This podcast dives into extraordinary swims in extraordinary places, celebrating the spirit of adventure, endurance, and connection to water and nature that defines open-water swimming. Each episode features in-depth conversations with swimmers, organisers, and explorers who have taken on remarkable challenges or brought people together in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring waters — from glacial lakes and wild rivers to vast oceans and hidden coastal coves.
Through their stories, we uncover not only the physical and mental challenges of swimming in such environments but also the profound sense of perspective and belonging that comes with being immersed in water.
Our guests share what drives them to take the plunge, what they’ve learned from their encounters with water, and how these experiences can transform our relationship with the natural world.
At its heart, the series is also a call to care for the places we swim. By highlighting both their beauty and fragility, we aim to inspire listeners to protect these incredible environments so that future generations can continue to find freedom, joy, and purpose in the water.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This podcast dives into extraordinary swims in extraordinary places, celebrating the spirit of adventure, endurance, and connection to water and nature that defines open-water swimming. Each episode features in-depth conversations with swimmers, organisers, and explorers who have taken on remarkable challenges or brought people together in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring waters — from glacial lakes and wild rivers to vast oceans and hidden coastal coves.
Through their stories, we uncover not only the physical and mental challenges of swimming in such environments but also the profound sense of perspective and belonging that comes with being immersed in water.
Our guests share what drives them to take the plunge, what they’ve learned from their encounters with water, and how these experiences can transform our relationship with the natural world.
At its heart, the series is also a call to care for the places we swim. By highlighting both their beauty and fragility, we aim to inspire listeners to protect these incredible environments so that future generations can continue to find freedom, joy, and purpose in the water.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Follow us on Instagram: @Fuckingcoolswims
Follow us on TikTok: @Fuckingcoolswims
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejvwallace/
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
In this episode of f@@king cool swims I explore a swim very close to my heart - The Scilly Swim Challenge. I chat with co-founders Dewi Winkle and John Cunningham-Rolls.
Discover the origins, unique setups, and the incredible community spirit behind this remarkable event. With insights on safety protocols, training tips, stunning swim routes, and the transformative experience of swimming in the pristine waters of the Isles of Scilly.
Whether you're curious about the logistics or the personal stories of endurance and camaraderie, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what makes the Scilly Swim Challenge so extraordinary.
00:00 Introduction to the Silly Swim Challenge
00:29 Meet Dewi and John
01:41 The Origins of the Silly Swim Challenge
06:16 Swim Quest's Involvement
10:31 Safety and Logistics of the Swim
13:39 The Unique Experience of the Swim
17:38 Navigating the Isles: Swim Routes and Challenges
23:10 Exploring New Swim Routes
23:53 The Pristine Beauty of the Isles
25:21 Weather Challenges and Adaptations
27:48 The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration
29:51 Training and Preparation Tips
34:41 Community and Support
37:51 Accommodating Late Arrivals
39:35 Looking Ahead to Next Year
40:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Follow us on Instagram: @Fuckingcoolswims
Follow us on TikTok: @Fuckingcoolswims
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejvwallace/
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Follow us on Instagram: @Fuckingcoolswims
Follow us on TikTok: @Fuckingcoolswims
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejvwallace/
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Follow us on Instagram: @Fuckingcoolswims
Follow us on TikTok: @Fuckingcoolswims
Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejvwallace/
Please subscribe and leave a review!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.