He's gone head-to-head with some of the most frightening and monstrous lads – yet former rugby league legend Richie Barnett is absolutely terrified of an ocean swim.

But this is exactly why he's taking the plunge. Richie will be joining mental health advocate Mike King along with All Black hall-of-famer Ian Jones, former world triathlon champion Rick Wells and international swimmer Geoff Everson for a trip of conquering their biggest fears.

Labelled the ‘Due Drop Hope Challenge' their journey will begin at Cape Reinga's lighthouse early-April – after postponing their February start-date due to weather.

They will then cycle, swim and run their way down the North Island to the Beehive to raise awareness about the struggles young people face with accessing counselling.

'It's a trip from the lighthouse to the ‘shite' house,” says Mike.

Barely swim

Mike, Richie and the team have tabled a Mount Maunganui for the Tauranga leg of the trip – members of the public can keep an eye out for them on social media and/or go watch in person.

The comedian and sporting legends will also be accompanied by polio virus survivor Karim Rostami, real estate guru Richard Hart and Auckland businessman David Mitchell on their journey.

'The athletes can all laugh at me during the day when we're exercising, and I can laugh at them when we're on-stage at night talking to people,” says Mike.

Almost one year ago, Mike says he 'could barely swim” the 25m length of his local pool.

Now, the former comedian is regularly doing 3km, and hopes to put his new skills to the test during the journey.

'Swimming is the easiest sport in the world, if you're tired, slow down, if you're sore, you're doing something wrong.”

Being given tips by swimming legend Rick Wells is something Mike used to his advantage.

He took a recording of his first freestyle swim in early-2022, which he showed to Rick.

'The first thing he said to me was: ‘Why are both arms behind you? There should
never be a time where both arms are behind you'.”

Have to

Mike now has great swimming form, and despite his bruised state after his recent bike injury, is keen to get stuck in – despite the 'constant overthinking” he is battling ahead of the upcoming challenge.

'You just have to do it. That's what this whole challenge is about. Overcoming your fears.”

For Richie, says he is most scared about the ocean swims – one of which is from Matakana Island to the Mount Main Beach. 'I'm terrified of the water, thinking about sharks is really scary,” says Richie.

Mike says the team will make the most of the Bay's shark tracking app, to help him and fellow participants feel better about the Tauranga swim.

'It's still a huge fear. I still hate every minute of swimming after all this time. I even sometimes start hearing the jaws theme song when I get into the bath.”

Mike encourages the Tauranga public to keep an eye out on social media for their Tauranga leg details, and come down to watch them.