Swimming New Zealand has established the Epic Swim Festival which will take place for the first time from 16-17 January 2010 in stunning Lake Taupo. This annual event will consist of 2km and 5km recreational open water swims plus mini swims for kids. The NZ Masters 2.5km Open Water Swimming Championships and NZ 5km and 10km Open Water Championships will also form part of the 2010 Epic Swim Festival.

The NZ Masters 2.5km will be swum under FINA Rules. There will be a wetsuit and non-wetsuit category and awards for 1^st-3^rd will be presented to each gender in incremental 5 year age groups - 25-29, 30-34 etc

The weekend will be a fantastic getaway for the family with live bands, jumping castles, sponsor displays, games, plenty of prizes, loads of food and drinks and much more. Epic Swim Festival is also perfect training for Ironman New Zealand in March. Lock it in the diary and come and take part in one of the most exciting swims in New Zealand.

Entries for the 2010 NZMS Open Water Swimming Championships are to be sent to NZ Masters Swimming.

For more information about the 2010 Epic Swim Festival, visit the official website at www.epicswim.co.nz