Aussies 2024: Miller-May Berg following dad Wes and Mum Jade’s lead into surf life saving

She’s a surfer, skater, wants to be an Olympian and is ‘beyond excited’ to be following in the footsteps of her famous mum and dad by competing at her first Aussies at just 13.

Getting ready for the Surf Life Saving Nationals which are being held on the Sunshine Coast is Alexandra Headland coach Jade Berg and daughters Miller-May, 13, and Billie, 11. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Miller-May Berg doesn’t have to look far for sporting inspiration.

She’s a rising star of surfing, a skater, wants to be an Olympian and is “beyond excited’’ to be following in the footsteps of her famous mum and dad by competing at her first Aussies at just 13.

The daughter of elite ironman Wes and ironwoman Jade - both top performers on the Nutri-Grain series and professional scene in their heyday - is about to test the waters at her first Australian surf life saving championships on the Sunshine Coast this weekend.

And the young gun, who has been competing in the Joel Parko Junior Pro in the lead-in to the iconic Aussies event is “beyond excited”.

Coached by her former ironwoman star mother at Sunshine Beach surf club, Miller-May will be riding a 12-year-old board handed down to her by a cousin when she takes to the water on the opening day of the nine-day surf extravaganza which will see 8000 plus competitors racing in more than 400 different events.

Miller-May Berg, 13, is competing at the 2024 Aussies but sister Billie, 11, must wait another year or so to race. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I love surfing and skating and surf life saving,” said Miller-May, named after Australia’s first female surf life saving coach Geraldine Miller who guided Wes as a youngster growing up on the NSW south coast.

“I can drop the bird, I’m practising to do big airs and I just love being in the ocean and with all my friends in surf life saving.

“I love the board (race) the best but the iron is my second favourite. But I’m better at the board.

Jade Berg and husband Wes both represented NSW in their early careers before moving to the Gold Coats and now the Sunshine Coast to raise their family.

Ironman Wes Berg was one of the leading men in the Nutri-Grain series before his retirement.

“And I love my mum coaching me and my dad coaching me next year. That’s when I get to do patrols as well which will be really cool.”

At the 2024 Aussies, younger sister Billie will be watching on as at 11 she is too young to compete at the national championships where the youngest athlete is 12 and the oldest 87-years-young.

“Billie competed at states this year and loved it,” said Jade Berg of the second of her three children.

“To see your kids fall in love with something you love is very special.

“To see them becoming little ocean woman is very empowering and inspirational.

“It’s nice to know they will be able to take on any conditions in the surf as they get older. That they are safe.’’

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