RV TRAVEL
For me , it was wonderful to have my three children , Cooper 14 , Billy 10 , and Matilda 8 , all competing for the first time together . My father , Ian , joined Cooper and I in the 600m swim , finishing second in the men ’ s 70-80-years age group and we all swam in memory of my grandfather , John Mills .
My highlight was watching Matilda swim in the John Mills- North Coast Swim Academy 300m swim . It was Matilda ’ s first Coffs swim , and she woke up on the bottom bunk of the Coromal Thrill Seeker after a night of thunderstorms saying , “ I hope it ’ s not cancelled , mum , as I ’ ve waited my whole life to do this swim with my family in memory of my GG .”
Matilda surprised herself , winning the 8-years girls race , despite being a bit worried about the waves breaking into the jetty after the storms . She said , “ I kept thinking I ’ ve got to keep going mum , I know GG would be so proud that I didn ’ t give up . I can ’ t believe I won a victory towel !”
The MU-X and Coromal Thrill Seeker were reliable companions for this trip .
Every winner got a towel – I ’ ve never seen a child so excited about a towel . Memory-making adventures alright .
As a longtime ambassador of the race , I enjoyed watching the hundreds of competitors who show up every year and have fun . I love the Coffs jetty swim ; it ’ s an iconic event and one I always look forward to . I will continue to support the swim every year and continue to encourage all our family members to have a go . Winning my age group of 40 – 50- year-olds is always a bonus , but most importantly for me it ’ s about making memories and honouring my grandfather ’ s legacy .
With both the girls victorious – Matilda and I both winning our age groups – we had the bragging rights for the week over the boys . It ’ s always nice for us to show off our girl power in our very competitive family .
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