Three Marathon swims in French Polynesia - July 2025

​Sāmoa Events / French Polynesia - In the July window, we had three swimmers take on three swims in French Polynesia. Two were in Bora Bora and the third swim was in the Mo'orea Channel from Tahiti to 'Āfareaitu, Mo'orea. ​

Eric Bateman Completes Bora Bora Circumnavigation Swim
​3 July 2025 – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Eric heading north on the eastern side of Bora Bora

Eric Bateman from Sydney, Australia, completed ​t​he 24 km swim around the island of Bora Bora. He started his swim at Matira Beach and swam anticlockwise around the ​m​otu, finishing the loop in 9 hours and 15 minutes.
Eric was supported by fellow swimmer Christine Freak, who acted as his feeder throughout the swim. He described the experience as magical, highlighting the beautiful blue waters and the challenge of navigating coral and currents. "This is probably my favourite swim ever," said Eric.
Eric now joins a small group of swimmers who have completed the full circumnavigation of Bora Bora.

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Christine Freak Tackles Tough Currents in Bora Bora Swim
​5 July 2025 – Bora Bora ​

Christine swims clockwise around Bora Bora

Two days after Eric’s swim, Christine Freak from New South Wales, Australia, completed her own 24 km circumnavigation of Bora Bora. Starting and finishing at Pitiu'u-uta Island, Christine swam clockwise around the island in a time of 7 hours and 25 minutes.
Her swim started fast, covering 10 km in just 2.5 hours. However, the second half was much tougher due to strong currents. “It felt like swimming in a river,” said Christine. Despite the challenge, she was proud of her effort and found strength in the moment—especially when two turtles appeared during a difficult stretch.
Christine’s determination and resilience were on full display in what she called a swim to remember.

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Stacey Wong Swims Tahiti to Mo'orea Channel
​10 July 2025 – Puna'auia to `Āfareaitu Mo'orea

Stacey exits the harbour at Puna'auia and heading to Mo'orea

Stacey Wong from California, USA, completed a 20 km swim across the Mo’orea Channel, from Tahiti to Mo’orea, in 6 hours and 48 minutes. 
Stacey enjoyed mostly calm seas early on, but later faced rolling swells of up to 3 metres. She finished her swim at ‘Āfareaitu on Mo’orea just before 2:30 pm.
“This swim made my soul dance,” she said. “The water, the view, the support—everything was perfect.” Stacey thanked the crew for their guidance, including kayak support, boat pilot Kiko, and swim captain Kirill.
Her successful swim adds to the growing list of marathon swims in French Polynesia and shows the power of determination, preparation, and a love for the open water.


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