Welcome to a conversation that goes far beyond distance, endurance, or athletic achievement.

In this episode, I’m joined by marathon swimmer Andy Donaldson, whose journey from Scotland to Australia has taken him across some of the most remarkable waterways on Earth and into a deeper mission shaped by community, environmental advocacy, and personal renewal.

What unfolds is not just a catalogue of extraordinary swims, but a powerful reflection on why water matters: how it heals, connects us, and can become a platform for meaningful change. From the serendipitous thread of the Thames Swim, linking campaigners, citizen scientists, and world-class athletes, to the vast sweep of Maui, Manhattan, and Ibiza, Andy shares how purposeful swimming has become a way to galvanise people around the urgent need to protect the places we love.

We examine the emotional and psychological aspects of endurance, the importance of preparation and resilience, and the simple truth that some of the most meaningful experiences start with a community uniting in service of something greater than themselves.

This episode is an invitation to see open water differently: as a space for adventure, advocacy, and deep human connection and as a reminder that when passionate people align around a shared cause, remarkable things can happen.

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In this episode, we dive headfirst into the magic of Hawaiian open water with three brilliant guests: Ryan Leong, Stefan Reinke, and Deb Kemp, a trio united by saltwater, courage, and the Aloha spirit.

What starts as a simple chat about swims quickly turns into a love letter to the ocean.

Ryan and Stefan, both seasoned Hawaiian open water swimmers and caretakers of iconic events like the Waikiki Roughwater Swim and the Double Roughwater, bring to life what makes Hawaii one of the most extraordinary swimming destinations on Earth: warm turquoise water, powerful currents, vibrant sea life, and a deep cultural sense of mana.

Deb shares how she went from cold Lake District swims to being embraced by the Hawaiian community, guided through tropical waters by masters of the craft, and overwhelmed by the spirit, culture, and generosity she found there. Her story is a reminder that when you step into the ocean with respect, it gives you something back.

The conversation drifts across:

🌊 The legendary Waikiki Roughwater and its tougher sibling, the Double Roughwater

🐬 Close encounters with dolphins, rays, hammerheads — and even a silky shark that escorted them for eight hours

🔥 The raw truth of Hawaiian conditions: currents, winds, microclimates, monthly jellyfish swarms

🏊‍♂️ Why open water swimming is about community, humility, adventure, and never being entirely in control

🌺 And how the mana, the living energy of the water, shapes every swim

It’s an episode about adventure, respect for the ocean, and the shared joy of being tiny specks moving through something vast and alive. After listening, you’ll probably — like Dave — be mentally booking a flight to Hawaii.

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In this episode, Dave talks with Annika Surry, known on Instagram as @ice_for_life_annika_surry, about her extraordinary passion for cold-water swimming and the transformative power it has had on her life.

Living near Copenhagen, Annika swims almost every day — often at sunrise — embracing the elements no matter the weather.

She shares how swimming in icy water helps her manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, calming her body and clearing her mind. What began as post-exercise dips soon evolved into a daily ritual and a source of strength, mindfulness, and joy.

The conversation spans her travels to some of the world’s most remarkable swimming locations — from the sea pools of Cornwall and the ice holes of Umeå, Sweden, to swimming among the icebergs of Patagonia and the icy seas of Iceland.

Annika describes the serenity of nature, the discipline of ice swimming without a sauna, and the sense of community among fellow “cold crazies.”

Listeners hear stories of competitions, adventures with her famous travel companion Doris the Duck, and her philosophy that swimming outdoors is as much about connection to nature as it is about endurance.

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In this very special episode of F**ing Cool Swims*, I dive into one of the most iconic open-water adventures in the UK — The Scilly Swim Challenge.

I'm joined by Dewi Winkle, co-founder of the event and John Coningham-Rolls, co-founder of SwimQuest, which now organises it. Together, they explore the origins of this extraordinary challenge, the camaraderie that keeps swimmers returning year after year, and the sheer logistical feat of guiding hundreds of people safely across the pristine waters of the Isles of Scilly.

From tides and jellyfish to laughter and late ferries, it’s a celebration of community, courage, and the simple joy of swimming in one of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just love a good story about people doing something beautifully mad, this is an episode that captures the spirit of adventure — and the magic of the sea.

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In this episode, Dave is joined by Amy Ennion — better known to many as Amy Swims — to explore the world of open water swimming and the powerful personal journey that has shaped her relationship with it.

What starts as a chat about Amy’s shift from pool swimming to ultra-marathon challenges quickly turns into a tale of resilience, discovery, and a deep emotional bond with the water. Amy shares her recent experiences of the 33.3 series in Montenegro, what it is like being the 10th person in history to swim Lake Geneva (a 72km swim), and what Loch Ness swim means to her.

Amy shares her training routines, the meditative aspects of swimming, and her fundraising efforts for bowel cancer in memory of her father. The conversation also touches on the supportive swimming community and the unique experiences of swimming in beautiful surroundings.

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Step into the wild with the first episode of F**ing Cool Swims, a podcast that explores extraordinary swims in extraordinary places. Host Dave Wallace takes us to Finland’s Oulanka River, where he joins Robson Lindberg, announcer of the legendary Downhill Swim.

What begins as a journey through pristine waters becomes a lesson in resilience, wonder, and the Finnish philosophy of LIVING WITH NATURE rather than on it. With currents that carry you like three strokes in one, the warmth of the midnight sun, and the quiet camaraderie of swimmers from around the world, this is more than just a swim. It is a reminder of why wild places matter and why they must be protected for those who follow.

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