I love the fact that people want to swim – whether on holiday or training for a meaningful event – and that as a SwimQuest Guide I can impart knowledge and insight deemed of value to guests in beautiful locations all over the world.

There are many and for a plethora of reasons, however, the one that consistently raises it’s head above the parapet is West Bay, Portrush, Co.Antrim. This is the raw Atlantic meeting a pure and unspoilt beach on the gorgeous North West coast of Northern Ireland just around the corner from the Giant’s Causeway. I have done this swim numerous times under the auspices of the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association (ILDSA) and it never fails to stir the soul.

Undoubtedly my IISA Ice Mile. Only the 434th officially recognised ice mile worldwide…….and before anyone asks, I have no intention of doing a second one!

I am cautiously respectful of open water, however, I am also at one with it and at peace once in it. A relationship of contradiction in which commitment gives rise to love, energy and empowerment.

To date St Klement in Croatia, Mathraki in Greece and Arisaig on the west coast of Scotland.
St Klement is an island paradise where guests mix with wild peacocks in beautiful woodland gardens. No matter what the weather, we can always find sheltered bays on this the largest of the Pakleni Islands. Our location also means we are the immediate neighbour to the historical real life Disneyesque port town of Hvar.
Mathraki off the north west coast of Corfu is an incredible location. If life had an off-switch, it would be Mathraki. This place is super special. The island is untouched by commercialism, the surrounding sea is the clearest I have ever seen and our base location is family run with endearing, emotive and beautifully traditional values.
Arisaig near Mallaig is tantamount to another world. It is hard to believe one is still in the British Isles. The purity here is remarkable. Lichens on trees seen nowhere else due to pollution and beautifully clear waters in both sea and loch. Mother Nature’s masterpiece with tranquility of circumstance to enjoy it.

I’ve just successfully completed a relay of the North Channel and now at the other end of the swimming continuum I am looking forward to Henley Swims’ Club to Pub. Thereafter, it is the IWSA World Ice Swimming Championships in Tallinn, Estonia in March 2024 and followed by a relay swim around Jersey in August 2024. An English Channel solo swim may also be on the cards if a certain unnamed pilot gets a cancellation.

All-or-Nothing

In terms of swimming most definitely skins – the sense of being at one with the water is an addictive pursuit. However, if coaching in open water I will sometimes opt for a sleeveless wetsuit. Never a full wetsuit regardless of water temperature or weather as that is a claustrophobic step too far.

Do not underestimate your ability. The support and comradery in the company of like-minded others is hugely empowering. On tour we are akin to an extended family where everyone is equal and everyone is special. The open water swimming community is unique the world over and SwimQuest distils this still further to an unequivocal finesse.

If a job is worth doing, then it is worth doing well and there is no short-cut to a place worth going.