Doug McLaren - Gold Coast, Australia
Water has always been a calming influence. Becoming confident and mastering the technique of swimming early in life provided me enjoyment and then it provided me employment, socializing, wellness, competition and travel.
One’s early life situation, location and environment does not always provide the facilities or opportunities to develop a child’s interest, talent and skills. This was my early childhood swimming situation. But I am now a proud lifetime swimmer.
“I was born and lived for 21 years in Port Fairy, a small country seaside town in south-western Victoria, Australia, with a population of only 2500 to 3000 residents. A town with no backyard or public swimming pools. No swimming lessons, squads or group training.
“The swimming opportunities which are common nowadays did not exist in my world in the 1950s and 1960s
“But even with this situation I went through my teens indirectly and unknowingly developing confidence in swimming, through my early participation in longboard surfing.
“My self-learned swimming techniques allowed me to fully participate in the aquatic environments at my doorstep, something I continue today. A fulfilling life in swimming.”
Swimming in my hometown
“On Port Fairy’s southern side, the coastline is sheltered from the Southern Ocean by bluestone rocks stretching some 60 kilometres, providing protection for the various beaches along this stretch of Australia. Protection from large marine life (sharks), the large southern swells and the dangerous currents. The bluestone rocks created an area unique and beautiful with inner calm water closer to the sandy shoreline, allowing safe recreational swimming and scuba diving. “The main focus and sport for my community during my childhood and teenage years was the sport of Australian Rules Football (AFL). Before you could walk you had a leather football to play with, and an expectation that you would continue and do well at it. There was real status in the community if you succeeded at AFL. My friends and I loved the game, and at every chance we had we were kicking, marking and chasing that leather ball.
“But the 60’s would be an awakening for me, introducing me to surfing and surf life-saving swimming”.
On my hands and knees crawling in“PEA SOUP” . . . my first experience of formal swimming activity.
“I clearly remember, aged 5 years, my school class visiting the nearby south beach, or Pea Soup as us locals called it, for our school swim lessons. I recall an overcast day, cold darkish looking water with an abundance of kelp near the surrounding rocks and shallows. One activity was to swim out and around the teachers who were standing in knee high water, and back to the shore.
“In my first swim lesson, I walked out, around the teachers and back to the beach. My teachers weren’t impressed, “you can do better than that young McLaren” I heard. On my second attempt I crawled, knees and hands on the sandy floor with my head popped up above water. “That’s better McLaren, next time try putting your head under the water”.
“Still no mention of how to breathe when the face is submerged, no tuition, just do it. So on my third attempt, I closed my eyes, held my breath and thrashed for four to five armstrokes before lifting my face up for air. I quickly took a breath and kept repeating until I was back on land. That was my introduction to swimming lessons!
“Throughout that summer we kept returning to Pea Soup for our weekly swim class, something I started to enjoy and look forward to. During the following summers, my friends and I moved to the nearby deeper water area where a diving board was positioned. This was great fun, jumping in and swimming back to shore for hours. We were becoming competent enough to save ourselves while playing. I remember watching the older kids swimming, trying to copy them as I continued to improve my own swimming by simply copying these older kids.
“Scuba diving was a popular activity around Port Fairy and enjoyed by many along the southern rocky coastline. Swimming goggles were not yet available, so it was with the aid of a diving mask that I slowly developed a breathing technique for swimming. The diving mask helped me relax, helping me develop a breathing technique which worked for me.
“I started to become aware of my natural ability to swim well, becoming even more adventurous and exploring the South Beach area. “For the next five to six summers there were many great times simply playing with friends in the protected calm waters of South Beach. We were all becoming very confident and competent in the water.”
Woollen jumpers, no wetsuits
“On the eastern side of Port Fairy is a long sandy surf beach shaped around a bay of approximately 5.5km in length. At the southern end (known as the Little End) the waters were calm and sheltered by a rocky breakwater and river inlet, producing very small waves. At the other end of the bay was Killarney or the ‘Big End’ as we called it. ‘Big End’ was an area of larger waves as it was open to the incoming swells coming directly from the southern ocean. This beach stretch offered many wave break options, perfect for us as we explored Malibu surfing, the new sport which had recently arrived in Australia.
“The water temperature in south east Victoria is never warm. The only wetsuits available in these times were for snorkeling or scuba diving. These suits were a thick stiff material, totally unsuitable for surfing or swimming, meaning we needed to improvise by wearing woollen football jumpers which were cheap and readily available in a football minded community.
“Not perfect, but they reduced the wind chill factor during our hours of fun learning to surf. On some occasions we wore a second jumper, a short sleeve option, when extra cold wind protection was required.
“Around the ages of 11 going 12 years, I joined the local Port Fairy surf lifesaving club with two close friends. We quickly obtained the required surf bronze qualification to become full members allowing us to be active in the weekend beach patrols. The clubhouse was a simple old domed tin hut, something like a smaller aircraft hangar from the war years. Whenever we could, we would be over at our new “hang” at the east beach surf life-saving club. Best of all, the club had a supply of longboards and these new things called “Malibu’s” which members were entitled to use. The boards were long, 11 to 12 foot, wide and heavy which meant, until we grew some muscle, it took two of us to carry just one board to the water’s edge.
The large Malibu’s were not yet equipped with leg ropes (introduced later in the 60’s). After falling off, the boards would often flip over onto their top deck side and the wave would carry it away, on occasions all the way to the shoreline.
“Being new to surfing wipeouts were common. At times there was more swimming to retrieve the boards than actually surfing. The board recovery swim was a mission in itself, weighed down by at least one, at times two, water soaked woollen jumpers.
“Through the local surf life-saving club and surfing I continually developed my swimming ability, someone who enjoyed and felt at home in the aquatic environment. This love of the ocean and of swimming has remained with me since. Still today, now aged 70.
“When aged 13 years I was regularly competing in the local surf swim races at the carnivals along the local coastline. initially as a cadet (15 yrs and under grouping) and then the junior category (16 to 18 yrs olds)
“I also became a belt swimmer for the club 6-man R&R team (see photo below). Being the beltman was tough going, reminding me of swimming wearing the woollen footy jumpers but only harder. The drag of the rope was always there, being pulled by the sea swell, currents and at other times affected by kelp being trapped on the line. Such is the sport of surf lifesaving.
“I loved attending the various surf carnivals over the summer months. Travelling to the carnivals was a chance to visit other coastal towns and experience the different clubs and the different surf conditions. With the Port Fairy Surf Club being a smaller size club, on occasions we were represented only by the surf boat crew (5 members) and myself competing in the swim events, although we always made an effort to round up a small march past team to represent our town when we could.
“Many of the other clubs, situated closer to the cities of Geelong and Melbourne (Victoria) had members who trained in pool facilities within swim squads, receiving coaching, which were things I did not have. How well I matched up against these swimmers was a challenge I embraced and look forward to. Results were often a close second to one of these ‘coached’ swimmers, but on a few occasions I stood proudly at the top of the podium.
“One major highlight for me, was competing in the Victorian state surf titles in Lakes Entrance, a 1300 km round trip from home. In this race, under 15yrs surf swim, three of us were neck to neck throughout, crossing the finish line together. Although just beaten on this occasion, to be awarded 3rd in the state was a proud achievement. One I recall vividly today.”
How has swimming been part of your life, and what has it influenced?
“Apart from the sheer enjoyment and calming effect swimming has provided, swimming also gave me career opportunities.
“Aged 15 I left school to commence a five year automotive trade apprenticeship in Port Fairy. Aged 21 I was married and we decided to travel Australia for a while, settling in Queensland in 1978. I returned to work in the automotive trade but soon after decided to look for different employment opportunities. At the time I was becoming disillusioned with the quickly changing automotive trade. I looked at options to be involved with something I was more passionate about, meaning swimming and aquatics was front and centre.
“Swimming and fitness was still an enjoyable part of life so I thought let’s see where this could go. I quickly secured work at a local pool, which also provided opportunities to experience coaching children and adults for the first time.
“At the same time as working at the pool, I enrolled into night school to obtain the qualifications to advance myself in aquatic or sports club facilities..
“Over the next four years, I gained accreditation from the Australian Institute of Swimming and Recreation Centre Managements governing body. This enabled me to fully manage and operate public aquatic facilities.
“In time I became the manager for the Banora sports club, a members and guests facility connected to the Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads on the New South Wales / Queensland border.”
AIS and the Olympic Team
“One highlight when I was swim coaching and managing the Club Banora swimming facility was the opportunity to attend a camp with the Australian 1988 Olympic swim team at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Head swim coach of the AIS, Bill Sweetenham, invited a group of aspiring coaches to spend a week with the team during their preparation for the games in Seoul. This had me fully immersed in the camp coaching alongside the other aspiring coaches with the athletes being put through their preparation. This great experience was an eye-opener to how hard these elite swimmers work
“I eventually decided to move away from coaching and concentrate on a career in the general club and hospitality industry, as there was always going to be more employment opportunities in this industry, compared to the aquatic industry at the time.”
Tell us about your swimming now Doug
“For the last 43 years I have been fortunate to live on the Gold Coast (Queensland. Australia) where we are blessed with many options of safe creek estuaries inlets and beaches from the Pacific Ocean waters. “My preferred choices are the Currumbin creek estuary and the Tallebudgera creek estuary. “I try to swim five mornings per week in the open water. The Gold Coast subtropical summer season at times brings heavy rains, storms and occasionally cyclonic conditions which interrupt these open water swims, so reluctantly it’s off to the pool I go. For the majority of the year though, especially our winter months, ocean conditions are excellent ”
How does swimming make you feel?
“Swimming has always been the one positive constant in my life, which has helped maintain calmness and a balanced perspective. I have always been prone to bouts of depression and the associated anxiety. In my younger days I was very competitive by nature, but not a natural competitor, due to this often overriding anxiety that came with it. No one talked about depression and anxiousness in that era and I was often confused as to why I felt this way in my younger years. Later as an adult the openness of society to talk about depression symptoms, let me understand and come to terms with this condition, allowing me to accept and manage.
“This may help clarify why the ocean and swimming has always been a natural fit in my life. It has always helped me to realign my thoughts and maintain a positive direction.”
Photos: Doug with wife Barbara (left) Doug and life time friend Colin (right). Photo below, Barbara with daughters Jade & Karissa, and son Zane)
Do you enter Open Water events?
“Yes, proudly in the ‘Legend’ category now. Competitions provide me a target, offering me an honest incentive for training and the motivation to maintain a regular swimming routine. I am competitive by nature so it’s a good outlet for my competitive streak.. These swims are an enjoyable opportunity for mixing socially with friends and like-minded people.
“Over the recent years there has been a growing participation rate at the open water events and an enjoyable subculture.”
Doug, do you swim in a squad or receive any coaching?
“When I was in my late 50’s early 60’s I joined an adult squad, swimming four to five times per week. The squad environment was very enjoyable and a good experience, providing many friendships along the way.
“For the last 6 years though I have been training predominately solo in my preferred open water environment. This allows me greater flexibility. Depending on the ocean and tidal conditions I can choose where, when and what time of the day I swim. Training solo has also strengthened my mental approach and commitment. To swim a session without a coach or a squad group to carry you through requires learning extra personal discipline.
“In 2020 when COVID closed the local pools I had a few former pool swim buddies come and join me, once or twice most weeks, in the open water. Sharing the open water swim together is always really enjoyable”
Doug, what are your favourite swim sets?
“It seems my stroke and aerobic capacity suits distance swims.
In the estuaries my distances are generally a 200 to 300 or 400 meter crossing, depending on my starting point, and which estuary. Photos below show the Tullebudgera estuaries
In the ocean, a non-stop 3km to 4km return swim along the beach is my go-to.
When in a pool I like broken 200 or 300’s. For example a straight 300 swim then 3x100’s. I have a preference to swim five repeats in a set. I enjoy completing the 3rd repeat meaning I have less to go than already done. The 3rd repeat acts as the “hump”, from then I am on a downhill run. This “less to go than you have done” mantra is always a psychological approach which works for me.”
What are some of your best swimming memories?
“There are so many but certainly the 1960’s are always great recollections. The experience of being involved in swimming and surfing development was a unique one. I loved it.
“From early 2000 I was fortunate enough to travel around and throughout Australia for nearly five years. I experienced so many amazing places to swim, though sometimes it was a very quick swim as some Australian waterways include creatures who want to eat you. Places to be alert and wary of are the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland and far north of Western Australia.
“Australia has an abundance of beautiful and challenging coastline. Some 34,000klm’s in length and around 11,500 recorded beaches. They say, to visit all those beaches it would take 27 years!
“The Victorian and New South Wales coastline heading north have an abundance of headlands, beaches and bays which are worth seeking. There are too many to mention in this short story.”
Swimtrek guide
“I have also experienced swimming at many beautiful locations across Europe. In 2015, I became involved with SwimTrek, working as a swim guide on some of their swim adventure locations across Europe. This offered me the opportunity to visit unique places which I would not have gone to myself. The role opened up a world of new safe places for me to swim, and also for me to consider for future travels.
“This experience was fascinating, meeting, coordinating and supporting many international swimmers of different abilities coming together as a group, at the same time as they enjoy a week of swimming and exploring.
“Europe, being a lot safer than Australia, with less tidal movements and currents, no sharks or crocodiles offers numerous perfect ocean swimming spots. The water is very clear, and saltier than Australia, which I believe allows swimmers to fully relax and enjoy the experience. It is truly magical”
Places in Europe I recommend
Locations in the Adriatic sea at Kornati national marine park, Croatia
The Dalmatian coast. Croatia
The Cyclades and Ionian islands in Greece
Other stand out places to swim
In 2014, Staying at Monterosso on a swimming tour we swam village to village on the “Cinque Terre” coastline, Italy.
Visiting Turkey for Swimtrek’s annual “Europe to Asia” Hellespont and Dardanelles 4k swim near Gallipoli.
A 2k race event in Lake Como, Italy.
Ocean swimming events in Perth, Western Australia.
“I have found the events in WA are very well organised. As a swimmer you feel safe and well looked after. Their open water swimming community has a strong culture, and they swim along some beautiful beaches.
Swimming in the Lorne Pub to Pier event. A 1.2k swim with over 5000 entrants starting in age group waves. This is always a terrific event. Highly recommended.”
If a visitor came to Australia what would you recommend ?
“My backyard, in the subtropical waters of the Gold Coast, you cannot go past the Currumbin and Tallebudgera creek estuaries.”
Dive into one of the many ocean shoreline swims such as the Burleigh heads national park headland beach.
When visiting Melbourne (Victoria) and you are seeking a colder open water swim experience then try Port Fairy or Lorne.
Any bucket list for the future Doug?
“The main wish is that in 2030 I will still be swimming to the same level of routine, participation and competition that I am doing now.
“Along the way I wish to be still enjoying the open water culture, friendship, training and competing for personal well-being and enjoyment.
“COVID has affected current short term plans but in the future I would like to swim some longer open water swim challenges. Starting with 10km and gradually working up to a marathon distance. One new event in 2021 I have identified is a 21km swim on the Gold Coast.” Swim the Gold Coast
Is swimming in your family Doug?
“Having raised three children who early in their lives learnt to enjoy the water, it is now rewarding to be swimming with our three grandchildren. I regularly join in on their water activities to support them to develop their own water confidence and swimming skills. These grandchild moments give us all hours of pleasure and foster a great bonding experience. Their enthusiasm is infectious and I am so fortunate to be part of.”
Doug, some final thoughts from you?
“Through the years I have observed many young talented children, whom in their youth had access to city or larger town pool facilities which provided the opportunities to be coached and achieve very good personal competitive results. Many found great success. Elite success.
“Unfortunately, many lost their love of swimming in the middle to later stages of life.
“Maybe they were over trained, burnt out or had bad experiences which depleted their love of purely swimming or being in the water environment they once loved.
“To me, this is such a shame. I often wonder if they had had an experience like mine, would they still be connected with their swimming and finding fulfilment and pleasure, swimming in later adult life.”