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Dolphins, stingers and ‘salt tongue’: an epic ocean swim around New Zealand’s east coast
Jono Ridler has battled loneliness and fatigue as he aims to break the record for the longest unassisted staged swim – and raise awareness about fragile marine life
TL;DR
- Jono Ridler is attempting to break the world record for the longest unassisted staged swim, covering approximately 1,350km along New Zealand's east coast.
- The swim aims to raise awareness about threats to marine life and fragile ocean ecosystems.
- Ridler has faced challenges such as jellyfish, sunburn, fatigue, and loneliness during the swim.
- He uses meditative techniques to cope with the isolation and monotony of swimming for hours daily.
- The campaign advocates for a ban on bottom trawling, a practice that severely damages marine habitats.
- Ridler is working with the marine conservation charity Live Ocean, founded by sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.