Steven Morris- Mt Maunganui, New Zealand
Name: Steven Morris Known as: Seamen Morris
Where do you live: Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.
Occupation: Container Logistics at Zespri International
Age: 46
How many swims per week do you regularly achieve?
3-6 (dependent on the sea conditions).
Describe a regular swim:
Our ‘famous’ swim is the Seamen Sea Monster which is a very challenging 6.9km ocean swim. Everyone who completes it is added to the Hallowed Sea Monster Hall of Fame - currently exactly 100 proud members.
Who do you swim with?
Members of The Seamen Ocean Swim Squad.
Where do you swim?
We are based in Mount Maunganui which has a lot of epic ocean swimming options but we tend to finish the summer with a road trip adventure/challenge which usually includes chartering a boat to take us out to an island to swim around (up to 16.9km).
On top of ‘The Mount’ with the beautiful Main Beach and coastline behind
Why do you swim?
Fun, friendship, fitness, adventure and mental health.
Do you have a favourite swim / pool set?
I can’t stand pool swimming (it feels claustrophobic) and I haven’t been it one for approximately 5 years.
What does swimming mean to you?
It is my passion and main form of social interaction and exercise.
Do you have a current swimming goal? Or a ‘bucket list’ swim.
I achieved my bucket list/dream swim on 19 April 2021 when a pod of Orca decided to swim over and check us out. I had an absolutely magic face to face encounter with one in particular. Dreams can come true!
What’s the best place (or two) you’ve swum?
Mayor Island which is off the coast of Mount Maunganui. Super clear water and a large part is a marine reserve (loads of seals and fish).
If a visitor came to your town or city, where would you recommend they swim?
Around The Mount with us!
Middle of a swim with ‘The Mount’ in the background
Tell us about one of your proudest swimming achievements / moments. Encouraging others to join in on the fun. I love it when a person completes their first lap of The Mount (3km tidal assisted) and is buzzing.
Has swimming changed your life? If so, how?
I has helped me manage my depression. I have experienced some amazing wildlife encounters (giving me an enhanced appreciation of our environment) and I have made several lifelong friends.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I was interviewed on T.V. along with a friend about our first Orca encounter several years ago which turned out to be pretty funny and ever since then we have joked about being ‘famous’.
