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Today on the podcast, we’re joined by one of the key figures in New Zealand’s open water swimming scene — Euan Ackert. A former elite pool swimmer and triathlete, Euan is now best known as the race director of the iconic 5 Bridges River Swim in Hamilton. These days he balances life as a husband, a dad to three kids, and a passionate advocate for river swimming and community-driven events. We talk about his journey from the pool to the river, what it takes to run a major swim event, and how life in the water evolves as the years go on.

Nice guy!

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Born in Ireland, Gráinne Moss discovered her love for open water early, completing the English Channel swim in 1987. Now based in New Zealand, she’s a mother of four, a respected CEO, and an endurance swimmer on a mission to swim in as many of the world’s oceans as she can.

Gráinne is the only swimmer known to have had a shark encounter while crossing the Cook Strait, a story she tells with trademark humour and humility. Passionate about cold-water swimming and Dover Channel traditions, she continues to push her limits in some of the planet’s most challenging waters.

Gráinne now holds three Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming, including both the Irish and New Zealand Triple Crowns — fitting honours for a swimmer who bridges two nations and a lifetime of adventure.

Tough Lady.

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This episode of Clever Dicks dives into the story of a man whose journey has taken him from the dance floors of Russia to the deep, cold waters of New Zealand.

Ivan Polyntcev is one of those rare people who embodies both grace and grit, always with a smiling face. A former dancer in Russia in his youth, he made the bold move to New Zealand and found a whole new rhythm — in the ocean. Since then, he’s become a dedicated open-water swimmer, taking on some of Aotearoa’s most challenging swims, including the mighty Cook Strait, Lake Taupō, and even a gruelling 24-hour solo pool swim.

When he’s not chasing his own goals, Ivan is in the water or on the boat helping other swimmers conquer their marathon dreams — offering the same encouragement and calm determination that have carried him through his own adventures.

Recently married and with an ever-growing bucket list of swims ahead, Ivan’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the power of passion — whether it’s on stage or in the sea.

Cool dude.