Debbie Lewry - first NZ woman to swim the mighty Derwent River

Debbie crossing the finish line at the Tasman Bridge in Hobart. Photo supplied.

Debbie Lewry Makes History in the Derwent River Swim in Tasmania, Australia.
​
Article: Seti Afoa

New Zealand marathon swimmer Debbie Lewry has etched her name into the record books, becoming the first unassisted solo female swimmer from Aotearoa New Zealand to complete the 34 km Derwent River Marathon Swim in Tasmania.
​
On January 29, 2025, Debbie took on the mighty Derwent River, finishing the grueling swim in an impressive 9 hours, 6 minutes, and 29 seconds. Battling water temperatures ranging from 18.4°C to 19.8°C, air temperatures between 10°C and 26.2°C, and wind speeds of up to 20 km p/h, she showed remarkable endurance and determination throughout the challenge.

"I love to challenge myself. This was a massive test and I really didn’t know if I had it in me but with my amazing support team, the swim went seamlessly. I was proud of everyone on the day."

The Derwent River Big Swim is a 34-kilometer (21.1 miles) ultra-marathon swim in Tasmania. It begins at the New Norfolk Bridge in the historic town of New Norfolk and concludes at the iconic Tasman Bridge in Hobart.

Debbie looking very happy after her swim on the support boat Brum. Supplied.

Debbie, who now lives in Queensland Australia, grew up on the Kāpiti Coast and last lived in Wellington, has always maintained strong ties to New Zealand. She returns home each year to visit family and train in the cold waters, preparing for major marathon swims like this one.
​
​Reflecting on her achievement, Debbie expressed admiration for her fellow Kiwi swimmers featured on the NZ Ultra Marathon Swim Awards site.

“I’m in awe of the other Kiwi swimmers on the site! I’m just in the early part of my marathon swimming journey and love seeing what people achieve. It inspires me to aim high.”

Her accomplishment was celebrated by the Derwent River Big Swim and the Australian Long Distance Swim community, recognising her incredible effort in completing this demanding course without assistance.​

Success on the Derwent after 9 hours and 6 mins.  Photos supplied.

The Derwent Swim official site records Debbie as the first Kiwi woman to swim the Derwent River and she was excited to share her success with fellow Kiwi swimmers. 

Congratulations, Debbie, on your wonderful achievement!

Swim facts: 
Swim name - Derwent Big River Swim (Hobart, Tasmania)
Date - 29 January 2025
Event - Solo unassisted
Distance - 34 km (36.6 km swam) 
Time - 9 hrs 06 min 29 sec
Pilot - Watts pilot service
Independent Observer - Julie Boxall 
Feeder - Stewart Germon 
Boat - Brum 


​END