Two young Tauranga swimmers triumphed over the competition in the Harbour Crossing swim held in Auckland last Saturday.

Matthew Wagstaff and Daniel Shanahan, both 13 years-old, made the crossing as members of the Jetstar Super Swim Squad.

This was both Matthew and Daniel's second time competing. They swam the 2.7km across the Auckland Harbour, starting at Auckland Viaduct and finishing at Quinton Park, Bayswater. This is the only day of the year maritime traffic is halted to allow swimmers from throughout New Zealand and overseas to take part in the event.

The boys' parents credit their involvement with the squad as integral to their swimming success.

'Having the opportunity to be a part of the Jetstar Super Swim Squad has really encouraged Matthew to believe in himself and set goals such as competing in the Olympics,” says Karen Wagstaff.

'First step however is the Ocean Swim Series, but watch this space.”

'The Jetstar Super Swim Squad really helped Daniel's confidence in terms of the amount of long distance swimming he does and it is also motivating his younger brother Liam to follow the same path,” says Tony Shanahan.

New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Event Director Scott Rice says it's great to watch young swimmers gain confidence, and see them tackling longer distances.

'I look forward to seeing their swimming careers take off and to welcoming the new batch of Jetstar Super Swim Squad members this season.”

The Jetstar Super Swim Squad consists of 36 youngsters aged 7-12 years who qualify by winning their age group in one of six Banana Boat OceanKids events during the NZ Ocean Swim Series.

Matthew won a place in the 2015-2016 Squad at the Legend of the Lake Ocean Swim Series event in March 2016 and Daniel won his place in the 2015-2016 Squad at the Capital Classic Swim in February 2016.

This gave them and a caregiver the opportunity to attend the Jetstar Camp held in Auckland in April this year which included coaching in both a pool and ocean environments. The coaching team included Emma Robinson and Charlotte Webby who also took part in the Harbour Crossing event last weekend and who were thrilled to catch up with the squad members again.