There is a moment that only an outdoor swimmer truly knows—the quiet pause between strokes when the rest of the world feels hurried and chaotic. It’s the moment you realise how grateful you are to be immersed in nature, surrounded by things most people never see and rarely appreciate. Growing up on the South Coast, … Continue reading Sharing the River
Tag: Open water swimming
The Right to Swim, Venues and Safety through Education, not Exclusion
The right to swim is a powerful and often contentious topic within the open water swimming community. Across different countries, access to rivers, lakes, and coastal waters varies dramatically, shaped by cultural attitudes, legal frameworks, and safety concerns. In England, restrictions are particularly visible: many rivers and lakes are lined with signs declaring “Danger – … Continue reading The Right to Swim, Venues and Safety through Education, not Exclusion
More Than A Swim
Across the UK and beyond open water swimming communities are thriving and now offer much more than just swimming and fitness. These communities offer something that not many others do; they are spaces of connection, joy, understanding and inclusivity. One thing I love about different open water communities is their diversity. You will find marathon … Continue reading More Than A Swim
UltraSwim33.3 Montenegro 2025
What happens when you have an event team that is made up of swimmers, endurance athletes and coaches alongside a group of swimmers with goals that are determined to succeed whilst being supported by their friends and family? Answer – An UltraSwim33.3 event. This was the second UltraSwim33.3 event I had taken part in and … Continue reading UltraSwim33.3 Montenegro 2025
Cold Clarity: Why Winter Swimming Keeps Me Coming Back
For some swimmers, winter marks the off-season; a time to rest, recover, and ease off the intensity. For me, it’s the opposite. Winter is when I build. It’s when I focus on technique, speed, and strength, laying the groundwork for the open water season ahead. My goal this year was to improve my pace and … Continue reading Cold Clarity: Why Winter Swimming Keeps Me Coming Back
From the Channel to the Community
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my English Channel swim—not just the physical feat, but the emotional ripples that continue to surface. Maybe it’s the talks I give and the way I adapt them as life changes? Or is it the questions people ask that make me reflect more deeply? Im not sure but … Continue reading From the Channel to the Community
Let me tell you a story….
A story about Oona, she’s just 11 years old; she has faced many challenges and unseen fights in life. She uses a wheelchair full time. In 2023 I swam the English Channel firstly to raise awareness of swimmers with disabilities and what they can achieve with the right support. Secondly to help pay for swimming … Continue reading Let me tell you a story….
A wheely good day out…
For once, it wasn't a ridiculously early start for our adventure to London, we met at just gone 8am at the train station, there were only 2 of us going to celebrate International Womans Day. I had booked assistance in advance. We were helped onto the train and on our way to the Love Open … Continue reading A wheely good day out…
SLSC Cold Water Swimming Championships 25/01/25
It was still dark when I left home, and the roads were eerily quiet as I used my TriRide to get to the train station. I knew trains weren't running but had booked my assistance and had it confirmed that I would be put in a taxi as I can't get on the coaches they … Continue reading SLSC Cold Water Swimming Championships 25/01/25
UltraSwim33.3 – Day 4 & The Journey Home
I made it to the final day and was still able to move and stand! Gosh, I was utterly exhausted and in a lot of pain! Each day got harder to get up but actually on the final day, a small part of me was full of beans and raring to go because I was … Continue reading UltraSwim33.3 – Day 4 & The Journey Home