Around twenty years ago Michael first jumped into an early “Lorne Pier to Pub” event open to amateur swimmers who like ocean swims of around 1 kilometre. Many years later he moved to the Surfcoast to live and his friend Jan, a twenty-plus veteran of the event, inspired him to dive in again.

I see Michael quite often at the Peppers Gym in Torquay, swimming, swimming, and more swimming. Last night before settling down to a relaxing game of Bridge I asked Michael about his programme for this summer.

First on the list is the Rip View Swim Classic, a 1.4 km swim with up to 1500 swimmers on 29 December 2007. Point Lonsdale SLSC is the sponsor and beneficiary of the event.

He will be in Lorne on 5 January to swim the 1200 m from Pier to Pub, the largest open water swim on the planet with a capacity of 4300 swimmers. This year’s entries are closed but keep it in mind for next year.

Closer to home for him at Jan Juc are:

	Danger 1000 Ocean Swim The Danger 1000 ocean swim will be held at the Torquay Front Beach (Cosy Corner) on Saturday, 12 January 2008. Entries now open.
	Bells Bash Cliff Run The Bells Bash 8km cliff run between Jan Juc and Bells Beach will be held on the eve of the Danger 1000 Ocean Swim on Friday, 11 January 2008. Entries now open.

Michael will give the run a miss. The swim will take care of 12 January.

A week later, on 19 January, he’s off to Anglesea for the 1200 m Rock 2 Ramp event.

Australia Day, 26 January, has Michael back on the Bellarine for the Queenscliff Blue Water Challenge. Will he make it back on time for rehearsal in the Geelong Repertory play in which he is a cast member?

Will Michael participate in the 2008 Great Ocean Swim? Will he be swum out by 9 February and give Apollo Bay a miss?

Above all, Michael makes a great contribution to surf life-saving in Victoria through his entry fees – fees that support the clubs, clubs that perform a valued community service. A vital contribution is his presence, for without him and the thousands of other Michaels and Maudes, there wouldn’t be any events.

What does he get out of it? Only his health, bragging rights, groovy tee’s and the satisfaction of making a difference!