Some of the swimmers who took part in Sunday’s pond swim on a Hinds farm. Photo Robyn HoodSwimmers swapped the comfort of an indoor pool for the challenge of a pond on a Hinds farm on Sunday.

The Ashburton Masters Swimmers group hosted an open water swim which was invitation only, and spokesperson Helen Argyle said the event had proven hugely popular, with some brilliant feedback having been received.

There were two distance options – one lap or two laps of the pond – and of those who did the 1.8km two lap event Sarah Parker was the quickest, covering the distance in 28.56 minutes, with Tamara Grant second in 29.41 minutes.

Ashburton’s Sarah O’Grady was next in 36.41 minutes, with another Ashburtonian – Stephen Mealings – next in 37.33 minutes.

He was followed by Rolleston woman Hannah Drury, who just over a year ago swam across Lake Taupo. She finished in 38.44 minutes.

Eileen Pullar, Lindy Miller and Mike Hansen were the next three home.

An Ashburton swimmer was the fastest through the water in the one lap event, too, with Alison Fleming covering the distance in 19.40 minutes, followed by Sally Kemp just two seconds later.

They were followed by Lesley McGlimpsey, Sam Hannifin, Roger Wilson and Emily Bell.

Argyle said that swimmers from Ashburton, Christchurch and Timaru took part in the event, which wouldn’t have been possible without the farm owners, Laurence and Gaye Thompson.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 19 March 2019