2008 COLE CLASSIC @ MANLY

Cole Classic 2007 Mr Average

January 10, 2008 at 1:40 pm

David Hay, winner of the 2007 Mr Average swimmer prize of a trip for two to Vanuatu to compete in the Vanuatu Ocean Swim at Port Villa flying with Air Vanuatu and staying at the Iririki Island Resort, has sent in a report of his trip...

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I always thought I was a competent swimmer with almost 30 years of ocean swimming on my resume, so I was somewhat bemused when informed I had won a 7 day adventure to compete in the Vanuatu Ocean Swim and Espiritu Santo Aore Swim, flying Air Vanuatu, for being average. Cole Classic, 2007 Mr Average is not a title that sat well.

I was determined to show all that I was above average! So a training regime was defined and executed, despite the cooling water temperature of Sydney's ocean beaches.

On arrival at Iririki Island Resort of Port Villa, I had the opportunity to participate in a Ocean Swim Master Class and Swim with the Stars over part of the course. This gave me the opportunity to improving my ocean technique as well as size up the competition. In the afternoon, some fellow competitors (some from my home of Geelong) explored the Port Villa countryside with a trek thru the tropical forest and a swim in clear waterfall pools.

Andrew Beato - David Hay - Shelly Clarke

Race day arrived. I had acclimatized to the +25 degree water temperature. I was ready to go. The swim itself was uneventful. I do not recall any discomfort as I was constantly mesmerized by the sea life and coral outcrops visible in the crystal clear blue water. At the presentation dinner, my effort was rewarded finishing 26th in the 3.2 km (55:51:00). Above Average. Shelley Clarke and Andrew Beato took out the race with Tom Sam first Ni-Vanuatu home winning the Friendship Plate and an entry to 2008 Cole Classic.

Unfortunately, I had not read my airline ticket so at 05:00 the next day I was frantically packing to make the 07:00 flight to Santo. Still it gave me an opportunity to have a look around before my fellow competitors arrived. Island Santo is a reminder of days gone by, settled by the US Forces, but then abandoned at the end of the war. We had a day trip visiting a bomber crash site, snorkeling Million Dollar Point, canoeing/swimming clear blue springs, visiting a coconut operation before tucking into some local fair at an island restaurant.

The Arore 2.6km cross channel race was tough with a strong side current that saw many competitors pushed to their left. However the support of the locals in their dugout canoes gave you strength to push thru. The presentation lunch was fantastic as everyone relived their experience.

Tony Tasavi - Walter Cole - Tom Sam - Paul McCoy

Recently, I returned from competing in the Fiji Ocean Swim, finishing 16th in the 3km (52:50) and 8th in the 10 km (03:14:38). Not bad for Mr Average!

I am thoroughly enjoying my reign as "Cole Classic, 2007 Mr Average" and NOT looking forward to handing over the mantle to this years winner (unless I win again). As an Ocean Swimming ambassador, I have been promoting the sport to anyone who would listen, all over the world and have made many life long friends..

I can't wait for 2008 Cole Classic, where Tom Sam (Ni Vanuatu), winner of the Friendship Plate, will be in attendance.

Thank you to the Cole Family for providing such an inspiring prize to the average swimmer.

Cole Classic, 2007 Mr Average is now a title I wear with pride.