Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast SwimScape - the podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we’re chatting with a man who has helped thousands of swimmers discover some of the most incredible open water swimming destinations around the world - Simon Murie, the founder of SwimTrek.

Originally from Australia and now based in the UK, Simon’s journey into the world of swimming adventures is anything but conventional. Before founding SwimTrek, he spent years working overseas in the mining industry, while using his spare time to organise open water swimming trips for himself and others. What started as a passion for adventure eventually grew into one of the world’s best-known open water swimming holiday businesses.

Simon is also a solo English Channel swimmer and a swim coach, and he hasn’t left the adventures behind just because he founded a successful business. He still gets out there guiding some of the tours himself.

His own swimming achievements include crossing the River Volta in Ghana in 2009, setting an Australian record for swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar, and swimming to the Isle of Wight in 2010. Having travelled to around 60 countries in search of extraordinary swims, Simon now spends much of his time scouting new destinations and dreaming up the next great SwimTrek adventure.

And perhaps it all started with a simple introduction to swimming from his mum, in a local river - proof that you never quite know where a love of the water might take you.

Welcome to the SwimScape Open Water Swimming Podcast!

Send us Fan Mail

Our guest is Marcus Bristol, the new owner of the Beach Series, which takes place at Takapuna Beach over the summer. For those who know the Beach Series, you’ll know it’s about much more than just swimming. It’s about getting people outdoors, bringing communities together, and encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get involved.

Marcus has a background in events and community services, so he’s no stranger to bringing people together and making things happen. We’ll chat about his journey into event management, what attracted him to taking over the Beach Series, and what he hopes to bring to the event in the years ahead.

We’ll also get into his own swimming journey, including the experiences he’s shared in the water with his daughter — because sometimes the best part of swimming isn’t the distance you cover, but the people you share it with.

And, of course, we can’t have Marcus on the show without talking about his rather impressive love affair with Hawaiian shirts. We’re not entirely sure whether the shirts are a fashion statement, a lifestyle choice, or a permanent state of summer, but we’ll get to the bottom of that!

So, whether you’re a regular at the Beach Series, a keen open-water swimmer, or someone who simply enjoys getting out there and being part of a community, this should be a great conversation.

Let’s get into it. Welcome to the podcast, Marcus Bristol!

Send us Fan Mail

This week on SwimScape - The Podcast, we sit down with Auckland open water swimmer Troy Rangi, who shares his inspiring journey as a swimmer with special needs and how he discovered a passion for the open water.

From his first experiences in the water to becoming a regular competitor on New Zealand's open water swimming scene, Troy talks openly about what draws him back to the ocean, the challenges he has overcome, and the personal rewards that swimming brings. Troy has been a familiar face in Auckland open water events for several years and continues to be an active participant in the local swimming community.

In this candid conversation, we discuss:

• How Troy first got involved in swimming and eventually discovered open water swimming
• What he loves most about being in the ocean
• The aspects of swimming he finds most challenging
• His training routine and preparation for events
• The importance of friendship, community, and his swim mates
• The confidence, independence, and enjoyment that swimming has brought to his life

Join us for a heartfelt and motivating discussion that highlights the power of sport, inclusion, determination, and the strong bonds formed within the swimming community.

Whether you're an experienced open water swimmer, a pool swimmer looking for inspiration, or simply love hearing remarkable stories from everyday athletes, this is an episode you won't want to miss

Send us Fan Mail

For this episode of the SwimScape Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Mackay, founder and Head Coach of Auckland-based Boost Coaching.

Andrew’s own journey in endurance sport started in the swimming pool. A competitive swimmer at national level as a youngster, he eventually made the transition into triathlon — going on to race professionally between 2006 and 2009 and ultimately lining up in the professional field at the 2009 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

But perhaps the most interesting part of Andrew's story isn't what he achieved as a professional athlete.

It's what he has learned since.

Today, Andrew coaches a wide range of athletes — from people taking on their first endurance event through to experienced Ironman and triathlon competitors. And as a father of two boys, he understands the reality of trying to train seriously while also being a parent, running a business and managing everything else that life throws at you.

His philosophy is refreshingly realistic: there isn't a perfect work-life-training balance. The balance changes.

Sometimes training gets priority. Sometimes work does. Sometimes family has to come first. And sometimes you simply have to accept that you're not superhuman.

That philosophy seems to sit at the heart of what Andrew does at Boost Coaching - helping athletes build effective training around their actual lives, rather than expecting their lives to revolve entirely around training.

And then there's swimming...

Andrew has developed "The Seven Secrets to Swimming Success", a resource aimed at helping swimmers and triathletes understand why they may be struggling in the water and, more importantly, what they can do about it.

In this episode, we'll unpack those seven secrets, including:

1. There is a LOT going on in a swim stroke
Understanding the sequence of movement and breaking technique down into manageable pieces.

2. Cause and effect matters
Why fixing one part of your stroke often requires looking at something else happening earlier in the movement.

3. Swimming is dynamic
Why drills are useful, but ultimately swimming needs to become a continuous, rhythmic and flowing movement.

4. Tension kills technique
Learning the difference between swimming hard and swimming efficiently.

5. Adults can relearn coordination
Why many adult swimmers overthink the process — and how patience, repetition and the right drills can make a huge difference.

6. Breathing isn't optional — but panic is
Finding a relaxed breathing rhythm and developing confidence in the water.

7. Your feet matter
Understanding the role of kicking, body position, rotation and the kinetic chain in creating an efficient freestyle stroke.

These principles are part of the swimming philosophy Andrew applies through Boost Coaching, alongside structured training, accountability and a personalised approach to the individual athlete.

From national-level swimmer, to professional triathlete, to Ironman World Championship competitor, to coach and father of two.  This is about much more than getting faster in the water.  It’s about figuring out how to keep moving forward when real life is happening around you.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to the SwimScape Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind New Zealand’s most inspiring open water swimmers, adventurers, and endurance athletes.

Today’s guest is someone who perfectly embodies what this podcast is all about -grit, curiosity, humility, and an incredible love of the water. Jemimah Mcilroy is a Dunedin-based marathon swimmer and university student who has already achieved more than most swimmers do in a lifetime.

She’s completed an extraordinary challenge by swimming around all nine islands of Dunedin, she’s immersed herself in the world of cold-water swimming, and she’s now training for one of New Zealand’s ultimate endurance tests - the Cook Strait crossing. If you’ve seen her Instagram, you’ll know she seems to spend more time in cold water than most people spend in a warm shower.

Jem is the oldest of five kids, she’s one of those genuinely kind people who makes everyone around her feel welcome, and underneath that friendly smile is someone who is absolutely tough as nails. She has a remarkable ability to keep showing up, day after day, in conditions that would send most of us straight back to shore.

In this episode, we talk about marathon swimming, cold-water mastery, mental resilience, balancing university life with elite-level training, and what it really takes to prepare for Cook Strait.

So grab a coffee, jump in the car, or better yet, head out for a swim—and please enjoy this conversation with the incredibly inspiring Jemimah McIlroy.

Send us Fan Mail

Today on SwimScape The Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most impressive young endurance swimmers in New Zealand — Quinn Boyle from Tauranga.

Despite being early in his swimming journey compared with many marathon swimmers, Quinn has already built a résumé that most open water athletes would envy. He’s completed an Ice Mile, represented New Zealand at the Ice Swimming World Championships, conquered Cook Strait, and even taken on the brutal challenge of a 24-hour pool swim — and that’s just scratching the surface.

What makes Quinn’s story so compelling isn’t just the swims themselves, but the perspective he brings as a young athlete navigating a sport that often attracts competitors decades older than him. We’ll talk about what drives him, how he balances university life with elite endurance swimming, and what it’s like pursuing big hairy audacious goals while most of your peers are focused on completely different things.

We’ll also dive into the role his family has played in supporting and sharing the journey, because behind many great marathon swims is a great support crew, and Quinn’s is no exception.

This is a conversation about ambition, resilience, discipline, and what the future of open water swimming in New Zealand might look like through the eyes of the next generation.

Cool chat. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today on SwimScape we are heading to Rotorua to meet a swimmer whose journey is a perfect reminder that sometimes the biggest adventures start by reconnecting with something you loved as a kid.  Glyn Eason grew up with swimming in his blood. As a young swimmer, he competed seriously and developed the discipline, resilience, and love for the water that only comes from years spent chasing the black line.

But like many swimmers, life moved on… until the ocean called him back.

Fast forward to today, and Glyn has rediscovered that competitive fire — taking on some of New Zealand’s toughest open-water challenges. He joined SwimScape for the Taniwha Origin Series, pushing himself through some unique and demanding swims that tested not just his fitness, but his mindset and his ability to embrace the unknown.

Prior to that he had achieved one of the ultimate milestones in marathon swimming — completing the mighty Cook Strait crossing — and now he has his sights firmly set on one of the greatest challenges in our sport: the English Channel.

Glyn’s story is about more than kilometres swum. It’s about coming back to yourself, proving that age is no barrier, and showing that the dreams we have as kids can still be waiting for us decades later.

Send us Fan Mail

Scott Rice is a former New Zealand representative swimmer who represented New Zealand at the 1995 World University Games and the 1999 Pan Pacific Championships, before going on to found the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, Ocean Swim Fiji, and the Manu World Champs. 

But Scott is much more than an event organiser. He's a familiar voice on the microphone as one of New Zealand's leading swimming commentators, a passionate advocate for the sport, a proud dad, and someone who genuinely loves showcasing the very best of Aotearoa and the Pacific.

In this episode we talk about his journey from competitive swimmer to entrepreneur, the highs and challenges of building world-class events, why community matters just as much as competition, and what continues to motivate him after more than two decades dedicated to swimming.

Whether you've swum one of his events, perfected your own manu off the local wharf, or simply love hearing stories from people who have built something special from their passion, you're going to enjoy this conversation.

This is the story of Scott Rice.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the SwimScape Podcast — where we dive into the stories of open water swimmers pushing the boundaries of endurance, mindset, and adventure.

In this episode, we’re joined by Kiwi-born, Canada-based ultra swimmer Charlotte Brynn — a woman whose journey through cold water and long distances is defined by persistence, humility, and an ever-present smile.  

She’s failed, she’s learned, she’s returned stronger — and through it all, she never stops smiling.

Charlotte’s resume spans some of the world’s most iconic and brutal swims, including the English Channel, the 20 Bridges circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, and an Ice Mile in freezing conditions. She has also taken on New Zealand’s Lake Taupō 40km challenge, only stopped by unforgiving weather conditions.

But beyond the distances and conditions, Charlotte’s story is defined by persistence, perspective, and joy in the process. She speaks openly about setbacks, learning through failure, and why she keeps coming back to the water.

An inspiring conversation for swimmers, endurance athletes, and anyone chasing a long-term goal that refuses to come easy.

Send us Fan Mail

Today’s guest is an extraordinary woman whose story is one of resilience, purpose, and finding strength through the ocean swimming and the swim community. Kenzie's Gift was founded by Nic following the loss of her three-year-old daughter, Kenzie. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her, Nic has dedicated herself to supporting families facing childhood trauma and serious illness through the charity’s incredible work. Along the way, Nic has faced her own significant health challenges, including a heart transplant and living with Parkinson’s disease. Through it all, swimming and time in the ocean have become a source of healing, perspective, and sanity. This November, SwimScape will be hosting the 12 x 1 Mile Challenge in support of Kenzie's Gift, raising vital funds and awareness for the families the charity serves. Nic’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure, adapt, and give back, even in the face of life's greatest challenges. We're honoured to have her with us today to share her story. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today’s guest is someone who perfectly represents what’s possible when you back yourself and just start.

Kylie Frost is the driving force behind the Twisted Sisters Club here in Auckland offering coaching for swimming, biking and running. What makes Kylie’s story so relatable — and so inspiring — is that she didn’t come from a lifelong elite sporting background. She started later than most, finding her way into triathlon during Covid, like so many people who reassessed life, health, and personal goals during that time.

From those uncertain beginnings, Kylie went on to complete an Ironman — a huge achievement by anyone’s standards. But she didn’t stop there. She turned her experience into purpose, becoming a coach and building a community that supports, encourages, and empowers women to believe they can do hard things too.

Women relate to Kylie because she looks like a regular, everyday, middle-aged woman — juggling life, work, family, and commitments — yet she’s out there proving that extraordinary things are still possible. That relatability is exactly why she instils so much trust and confidence in the women she coaches. She’s walked the path herself, understands the doubts, and knows how to guide others through them.

At Twisted Sisters, it’s not about being the fastest or the fittest — it’s about showing up, supporting each other, and discovering what you’re capable of. And Kylie Frost sits right at the heart of that movement.

Send us Fan Mail

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by one of the key figures in New Zealand’s open water swimming scene — Euan Acket. 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!

5 bridges swim website

Send us Fan Mail

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

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. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today's special guest is Stacey Balich - an open-water and ice swimmer from New Zealand, a passionate educator and volunteer who swims everything from coastal crossings to sub-5°C lake swims. Stacey joins us to talk about the physical side of endurance swimming — the training, the breath, the cold — and the quieter, deeper benefits it brings to the mind including resilience, focus and calm. 

She also shares an intensely personal story: how swimming helped sustain her through a battle with bowel cancer and how getting in the water became part of her recovery and life. Expect practical tips, tough honesty, and the kind of stories that make you want to jump in the sea.  

Send us Fan Mail

This week we sit down with Auckland swimmer Dean Madsen — a man who knows what it means to push limits in and out of the water. Dean’s journey started in the world of triathlon and Ironman, where endurance and grit became part of his DNA. These days his focus is on two of New Zealand’s greatest open water challenges: the 40km Lake Taupō crossing and the legendary Cook Strait swim. 

But Dean’s story goes much deeper than training and KM's. Over the past year he’s faced a string of health battles — first a minor heart issue, then the life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Instead of stepping back, Dean has stepped up, embracing swimming as both therapy and adventure. His outlook is humble, determined, and refreshingly laid-back.

At a young 62 years old, Dean balances the seriousness of his mission with his love of the ocean, the surf, and just being a cool, grounded guy. In this conversation, we talk resilience, mindset, chasing audacious goals, and what it means to keep moving forward no matter what life throws your way.

If you would like to support his cause, please donate...

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/swimming-for-parkinsons-my-journey-my-mission

Send us Fan Mail

This chat is about a remarkable Kiwi story of grit, brains, and a touch of madness.  We welcome back Brian Gray – a Kiwi Master Swimmer with a heart as big as the Waikato River itself. Brian recently swam an astonishing 150 km's down that very river, the one he grew up beside, in honour of his dad.

It took him 24 hours straight – no sleep, battling the tide, and pushing through every obstacle nature and his own body could throw at him. From the sheer physical toll to the mental chess of staying focused, and yes, even the not-so-glamorous reality of figuring out how to go number two while still swimming – Brian holds nothing back.

This is a story of endurance, memory, and love for family, told through one of the wildest swims you’ll ever hear about. So, grab your goggles and settle in....

Brian on Instagram: @bmeister_gray

Send us Fan Mail

Today on the show we’re joined by an incredible duo – Stephen Moore and his wonderful wife Jo. Stephen, at 62, is still one of the fastest men in the water, but his story goes far beyond speed. He grew up learning to swim in the very same pool as Jo back in England – a connection that has lasted a lifetime. From ice swimming at the world championships, to weekend training sessions with the legendary Salty Dogs, Stephen has lived and breathed the sport. We dive into his nerves before a race, the mindset it takes to be mentally prepared, and the unique partnership he shares with Jo – a relationship built on understanding, support, and teamwork in and out of the water. Together, they show us that swimming is about much more than racing – it’s about resilience, community, and love. It is also evident that Jo wears the pants.... 

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we’re heading to the icy waters of Saint Bathans, where a remarkable group of swimmers braved temperatures of less than five degrees Celsius. Under the guidance of Ice Swimming President Roger Soulsby, these athletes pushed the very limits of physical endurance in one of the most breathtaking – and brutal – environments in New Zealand.

But this challenge wasn’t faced alone. Alongside the swimmers were an incredible team of water safety officers, medics, doctors, and volunteers – the unsung heroes who kept us safe, supported, and inspired throughout the event.

We’ll hear firsthand what it takes to swim in these extreme conditions, the mindset required to step into near-freezing water, and the community spirit that made it all possible.

So settle in – this is a story of courage, camaraderie, and cold water like you’ve never heard before.

Send us Fan Mail

Today we’re joined by a man whose story will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up a little. He’s a Kiwi swimmer, a fighter, a smiler, and a guy who’s learning how to navigate life with a whole lot of heart – and with multiple sclerosis tagging along for the ride.

Duncan Grant has spent years in and around the water, but these days, the real challenge isn’t the ocean – it’s the daily grind of living with MS. And yet, you’d never know it from his attitude. This is a man who shows up with a grin, cracks a joke, and still manages to outswim half the pack. He’s proof that resilience doesn’t have to be loud – sometimes it just looks like quietly showing up, again and again.

We dive into Duncan’s life, his love of swimming, how MS has shaped – but never defined – his journey, and what keeps him going even on the hardest days.

Send us Fan Mail

He’s one of New Zealand’s most loved, straight-talking comedians, a mental health advocate, and the force behind I AM HOPE – the movement that’s changing the way Kiwis think about mental health. He’s been on stages around the world, behind the mic, in schools, in parliament – and now, he’s with us… a sort of honorary Clever Dick. 

Today, we’re sitting down with Mike King – to hear not just about his journey through life, laughter, and loss – but also his evolving relationship with the ocean. From backyard swims to bold new adventures, including his decision to take part in our SwimScape 12 x 1 Mile charity swim this November – raising awareness and support for men’s mental health.

Expect laughter, honesty, a few unexpected travel stories, and a whole lot of heart. This one’s real, raw, and refreshingly Mike.

Send us Fan Mail

Hey legends, welcome back to The Clever Dicks Open Water Podcast — where we dive deep into the minds of swimmers, coaches, and salty sea legends from around the world.

Today, we’ve got an absolute ripper of a guest. She’s fast, she’s fierce, and she knows her stuff — it’s the amazing Merle Maud! Merle’s not just your average lane cruiser — she’s a certified Swim Smooth Coach, a seasoned Ironman athlete, and a passionate marathon swimmer who’s helping Aucklanders of all stripes find their stroke, build confidence, and push limits. You might know her from Swim Smooth Auckland, where she’s turning spaghetti arms into streamlined torpedoes every day.

We’re chatting race prep, mindset, marathon swims, and how to balance coaching, training, and maybe even having a life outside the water — if that’s allowed.

Buckle in and enjoy the chat with Merle Maud.

https://www.swimsmoothauckland.co.nz/

Send us Fan Mail

Shannon House Keegan is an American marathon swimmer whose open water accomplishments stretch across many different bodies of water. From the mighty SCAR Challenge, to Lake Memphremagog to Lake George, Shannon has swum through some iconic and challenging waters. And when she’s not swimming, she’s talking – as the host of Intrepid Waters, a podcast where she explores the mental, physical, and emotional depths of open water swimming with fellow aquatic adventurers.

With a heart for storytelling, and a deep love for the open water, Shannon brings a thoughtful and inspiring voice to the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a weekend dipper, or just curious about what drives someone to swim for hours on end in wild places, this episode is for you.

So grab a towel, tune in, and let’s wade into the intrepid waters of Shannon House Keegan.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we dive into the life of Peter Gibbs—a spirited adventurer from Nelson, New Zealand. Peter's journey from triathlon to the open waters of Abel Tasman National Park showcases his enduring passion for endurance sports. As a seasoned writer, he shares tales of his aquatic escapades and the vibrant community that surrounds them. Join us as we explore Peter's stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the call of the sea.

Send us Fan Mail

 After four and a half years of relentless training, countless setbacks, and a swim dream rooted in childhood memories, Mark finally conquered the mighty Cook Strait. What started off as a tribute to long summer days at the Te Awamutu Swimming Baths—run by his late father, Cor—evolved into a powerful personal journey of resilience, love, and legacy. Pushed by a deep family connection to swimming but also a desire to inspire his wife Michelle and their three young children, Mark endured 100 days across three summers waiting for the perfect conditions. When his moment came, he embraced it fully—completing the 27.6 km swim in 7 hours and 15 minutes. In this episode, we dive into the story behind the swim: the cold-water fear, the tidal heartbreaks, the support crew who stood by him, and the voice of his father echoing, “Go Mark,” as he powered across the strait. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today we’re diving into a fantastic tool designed to help everyday Kiwis enjoy our beautiful beaches more safely - Safeswim. 

Safeswim has had some bad press within the Open Water Swimming Community, but when you remember that it was built for the general public — families, casual swimmers, and anyone heading to the beach — giving clear, accessible information so you can make safe and confident decisions before getting in the water, it starts making more sense. 

The platform is constantly learning and evolving, and now it’s even better thanks to its partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand. This means more accurate and timely updates, plus an improved understanding of local conditions. One of the most valuable features is that it doesn’t just tell you if the water looks good — it gives you a list of real-time hazards at specific beaches, from strong currents to pollution alerts, helping you avoid surprises and stay safe.

Great tool, getting better and better. 

Send us Fan Mail

Today we dive deep into the mind of an extraordinary human pushing the limits of what’s possible. Our guest is not just swimming in uncharted waters — he’s owning them.

From the sun-soaked shores of Malta to the icy depths of world records, Neil Agius has redefined what it means to go the distance. A former Olympian turned ultra-endurance marathon swimmer, Neil etched his name in history with his jaw-dropping 142.3km swim around Malta — the longest unassisted, current neutral ocean swim ever recorded. No wetsuit. No flippers. Just sheer grit and ocean-sized determination.

He’s also a passionate environmental activist, spearheading the 'Wave of Change' movement to clean up our seas and inspire a more sustainable world. So whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or just someone who needs a little push to chase the impossible — strap in. Because today, we're going the distance with Neil Agius."

Cool dude too. 

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the Clever Dicks Swim Podcast, where we dive into the stories of passionate open water swimmers who push the limits of endurance and determination. Today, we’re talking to Jan Steenkamp, an inspiring swimmer based in Auckland. 

Jan’s journey in the water began in high school, but it was eight years ago when he decided to get back into the water with a mission. In one of the most ambitious feats in the world of open water swimming, Jan attempted the daunting 80km Double Lake Taupo swim. Though he didn’t finish that first try, he didn’t give up. Instead, he tweaked is approach, toned down the training and worked on his feeds, and came back two years later with his gang of mates to become just the 5th person ever to complete this incredible challenge.

Jan has proved that perseverance and the will to learn from failure can lead to greatness. Get ready for an inspiring chat about what it really takes to go the distance. 

Let’s dive in!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into the swim journey of ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler, whose relentless determination took him from a debilitating shoulder injury to one of the most awe-inspiring endurance feats in New Zealand’s waters—his 99km, 33-hour swim from Great Barrier Island to Takapuna. Jono shares the mental and physical battles he faced, from hallucinations to the discipline required to balance elite-level swimming with everyday life.

We explore the mindset that fuels such extreme endurance, the lessons learned from pushing to the limit, and what it takes to keep going when every part of you is screaming to stop. 

If you’re fascinated by resilience, ocean swimming, and the power of the human spirit, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we’re  a little late in flying the flag in support of Nick Edwards, who made a gallant effort for 13 hours swimming across this massive stretch of water called the Cook Strait, battling fierce currents, icy temps, and unpredictable conditions. 

Unfortunately the ocean was not working with Nick today and the cold and huge currents put an end to his swim. But, he was not out there swimming on his own - his swim was to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, a disease that affects thousands yet remains widely under-recognized.

Every year, over 300,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and early detection is critical. Nick’s mission is to spark conversations, push for awareness, and, most importantly, raise funds to support research and those affected.

Want to support Nick’s incredible journey? Donate now by clicking on the link below and help make a difference.

https://showup.ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/nick-edwards

Send us Fan Mail

Milton Brest is not just a businessman from Johannesburg—he’s a force of nature. A former karate athlete, he has taken on some of the world’s most extreme open-water challenges, from braving the icy waters of the Bering Strait to swimming the treacherous currents around Alcatraz and Robben Island, meeting Eskimo's and swimming at the Base Camp of Everest. Training just steps away from the legendary Ellis Park Stadium, the home of Springbok rugby, Milton is no stranger to discipline and endurance.

Beyond his incredible athletic feats, Milton has also been a bit of a mentor to me, and today, we’ll be unpacking the mindset, motivation, and life lessons behind his adventures. So, whether you're here for inspiration, adventure, or just a great conversation—stick around. This is going to be a good one!"

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 35 sees the Clever Dicks chat with a true force in the world of open water swimming, Wellington’s very own Corrina Connor. She’s conquered the relentless currents of Foveaux Strait, battled the unpredictable Cook Strait, and taken on the vast, stunning Lake Taupō - completing New Zealand’s prestigious Triple Crown of Swimming. But Corrina is much more than just an endurance athlete—she’s also a musician, a librarian, and, as anyone who knows her will tell you, an absolute lady.

From the solitude of long-distance swims to the rhythm of music and the quiet wisdom of libraries, Corrina’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the mind of a woman who thrives where others might falter.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Clever Dicks, where we dive into the stories of extraordinary athletes who have redefined their sports and inspired the world.

Today, we spotlight Mary Fisher, one of New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympic swimmers. Born with a visual impairment, Mary didn’t just overcome obstacles—she shattered records. A Paralympic gold medalist, world champion, and multiple world record-holder, she dominated the pool in events ranging from sprint freestyle to backstroke and medley, and of late, Ice Swimming and Open Water Swimming. 

Her journey began in Wellington, but her impact has rippled across the globe. From standing atop the podium in London 2012 to breaking world records at Rio 2016, Mary’s career has been a testament to resilience, skill, and determination. And beyond the pool, she’s tackled open water swimming, proving that her love for the water knows no bounds.

To top it off, Mary is one of the nicest people I know. 

Enjoy!

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we're thrilled to introduce a guest who’s taking the open water swimming scene by storm: Alex Dunkley.

Alex is a young swimmer from Auckland starting out on his open water journey and learning some of the tricks of the trade. Recently back from a swim camp in Australia, although dominant in New Zealand, Alex now knows he have massive room for further improvement. Known for his lightning speed and unwavering determination, Alex has carved a name for himself as an unstoppable force in the Ocean Swim Series. With his flowing blonde locks—that seem to have a mind of their own—and an infectious, down-to-earth attitude, he's not just a champion in the water but a true crowd favorite.

Whether you’re a fan of swimming, the ocean, or just love hearing stories of incredible human spirit, you won’t want to miss this conversation. So grab a towel, and let’s dive in—it’s time to meet Alex Dunkley!

Send us Fan Mail

Amy is the first person to swim the 29.7 miles or 48km's from San Francisco to the Farallon Island, dodging the sharks and the cold. She chats about balancing shift work as a pediatric nurse and her training, being a granny, and some of her other swims including swimming around Manhattan Island, Gibraltar Strait, North Channel and the Catalina Channel. 

Tough lady! 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jim interviews Duncan! As some of our listeners may know Duncan swims with an intellectually handicapped young Fijian swimmer, Shazeel. Duncan and Shazeel recently swam 20 km around Rangitoto island in the Hauraki coast, right next to Auckland.

We talk about what it means to be a support swimmer and how Shazeel's mum helps, gets him ready and ensures he understands as well as possible. We then talk about the practicalities of the swim, clockwise or anti-clockwise, which is best? We also talk about maybe having an Auckland mini triple crown. 1 - Round Rangi, 2 Waiheke to Okahu (the chopper challenge), 3 to be decided. Looking for suggestions from listeners.

Then we talk about going swim camping, lots of ideas, need to make it real now.

A note from Jim - I am still blown away by the effort & care that Duncan, and other support swimmers give. Let's all consider helping others to swim. It may be swimming with someone disabled, but it could be going out with someone nervous.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Duncan & Jim chat with Cameron Stanley, an ex-national swimmer and all-around great guy. Cameron's impressive swimming career saw him represent New Zealand and hold a national backstroke record, showcasing his talent in the pool. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he also set a world record for the ice 100m IM, proving his resilience in some of the coldest waters imaginable.

After his competitive days, Cameron moved into coaching, sharing his expertise and passion with the next generation of swimmers. These days, he calls Wanaka home, drawn by its stunning landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Beyond the pool, Cameron’s love for pushing boundaries has led him to incredible feats, including a 40km swim along the length of Lake Wakatipu. Whether it's taking on frigid waters in Alexandra or exploring new trails on foot, Cameron embraces every opportunity for adventure. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Laura Quilter
Laura is a competitive swimmer who has represented New Zealand at the commonwealth games and at world championships. She also represented New Zealand at surf lifesaving and was surf lifesaving sportswoman of the year in 2013.
We met Laura in Alexandra where she came down to try and set some world records in the shorter events (which she did) but the stayed on and did the 500m and 1km.
Laura is a great advocate for swimming to enjoy life and also to be the best swimmer you can.
She is active on Instagram with tips for swimmers and also runs online coach clinics.
https://www.instagram.com/auramove.nz/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Dan Abel.
Dan is a Christchurch based swimmer who runs a swim consultancy. And we cover what that means, teaching & coaching swimming, organising events/safaris and advocating for swimming where ever he can.
The talk was wide ranging covering his swimming career, his views on what is happening with swimming in New Zealand and so much more.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Colin McLeod.
Colin lives in the outer Hebrides which is part of Scotland.
He has done some amazing swims, even though the water there must be quite cold (he happily uses a wetsuit). Many of his swims are for charity, he has supported quite a few in his time. Currently he is attempting to swim the same distance as from Land's End to John O'Groats, 841 miles in under a year. I'm sure he will have completed that by the time this is released.
He also goes swim camping, basically tows a waterproof rucksack behind him and then camps with friends. Sounds fun, we must try it.

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@hebseaswimmer/featured

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3259755210733798

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Sheryl McLay.
Sheryl used to be a competitive marathon swimmer and has swum many of the great marathon swim, Cook Strait, English channel & Taupo. 
After stopping to swim competitively Sheryl carried on coaching swimmers and organising swim events.
We talk about how Covid made it too hard to continue organising events and how local/smaller events are harder to run now.
Sheryl is a life member of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and is passionate about making people safer in the water.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Ben Clavel.
We met Ben when he came over to New Zealand from Australia to swim at our Ice Swimming pool championships.
Ben hasn't been swimming for long, but already has achived more than many others.
He got started as a means to support his kids who were into swimming, and then got going in his own way.
He swam the English Channel in a relaym with almost no ocean swimming experience, and if that was not enough decided to come to NZ with one of his relay friends to try his hand at Ice swimming.
He is a really good bloke and has some great stories.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Brent Bythell.
Brent is a disbled swimmer from the top of the south island of New Zealand. We first met Brent at the St Bathans openwater ice swimming event in 2023, and later at Alexandra ice pool champs in 2024.
We talk to him about why he started cold water immersion and the road to ice swimming. (he hasn't had a hot shower in 8 years!).
But that's not all. Brent also is a world record holder and has a place in the Guinness book of world records for doing freedive swims of 62m, with no fins and no kicking. Very impressive.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episore Duncan & Jim talk to Peter Plavec.

Peter has done numerous ice swims with a number of ice kilometers and an ice mile. He gives us lots of nuggets about how he approaches cold water swimming and we talk about what it is like in Europe.

He is very active on Instragram so if you would like to see what he is up to, here's a link.
Peter Plavec on Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim speak to Ruth.
Ruth grew up in Spain, then spent some time in Chile before settling in New Zealand.
Ruthy (as most peope refer to her as) loves the pool, but took up openwater swimming in NZ with the Kohi Kippers.
Ruthy has swum Lake Taupo and the Apolima Strait, both big swims with their own challenges.
A passionate swimmer she even talked Duncan to a standstill!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Ram Barkai.
Many people will know of Ram as the founder of the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA), but there's more to Ram than that.
Before founding IISA he had done numeraous adventure swims, including a massive swim along the Orange river in South Africa over 4 years.
He organised 'freedom' swims from Robben Island at Cape Town, and even did the swim at night.
He took Duncan on his first Ice swim in South Africa, not sure he has fully recovered!
We also talk about why it is an Ice Mile, and why 5 degrees celcius was chosen.
International Ice Swimming Association

Send us Fan Mail

The New Zealand Ice swimming pool championships occured from 9 - 13 July 2024. Duncan & Jim were there (and did some swimming) and got to speak to a number of swimmers there.

We talked about our swoms, why we do cold swimming and asked others why they swim in cold water.

An interesting group of people and interesting answers.

If you want to know why people do it, or if you are curious and want to learn more then this episode is for you.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we talk to Bree while we were at the NZ Ice Swimming Championships.

Bree is a lovely, bubbly young womanwho was quite happy to challenge some older male clever dicks!

We got to speak about her swimming story and some of her other life experiences, including living in the arctic for a year.

Bree has done ice swimming and has also complete 2 of the NZ triple crown swims. She is currently training for the 3rd, te Ara a Kiwa/Foveaux Strait and is looking to raise money for shark conservation by doing it. There's a link below if you would like to support her.

We had to pay a price to do this episode, Bree insisted on putting make-up on the clever dicks, just as we were off to the prize giving for the Ice swimming champs. Pic's on Instagram.

References
RBM3 protein - involved in cold chock & hypothermia

Dream Girl by Joy Holley

Mountains to Sea, Wellington

Give a Little page for Swimming Te Ara a Kiwa for Sharks

Bree on Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Francois Lambrechts.
We talk about Francois about his start to swimming in Queenstown in a borrowed wetsuit, but ended up swimming in skins in Dunedin. Impressive as the water can get below 10C in Dunedin.
Francois has a rare disease call Charcot Marie Tooth syndrom which affects his electrical system, and in spite of this has become quite a swimmer.
He is also an active volunteer for the NZ Coastguard and is participating in this years fund raising, the Big Swim. He tells us about the swim and also lots about what the coast guard does in New Zealand.

The Big Swim
Francois page on the big swim
The Clever Dicks Big Swim page

Info on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/1245/charcot-marie-tooth-disease-type-1a

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Duncan & Jim talk to Woodie Campbell, or as we found out to Wirimu Campbell. Wiri/Woodie only started a few years ago when people at his gym convinced him to join in the swim squad.
Before that he was doing his version of a triathalon, 10 min each in the Sauna, the steam room & the spa pool!
Not long after starting to swim his sister convinced him (told him) to join them in doing the Iron Maori, a triathalon event, so he had to move to real tri's.
He is now a committed ocean swimmer and has participated in most of the NZ open water swim events.
A very engaging story, it is easy to see why he is popular with many swimmers.