30th Coffs Coast Ocean Swims celebrate founder Mick Maley

THIS year, on Sunday 21 March, the Coffs Coast Oceans Swims (CCOS) will celebrate 30 years.

Thousands of Mid North Coast athletes have paddled leisurely or ploughed purposely around the ocean courses over the years, many oblivious to the man who came up with this swimmingly grand idea.

That man was Mick Maley, 73, who in the mid-90s was creating healthy events with the Life Education program, organising the triathlon club in Coffs Harbour, and hosting other activities for kids.

“I thought a Jetty swim would fit in,” Mick told NOTA.

“We have the best spot in Australia for an ocean swim that’s protected.

“It has great views for the spectators, especially on the Jetty… watching the swimmers swim around it on the 600m swim.”

The first iteration of the now iconic event was staged in 1996 as a community swim.

“It was sponsored by Quality Inn and Stocks & Hogan, both of which have continued sponsorship to this day,” Mick said.

Two-hundred swimsuited entrants took part.

Following that trial run, the Coffs Coast Ocean Swims was officially hatched in March 1997.

Mr Maley ran the event for about 18 years in conjunction with the Daybreak Rotary Club, followed by six years with Village Sports until the business relocated and the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) took over.

“We couldn’t have done it without a lot of help and the generosity of volunteers and sponsors,” he said.

Two participants who have never missed an Ocean Swims event in 30 years are Michael Tonks and Greg Swan.

Every tenth year of participation, Mick has presented them each with a garden gnome.

With their entries set in stone for this, their 30th swim, Mick promises the pair special recognition once again.

The event has also enjoyed an ongoing collaboration with The Armidale School (TAS).

TAS Head of Surf Lifesaving and Challenge Program Coordinator Jim Pennington said the school’s involvement in the Ocean Swims stemmed from a long-standing relationship with Sawtell SLSC that commenced in 1997.

The two kilometre swim serves as a qualifier for the TAS Triple Crown, an award given to those who complete designated physical challenges during their time at the school.

Last year almost 140 TAS students took part, however this year’s numbers will be impacted by the ongoing closure of Waterfall Way.

The Ocean Swims have also served as an opportunity for surf clubs to fundraise and support the event with volunteer safety crews.

Olympian Brooke Hanson’s involvement over many years has further elevated the event.

“Having Olympic gold medal winning swimmer Brooke Hansen OAM as event ambassador has been great for the event,” Mick said.

“She lifts the profile.”

Over the years local organisations and community groups too numerous to mention have got onboard to support the event, meaning more funds to share between participating local surf clubs.

Today participant numbers are usually around 500, serving as a major tourism driver.

Sometimes described as the “Godfather of Sport” in Coffs Harbour, Mick has volunteered thousands of hours to the development of sport in the region.

Mick and his wife Wendy, both lifetime members of Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club, have been heavily involved in the Ocean Swims, Running Festival, Surf Club, rugby union and many more community organisations.

“Mick and Wendy are truly outstanding members of the community,” long-time triathlete Craig Cusack told NOTA.

“Neither of them seek out the accolades, they just continue to get things done into their seventies.”

“There are many out there who know that you just can’t say no to Mick Maley; he’s a man who you want involved and by your side if you want to get things done.”

Mick and Wendy will enter this year’s Ocean Swims as part of a family team.

“Our grandchildren aged between eight and 12, our kids and their spouses [will take part],” Mick said.

“There’s 10 of us.”

Mick is looking forward to seeing the smiles of the community once more on 21 March.

“Events like the Swims, triathlon and Running Festival don’t happen unless you have great volunteers and sponsors,” he said.

“The people make it; if they go away happy it will have been worth it.”

By Andrea FERRARI