Ultra-endurance swimmer Jono Ridler is on a mission to swim the length of New Zealand’s East Coast to raise awareness about bottom trawling, and he’s gathered a wave of supporters along the way.

I became one of them when on Tuesday afternoon. I joined Barry Cutfield and a lively crew of ocean swimmers on the catamaran Centaurus. We were determined to rendezvous with Jono as he swam past and show our support.

The conditions were perfect for an adventure at sea, and on board members of the OPTimists, the Ōhope Ocean Swimmers, welcomed me with big smiles and plenty of energy.

By 3pm, we were off. The boat buzzed with overlapping conversations, stories of past swims, admiration for Jono’s determination, and talk about the environmental cause driving his journey.

“It’s such an important cause,” one swimmer told me.

The group spoke passionately about protecting marine life and urged others to sign the petition calling for an end to bottom trawling. For them, this wasn’t just about spotting a swimmer. It was about standing up for the ocean they love.

Bottom trawling is when fishing boats drag heavy nets along the sea floor to catch fish and other marine life that lives near or on the sea floor. It’s incredibly harmful for the ocean, as it disrupts the marine habitats and disturbs the sea life. New Zealand is the only country in the South Pacific to still bottom trawl.

At 3.27pm, we passed the peninsula, raised the sails and cut the engine, officially beginning our search. Eyes scanned the horizon. Homemade signs, carefully crafted by young Frankie Wilson and her mum the night before, were held tight in anticipation.  Frankie, the youngest on board, watched the water with the same eagerness as the adults.

Time seemed to slip away as we searched and excitement grew.

Then, at 3.55pm, someone shouted and pointed toward the distance.

There they were, Jono’s guide boats. A large blue vessel and a small red dinghy bobbed on the water ahead.

As we approached, cheers erupted. Hands waved, and signs were raised high. The once quiet afternoon burst into celebration.

For the swimmers aboard Barry’s boat, this moment meant more than simply spotting Jono. It was a powerful reminder of what one determined person can do. He can spark conversation, build momentum, and inspire action.

Hearing the cheers, Jono changed course and swam toward us, pausing his long journey to greet his supporters. Treading water beside the boat, he looked up at the faces calling out to him.

The mood softened, and excitement gave way to pride, admiration, and connection.

A bag of freshly baked scones was carefully passed between our boat and Jono’s support crew, prompting laughter all around. It was a small but heartfelt exchange that offered fuel for both body and spirit.

“Thank you for coming out!” Jono called, clearly lifted by the surprise support.

Up close, the scale of what he’s doing felt even more real. This wasn’t just a swim. It was a mission to protect the ocean.

After a few minutes of encouragement, Jono adjusted his goggles and prepared to continue. The cheering rose again as he pushed off and settled back into his steady stroke, heading further down the coastline.

We watched until he became a small figure against the vast blue.

As we turned back toward shore, it felt as if we hadn’t simply gone looking for Jono; we had witnessed something powerful. A community rallying behind a cause. A swimmer turning passion into action. A reminder that protecting the ocean begins with people willing to stand up, or in Jono’s case, swim, for it.

Long after we headed home, Jono was still out there, cutting through the water one determined stroke at a time.