In this week’s episode we explore some of the places that make open water swimming so special. From global swim news to personal reflections on remote swim locations, this conversation is about why swimmers are drawn to certain waters and how we choose the challenges that shape our journeys.

0:00 - Intro

1:52 - 🌊 This Week In the Water We discuss:

• The Completion of the Winter Swimming World Championships held in Oulu, Finland https://wswc2026.fi/

• Yolanda Carson completing the False Bay crossing in South Africa

• The “NEWS” swim series concept https://infinitychannelswimming.com/honour-roll/news-swim-series/

• Andy back in the pool and what happened on race day.

• The 30th anniversary of the Coogee Jetty to Jetty swim in Western Australia https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnQ3K3ABz1/

• Jay’s own experience racing Coogee Jetty to Jetty swim

• Update on Jono Ridler reaching the 1,000km milestone of his incredible endurance swim. https://liveocean.org/swim4theocean/

• Reflections on the anniversary of the Epic Swim Maui reconnaissance swim https://www.instagram.com/epicswimmaui/

15:30 - 🏊 The Main Set – Why We Swim Where We Swim

This week’s conversation focused on:

• Maui, Hawaii - the incredible water clarity, dramatic landscapes and the vibrant community

• Kununurra and Lake Argyle in Western Australia - including the remote beauty of the Ord River

• The realities of true wild swimming in remote environments.

• Montenegro, where swimmers experience stunning Adriatic coastline

35:45 - 💙 Weekly Wisdom – How to Choose Your Swim

We explored a simple decision matrix that considers four key factors:

• Personal Aspirations – Does the swim align with your personal goals or passions? Is it a location that genuinely excites you?

• Career Aspirations – Could the swim support your professional goals as an athlete, coach or content creator?

• Altruistic Goals – Does the swim allow you to raise awareness or support causes that matter to you?

• Opportunistic Factors – Are you already travelling to a location, or do you have a connection that makes the opportunity possible?

48:15 - 🎙 Live Q&A This week’s live audience question explored a big topic in the world of sport:

• What are your thoughts on the Enhanced Games?

59:20 - ❄️ The Cool Down Words of the Week:

“A man cannot step into the same river twice, because it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” — Heraclitus

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After Swim is a global online community for open water swimmers, built around conversation, shared experience and connection.