Thirteen students and a teacher from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School will take part in this year’s South 32 Rottnest Channel Swim.

This will be the 23rd year that the School has participated in the swim. Of the 13 students that will compete, there are a mix of novice and experienced competitors. After months of training, there is a mixture of excitement and nervousness among the swimmers as the Swim draws closer.

“I am excited but also a little nervous. Think this will be a good experience and I am really looking forward to it,” said first-time swimmer, Indi Perry-Vaughan, Year 11.

Fellow teammate and also first-time swimmer, Phoebe Harris, Year 10 agreed with Indi saying, “With the Swim approaching, I am beginning to feel a bit nervous about it and the challenge it will present. However, I am also really excited and eager to get in the water and have a chance to experience something I have never experienced before. I am extremely grateful that our School is able to give us the opportunity to swim in this event.”

“My goals for the swim are to do my best, keep at a steady pace, hope to finish before the wind changes and to make the most out of this experience as it is not something that is easy to get into. I feel that I have prepared well for this event, training twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with additional time trials in Koombana bay on the weekends. Ms Ferrier and Mr Marshall have trained us well, and I feel very prepared,” added Phoebe.

For Year 10 student, Scarlett Riddle, this will be her second year competing. Her debut in the swim was as part of a team of four, and after a fantastic experience, she has decided to challenge herself this year by doing the swim as a duo instead.

“Last year I found the team swim reasonably easy and was up for more of a challenge. My dad has also had experience with the Swim and recommended I try a duo because he thought I would find it fun,” said Scarlett.

“My overall goal for the Swim is to make it to the end. The weather can be so unpredictable, and a bad day can make the whole day ten times harder. Training has ramped up over the past year in general due to State and National competitions, and at times I have forgotten that I was even competing in the upcoming Rottnest Swim! However, I feel more ready then ever and I cannot wait for the challenge.”

The students are very appreciative of the support from the School community, with many staff, parents and past families providing boating, kayaking and moral support on the day.