Passion for swimming is in the genes for 10-year-old Aucklander

Hannah Milne enjoyed the three-day training camp. Photo / Simon Watts

Ten-year-old Hannah Milne had the experience of her life last year and can't wait to put it to good use in the State Capital Classic next weekend in Wellington.

Last year Milne was one of the inaugural Jetstar Super SwimSquad members after winning her age group in the State OceanKids event in Auckland.

She joined 29 other winning youngsters at a three-day training camp in Auckland in April led by New Zealand swimming legend Danyon Loader and current swimming superstar Lauren Boyle.

"I had so much fun at the Jetstar Camp - it was amazing," saidMilne.

"My goal this year is to win all of the OceanKids events that I enter and to get better at swimming longer distances. After watching mum and dad from the shore for years, it's great to be able to finally do it too. I am hoping that some of my netball teammates will swim the King of the Bays with me later in the season like they did last year."

When the starting gun fires on January 26 the Milne family from Onehunga will be among a large contingent of Aucklanders on the start line in Wellington.

Hannah's mum, Nicola, said that exercising together was great for the family. "My husband and I absolutely love swimming and we are thrilled that Hannah shares that love. I think it is important for families to take part in sport together," she said.

Hannah and her parents will be making the most of their trip to Wellington by taking a few extra days to explore the sights.

Hannah also won the State OceanKids 200m event for her age group at last month's State Bay of Islands Classic so is aiming for a trifecta in Wellington.

The State Capital Classic is the third event in the popular six-swim Ocean Swim Series that is achievable for all levels of swimmer.

Hannah's parents will be competing in the "I'm Going Long" 3.3km which will take them from Frank Kitts Park, around the iconic Pt Jerningham Lighthouse to Freyberg Beach in Oriental Bay.

Other options include the "Step it Up 1000m" or "Give it a Go 300m". Hannah will take part in the State OceanKids 200m. The shorter swims go from Oriental Bay Beach to Freyberg Beach.

Scott Rice, the State NZ Ocean Swim Series event director, said the travel around New Zealand made the series a bit different.

"Many families such as the Milnes plan their entire summers around travelling to our events."

Rice estimates that 60 per cent of series registrations overall are from Aucklanders.

State Ocean Swim

* Capital Classic, Wellington, Sunday, January 26
* La Grande Swim, Christchurch, Saturday, February 22
* Sand to Surf, Mt Maunganui, Saturday, March 22
* King of the Bays, North Shore, Saturday, April 12
* For more information or to register visit www.oceanswim.co.nz