Up to 10 hardy water-skiers did not let yesterday's persistent rain put them off otherwise perfect water-skiing conditions on Lake Wanaka.
The water-skiers were among the 40 people attending Wanaka's Shortest Day water-ski and barbecue at Roys Bay from 12.30pm.
The water temperature was estimated at about 8degC, only slightly cooler than the day's high of 10degC.
"It's beautiful, really. So calm and flat," organiser Graeme Vallance said.
Mr Vallance has organised the event for about 10 years, choosing the Sunday closest to the actual day (which this year falls on Wednesday). This year's event was a fundraiser for Kahu Youth.
Bruce and his family have been been living in Wanaka for three years.
The winter experience was enjoyable but definitely cooler than what he was used to, Bruce said.
He made his wake-skate himself in about two weeks, while working part-time after school at Wanaka Fibreglass and Painting.
The board differs from wakeboards in that riders do not use bindings and must rely on balance and the grip of their shoes to stay upright.
Suitably cold inside and out, they raised $500 for the Oamaru Rowing Club in yesterday's Port FM midwinter swim at Friendly Bay.
Five couples competed in the ice cream-eating contest, one feeding the other a litre of ice cream in the fastest time. Michael Ellis and Xavier Wilson won.
Then about 50 swimmers dived into Friendly Bay for the midwinter swim, braving an 8degC outside temperature.
Apart from those with wetsuits, there were others dressed as Santa Claus, a big white bird or others in bikinis or swimming trunks.
The aim was to swim for as long as possible, but after about 12 minutes organisers started to fear hypothermia could affect those braving it out.
They then announced the first person out of the water and on to the stage on the back of a utility would win the "longest-in" prize, which was taken by Jaden Kaempfe (7), of Oamaru.
• Most people brave enough to take the midwinter plunge at Kaka Point yesterday described the experience as "invigorating".
The Kaka Point Surf Lifesaving Club received more than $100 in donations from spectators and about 40 people who bared their flesh in the 9degC air temperature and rain yesterday for the midwinter dip.
Kaka Point local Darryl Jenkinson won the hot water bottle prize for "least dressed".
While it was not his first midwinter swim, it was the first time he had taken the plunge in a mask and G-string, he said.
The prize for the "best dressed" swimmer went to Jamie Nichol, of Gore, who dressed as a blue fairy.
Event organiser Lisa Lyall said the event had been a Kaka Point Surf Lifesaving Club tradition for 50 years.
The $100 raised will go towards new equipment and club projects.
