Jono Ridler, a 36-year-old ultra-distance swimmer from New Zealand, is attempting to break the world record for the longest unassisted staged swim, covering roughly 1,350km along the country's east coast. The swim, which began on 5 January at the northern tip of the North Island, aims to raise awareness about the fragile state of marine life and the threats facing the ocean.
Ridler has already swum 1,254km, spending 428 hours in the water. He swims two six-hour stints a day, five days a week, with a rest day in between. His journey has been marked by encounters with dolphins, which he can hear approaching more than 15 minutes before they appear, as well as battles with stinging jellyfish, sunburn, fatigue, and hypothermia.
Describing the experience as both physically gruelling and mentally isolating, Ridler says he has developed meditative coping methods, including counting and following his breath. He also acknowledges the personal sacrifice of his wife, Sarah, and their two-year-old daughter, Georgie, who remain in Auckland during his swim.
Ridler is collaborating with Live Ocean, a marine conservation charity founded by sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. Tuke praised Ridler's relentless effort, saying, 'He’s just there, stroke after stroke, minute after minute, hour after hour. It’s relentless.'
This latest challenge builds on Ridler's previous achievements, including a 99km swim from Aotea/Great Barrier Island to Auckland in 2023, which highlighted species decline in the Hauraki Gulf due to pollution, sediment buildup, and overfishing. Ridler hopes his current record attempt will inspire greater awareness and action to protect marine ecosystems.
