This week’s episode dives deep into one of the most unpredictable and respected channel crossings in the world: Cook Strait.

From remote island circumnavigations to ice swimming in Finland, we begin with a global lap around the open water community before unpacking what makes Cook Strait such a unique test of patience, preparation and perspective.

00:00 - Intro 02:02 - 🌊 This Week In the Water We discuss:

• Dina Levicic’s 48km circumnavigation of St Helena https://www.croatiaweek.com/dina-levacic-first-circumnavigation-saint-helena

• Joanne Norman completing the Ocean Seven with her Molokai Channel crossing https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19wUGkVTPz/

• The Winter Swimming World Championships in Finland https://wswc2026.fi/

• The Coogee Jetty to Jetty 30th anniversary https://www.jettytojetty.org.au/

• The Trans Cape SwimRun in Western Australia https://www.soletrails.com.au/

13:30 - 🏊 The Main Set – Cook Strait In this episode we explore:

• Why Cook Strait has the reputation it does

• Tides, wind funnels and volatile weather systems

• Neap vs spring tides and how they affect strategy

• Wellington vs Picton as a base

• The people, pilots and swim groups who shape the culture of the crossing

Cook Strait is not just 22km of water. It is timing, trust and respect for the environment.

34:20 -💙 Weekly Wisdom – Dealing With Uncertainty Inspired by Cook Strait, we talk about:

• Managing shifting timelines and narrow weather windows

• Blocking out external noise • Trusting your team when decisions are out of your hands

• Letting go of control while staying fully prepared

Sometimes the hardest part is not the swim. It is the waiting.

58:00 -🎙 Live Q&A This week’s community questions:

• What can you do to battle salt tongue?

• What are your thoughts on the Enhanced Games?

• What are your favourite goggles?

1:01:45 -❄️ The Cool Down Words of the Week: “When nothing is sure, everything is possible.”

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