The King of the Bays this Sunday is the final event in the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series and will see upwards of 1200 people of all backgrounds take on one of 3 events on offer, from the Sovereign OceanKids to the 750m event to the 2.8km King of the Bays.

While much of the focus will be on the elite swimmers at the sharp end of the race as they chase the big prize money and overall series points, each and every one of those behind them will have their own story and their own motivation for taking part.

The Fowler family from Mt Eden are a case in point with Dad Jose swimming alongside son George (11) while the rest of the family cheer them on from Takapuna Beach. Jose had something of a mid life crisis in 2006 when he turned 40 and has not looked back since. He began training for an Ironman, lost 20kg in the process and has since gone on to complete 5 Ironman events, including Hawaii. (see www.lardman.co.nz )

"Like most people the thought of swimming 2.8kg let alone 3.8km in an Ironman was a task I never thought I'd achieve and it was great to complete the Harbour Crossing for the first time in 2006. I admit I am not the greatest fan of ocean swimming (don't like the taste of salt water), but would happily get in the water with my kids so swimming alongside George on Sunday will be special.

"George started swimming with Trent Bray swim school and moved up to squads with Central Swimming Club and has only been going on regular swim squads three mornings a week since July last year.

"He loves swimming and swims with me at Tepid Baths three mornings a week with Coach Haydn Wooley. Being the only son in the house (with two sisters), he was keen to emulate his father and complete a Sovereign Ocean Swim Series."

Jose and George will enjoy good support from the beach too with Mum Sally and Jose's daughters Estefana (9) and Prudence (5) offering encouragement. All three have completed a half Marathon - yes, including Prudence, but for now the swimming is left to the boys.

"We are both hoping to do it in less than 1hr. George is actually a faster swimmer than me, but we'll swim together on Sunday (I have arranged a chaperone for the Harbour Crossing later in the year, so we will race on our own then!)"

Jose says swimming has been great for him and for George and has plans for the girls to follow in George's footsteps just as soon as they are old enough.

"Swimming for us is huge, we tell George that as long as he swims three mornings a week, he will have a base fitness that will help him with all other sports - which it definitely does, his fitness on the rugby pitch is testament to this.

"The two girls will also be joining me at the Tepid Baths as soon as they reach Year 7. We also own a little boat and the knowledge that our kids can confidently swim in the sea is invaluable and the ocean series gives them this extra confidence (and also respect for the sea)."

Jose says the family does it all for enjoyment and lifestyle though, admitting that they are 'nothing special'.

"Having events to aim for certainly keeps you fit at all times. We are no special family, no world record holders, but we certainly enjoy sport. The kids understand what healthy foods are, watching both parents eat well they soon follow suit. The same can be said for exercise, it is important for us to set that example."

Sovereign Marketing and Communications Manager Richard Allen says the Fowler family is setting a great example for others to follow.

"This is what the series is about, everyday Kiwis taking on a challenge and if they can, doing it with family and/or friends. We live in such a great natural environment; it seems the obvious thing to do to make the most of it. The Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series is encouraging all New Zealanders to do just that and challenge themselves at the same time."

Those on the start line will each be swimming for their own reasons and to achieve their own personal goals. Former All Black Ian Jones will be amongst them, as will leading fashion designer Denise l'Estrange Corbet (World), a number of Shortland Street stars and blind swimmer Rob Matthews MBE.

The King of the Bays will also find the best swim club in the country for open water swimming. Going into the final event in the Sovereign Series, the five leading clubs are: North Shore, West Auckland Aquatics and Devonport (AKL), Howick Pakuranga (Counties Manukau) and Wharenui (Canterbury).

Swimming New Zealand's Open Water Swimming Programme Manager Philip Rush will present the inaugural SNZ Ocean Swim Top Club trophy to the winning club.

Sovereign King of the Bays

Sunday April 19

Milford to Takapuna Beach

From 9am

Full details at www.oceanswim.co.nz

Online entries accepted until midnight Thursday

Late entries accepted Saturday, 11 to 4pm, R'Toto's Beach Club, Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna