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.