MEET JO GOOD, SWIMQUEST GUIDE AND OWNER OF GONE FOR A SWIM.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A SWIMQUEST GUIDE?

I’d seen the SwimQuest socials and had looked at the various holidays before realising that being a swim guide was actually a job I could potentially do. It literally ticks all my boxes for everything I love about open water swimming combined with travelling, sunshine, meeting new people and having adventures. My dream job!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SWIM?

I’ve swum in some amazing places and completed some fantastic events but my most memorable is probably my first ever marathon swim – The Dart 10k. Such a fantastic (and fast!) swim in a beautiful part of the world. I always look back really fondly on this event as the start of my transition from triathlon into distance open water swimming following injury and back surgery.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Setting up my business GONE FOR A SWIM to focus on helping adults learn to swim or to overcome aquaphobia (a fear of water). It’s so rewarding to help people achieve something they never thought possible and to open up new experiences for them.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OPEN WATER?

I love being outside in the water – particularly the sea. I feel calm and centred and in the moment. It quietens my often frantic and anxious mind. It’s just a place of real happiness for me. Although I do confess to being much more of a warm, fairweather swimmer now rather than a big lover of the cold water!

WHICH SWIMQUEST LOCATIONS HAVE YOU GUIDED? WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THEM?

I’ve guided in Lago D’Orta, Formentera, Croatia and Mathraki. The format of the tours is always quite similar but the locations are so different. There are things I like about each of them. My favourite so far is Mathraki – there’s just something so magical about that island and the people.

WHAT ARE YOUR SWIM PLANS/GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR?

I’m really looking forward to running a private tour with SwimQuest in Mathraki in 2025. I’ve also been lucky enough to be asked to guide for the Maldives tour in May so I’m really excited about that. I love helping others to achieve their swimming goals so I’ll see what the next year brings.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS

Kind, loyal and smiley

SKINS OR WETSUIT?

Wetsuit

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO BOOK A SWIMQUEST HOLIDAY OR EVENT?

Do it – you won’t regret it! It can feel daunting to book a holiday with a bunch of strangers to somewhere you’ve never been but it’s such an adventure. Everything is geared towards ensuring you have a fabulous time. I love seeing all the swim smiles and friendships made on holidays.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?

If you try you might. If you don’t you won’t.

I heard this from a friend and it really resonated with me – I apply it to most situations now particularly if I’m unsure about something.