Meet our Guides
Emily Matthews
Swim History Before Swim Trek
I was a County swimmer as a teenager for Sussex and have never looked back. I’ve always felt at home in the water and have worked as a beach lifeguard in Brighton and as a swim instructor in Australia for the Royal Lifesaving Society. I’m a member of the South London Swimming Club and can often be found at the Tooting Bec Lido. I have regularly taken part in open water events up and down the UK, including placing the Dart 10k last year. I also enjoy diving and have taken up Freediving; I am an advanced open water diver.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Crossing the channel between Albania to Greece is a 3km swim. This swim was out of the question (for political reasons) for many decades (many drowned trying to escape Albania’s Communist dictatorship in the 1980s) but in 2018, I took part in a small swim of 60 swimmers, undertaking the challenge to raise funds for a local children’s charity. It was remarkable to think of the new political freedoms afforded to people in the area, but equally amazing was the pure joy of feeling the waters of the Ionian on your skin and the stunning panorama of the Albanian mountains loom in the distance.
Top Swimming Tip
Sighting is important when it comes to open water success. You need to look ahead as you swim to find a fixed point in the distance; regular visual contact with this same point is essential to mitigate the power of currents or busy lane traffic. There are a few different methods of sighting effectively whilst swimming in order to conserve energy; different methods suit different people and I have learnt to adapt my own method to suit different challenges and the demands being placed on my body.
Interesting Fact
In 2013, I became Slovenia’s female high diving champion on the 10m board.
Eoin Gleeson
Swim history before SwimTrek
Ennis Swimming and Lifesaving Club, Clare Surf-Lifesaving Club, National Surf-Lifesaving Squad/Team, Swim Teacher, Assistant Lifesaving Instructor, Pool Lifeguard, Beach Lifeguard, IRB Crew/Coxain
Most memorable swim moment
Hard to choose one. One of my first memories of swimming in the ocean would have to be with my whole family including cousins, aunts and uncles. We found a small secluded bay in the Burren, just before Fanore. It was limestone rock right up to the water and limestone mountain behind us. Once we all got in with wetsuits, snorkel and mask equipped, a lone dolphin appeared. As a child I still have this memory of diving down and coming face to face with this huge animal. She came right in and circled around us gently showing affection in a playful manner. We named it Mara. But the dolphin is now known to people as Dusky. We re-visited a number of times, but that first encounter will stay with me.
Top swimming tip
If feeling tired/fatigued, slow your stroke number and increase the length of pull by stretching arms.
Interesting fact
The earth's surface is covered by roughly 70% of ocean. We as humans we have only explored or seen 5% of these vast expanses of water. Let's get exploring!
Fiona Southwell
Swim history before SwimTrek
Swam the English Channel in August 2009, the oldest woman to do so at that time. Have been a primary school teacher for 18 years. Was awarded channel swimming coach of the year 2016 and has coached and supported 2 world record swims. Holds the record for having the highest success rate for coaching solo swimmers across the English Channel.
Locations guided on
Gozo, Mallorca, Sicily, Turkey, Hellespont, Brighton Swim-days.
Most memorable swim moment
Feeling my feet touch the French beach after a 19 hour and 22 minute solo swim of the English Channel.
Top swimming tip
Keep a wide arm, spear a wave, don’t slap it! No more than a 2 to 4 beat leg-kick. Never exhale all the oxygen from your lung.
Interesting fact
In 1983, myself along with my husband introduced the concept of the Mongolian Barbecue to Great Britain and ran a successful chain of restaurants for over 30 years.
Francesco Cavaliere
Swim history before SwimTrek
I am a PE teacher and I was teaching at the University in Chieti up until 2014. I am currently a swim coach and lifeguard and I work for SS.Lazio Nuoto in Rome. I am the President and founder of ASD Swimtrekking, this year completing 20 years of activity. I have been a swimmer since I was 4 years old but I never loved to swim in pools and fresh water and I retired from the pool at 14 years old. My passion was to swim in the sea, looking to explore, and when I was an early teenager I loved to swim with my friends in the blue sea of the Eolian Islands with a mask and snorkel. At 15 I completed my first circumnavigation of Panarea and from that moment every summer was the opportunity to explore to sea beauty swimming round the islands. My first big challenge was in 1993 when I completed a 150 km coastal of all the Emerald Coast in Sardinia in 13 days. From summer 1994 to summer 2005 I completed the swim of all the Italian minor islands (all the Italian islands apart from Sicily and Sardinia) for a total of 44 islands as a solo swimmer with no boat support. In the winter of 2005 I swam around 10 island in the huge archipelago of Los Roques in Venezuela and in 2006 I swam around the island of Ithaca in Greece. I have also completed the swim of the San Bernardo archipelago in Colombia in winter 2014 and the coastal swims in the Galapagos archipelago in winter 2015.
Locations guided on
I have been guiding for Swimtrek in Sardinia since the start of that trip and as well the Aegadian islands and the Aeolian islands. This year I will also be guiding the Tremiti islands.
Most memorable swim moment
The most memorable moment was when I was swimming around Stromboli island in 1996 and there was a lava eruption combined with a thunderstorm. It was an incredible to swim in such conditions and an unforgettable scenery to experience.
Top swimming tip
Swim with a kickboard in one hand. Pull and when you enter, aim the hand for the corner of the board and reach out under the side of the board instead of for the center. This can correct some of the common mistakes of moving the hands across the body on the reach after entry.
Interesting fact
I love the sea, and swimming is an opportunity to explore marine life in a very unique way and to feel part of it.
Frank Carty
History before SwimTrek
I grew in the midlands of Ireland. I joined my local club when I was 8 and swam competitively for club and Provence until I was 18. I lived in that pool; if I wasn’t training I was lifeguarding. Between school and college I threw myself into cycling, and unfortunately a few triathlons.
When I went to college I never thought Id never go back swimming with a club. But when I saw the crew I’d be training with I couldn't resist. A good balance of swimming and socializing, a mixed bag of characters that just loved swimming. While I was in college I got my beach lifeguard qualification and I worked 5 seasons in Galway; they've got some of the most beautiful beaches like you wouldn't believe. In Galway there’s always been a good swimming scene with Blackrock diving tower being the meeting place.
Locations Guided On
Milos, Cyclades, Dalmatian Coast, Kornati, Mallorca, Sardinia, Ibiza.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
The Coosan Point swim was a 'very' local race held once a year and would bring everyone down to the shore. Those first few races gave me such a buzz I’ll never forget.
Interesting fact
In college I got a BSc in Zoology. I grew up on a farm and have a huge passion for nature and wildlife.
Giulia Negrini
Swim history before SwimTrek:
I come from a little town in the Italian Alps and, despite growing up in the mountains, I've taken up swimming since a young age and grew up being a professional swimmer. I swam competitively for over 10 years, taking part in National and International events in Italy and Europe.
At the age of 21, I had to put my swimming career aside so I decided to move abroad, in search of new adventures and simply to discover what other beautiful things there are outside a swimming pool. Since then, I've been traveling non-stop to study and work and lived in quite a few countries: Sweden, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Japan, and the UK. Now I'm finally back home in Italy for the first time in 6 years and it's quite nice to enjoy the good food again!
Locations guided on:
Emerald Coast Sardinia, Tremiti Islands
Most memorable swim moments:
In the pool: my best swim moment in the pool was when I won the gold medal at the Italian Championships in Rome, with the 4*100 medley relay. I was the backstroker in the team. I remember crying from joy for the whole 5 hours drive home after the race!
In the sea: swimming at twilight in the Emerald coast of Sardinia and watching the sunset from the water...
Best swimming tips:
Swimming is a sport of silence and imagination. Get in the water, feel its lightness. Breathe, glide and swim until the music of the water overcomes the rumor of your thoughts.
Interesting facts about myself:
When I am not in the water, I am always looking for a mountain to climb. I like the view of the sea from a mountain top.
Graham Buckley
Swim History before SwimTrek
Growing up by the sea, I’ve been in the water since a young age. I joined my local lifesaving club while at school, from which swimming and lifesaving became a big part of my life. I spent several years working as a beach lifeguard in Brighton, both on the beach and a patrol boat, and then as a Seafront Officer – managing and training lifeguards and working all year round on the seafront. I also worked for a while at SwimTrek HQ, so am pleased to be returning as a guide in SE Asia!
Locations Guided On
Tenerife, Portugal, Tremiti Islands, Lithuania, Croatia, Vietnam (soon!)
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Probably completing a channel relay swim with the SwimTrek office team back in 2016… and the many hours of winter swimming to prepare for it.
Top Swimming Tip
Make sure you understand what the water is doing and the environment you are getting in before you go in – to both keep you safe and to help you plan.
Heidi Kearsey
Swim history before SwimTrek
I really can’t remember learning to swim (was thrown in before I could walk!) and have loved it ever since. I grew up competing in the pool but it was thanks to an amazing coach that I found my love of open water swimming. After that there was nothing that could stop me from diving in rivers, lakes and ultimately the sea which is now my favourite. I recently left the Army for whom I competed in inter-service championships both in the pool and the sea. It also led me to take part in a channel relay which was a great experience. I’m also a keen water polo player, having played at club and international level, so anyone who is up for a throw about is an instant favourite!
Locations guided on
Croatia – Kornati, Montenegran Fijords
Most memorable swim moment
My first swimrun event earlier this year in St Austell, Cornwall. Crystal clear waters, stunning views and meeting great bunch of people made for perfection.
Top swimming tip
Just relax and breath then everything else will fall into place.
Interesting fact
I play French horn and violin!
Huseyin Dermis
Swim history before SwimTrek
Being brought up on the southern cost of Turkey, snorkelling, spear fishing, and swimming in the med was what I would do whole thorough the long summer, getting up at 6 am before the crowds hit the beach.
I was in my late 20's when I swam in a swimming pool for the first time.
I started swimming with a master's club when I moved to London; that was the first time I began thinking about technique. Then I came across Shaw Method which rekindled my love for swimming.
Since 2005 I have been teaching swimming in London. I started working for Swimtrek in 2010 after being on one of their trips as a guest. I loved the way we were looked after by the guides.
Locations guided on
I have guided in Sicily, learning the ropes from Maestro Francesco, Turkey, Egypt, Lake District, Mallorca Coaching, St Kitts and Nevis, and at the Hellespont swim event.
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming from the small Greek island Kastellorizo to Kas in Turkey was highly enjoyable.
Top swimming tip
It has to be relaxation, relaxation, and relaxation. Loosen up those shoulders, neck muscles, and you'll go a long way.
Interesting fact about you
As a kid, I was good at catching fish with my bare hands, honest!
John Lester
Swim history before SwimTrek
I have worked at various locations as a diver/superintendent, including the Middle and Far East and took any opportunity to swim in these places, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia. I qualified as an ASA Level 2 coach in 2000 and coached my local swimming club, also giving one to one lessons to adults in open water. I have competed in masters swimming competitions at local, UK and European level. With the growing popularity I qualified as a Level 2 triathlon coach and co founded our local triathlon club, coaching the swimmers in both pool and open water swimming.
Locations guided on
Mallorca, Oman
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming with the seals around the Farne Islands in Northumberland. Crossing the Firth of Forth as part of a Triathlon and winning 4 gold medals in Alicante at the Spanish Open Masters competition.
Top swimming tip
Practice bilateral breathing, it will pay big dividends in both stroke symmetry and the ability to change your rhythm to suit the sea conditions.
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile
Click to view profile