Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
Neil Bowers
A relatively late convert to open water swimming, Neil has competed nationally and internationally at swimming and waterpolo, captaining the England waterpolo team to a Bronze medal in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
A qualified and experienced swim coach, Neil has built up a wealth of open water expertise over the last few years working on many Swimtrek destinations. Often to be found swimming in the cooler waters of the Lake District, North Sea and West coast of UK.
Neil Drinkwater
Swim history before SwimTrek
I have always enjoyed swimming as an adult but never competitively. After going on my first SwimTrek holiday in 2009, I got hooked on the open water and following laser eye surgery swam Lake Zurich solo 2010. After this I became a guide, but I make sure I still go away as a punter at least once a year as well!
Locations guided on
Turkey, Sardinia & Montenegro. I've also been a guest in Egypt, Malta and Croatia.
Most memorable swim moment
Getting OUT of lake Zurich at the end of my swim!
Top swimming tip
Swim when you least feel like it - you will ALWAYS feel better afterwards.
Interesting fact about you
My birthday is exactly ten weeks to the day before Christmas.
Nicky Chapman
Swim history
Six years ago, barely able to swim front crawl, I took a course to train for sea swimming with an end goal of a 1km shoreline swim and so the addiction to swimming began. Since then I've enjoyed the beauty of swims in the Lake District, Snowdonia, Angelsey and the Brecon Beacons. I have undertaken distance challenges include the Dart 10 km, Jubilee River 10 km and Henley Bridge-to-Bridge marathon of 14 km. Daily I brave the U.K. waters in Brighton as a year round 'skins' ( non- wetsuited) swimmer and tried out even more extreme temperatures (1.5 C) at the Cold Water Swimming Championships at Tooting Bec Lido this year. However, I'm never happier than in warm water and have loved my time as a Swimtrek customer. During trips to Turkey - Lycian Way, Greek Sporades and the Croatian Kornati islands, I've met fantastic people and my swimming family ever grows.
Locations guided on
River Thames, Seven Sisters, Kornati Islands, Hellespont and Lycian Way
Best swim moment
I can't pick one as there's been too many beautiful sunrises, sunsets, full moon dips, murmuration swims, Welsh waterfalls and Amsterdam canal circuits shared with wonderful swim friends to narrow it down.
Top swimming tip
Keep exploring new swimming experiences and challenges, you never know where it'll take you. There's a whole lot of fun to be had out there and great people to meet.
Interesting fact
My other water related skills include attending water births, as I'm a midwife.
Padraic Rocliffe
Swim history before SwimTrek
I began life in the water as a competitive swimmer for a range of clubs, interprovincial and national squads in the beautiful green of Ireland. Swimming has afforded me fantastic opportunities to travel, train and compete both home and abroad. I am a sprint backstroker by nature and decided to hang up my competition togs shortly after Nationals & Olympic Trials in 2012. From there I ventured in to Surf Lifesaving medalling at various meets such as Irish Nationals, German Cup and European Junior Championships. I embarked on a career in coaching in 2012 and am currently the head coach of the University of Limerick where we continue to foster skills such as commitment, work ethic, integrity and honesty in our young athletes. These skills are easily transferable, equipping swimmers to deal with the peaks and troughs of everyday life. I have a total of 8 years’ experience working as a beach lifeguard on the choppy shores of the west coast of Ireland and have completed a number of sea/lake swims over the years. Most notably I was the first person to complete an 8km crossing of Lough Mask.
Locations guided on
Milos & Crete.
Most memorable swim moment
In the summer of 2016, I was lucky enough to be offered a dream job with SwimTrek. However, soon after I was involved in a motor vehicle accident while on an exchange programme in the United States where I subsequently broke my neck, back, leg and foot. I spent a total of 12 months in recovery where I had to learn to stand, shuffle, walk, go to the toilet amongst many other facets of everyday life that we take for granted every single day. As such, my most memorable swim moment was simply getting back in to the water for the first time after many months wondering if it would ever be possible again. From there swimming has been a huge crutch to get me back to full health. It’s my life, my joy, my passion and to be surrounded by like-minded people who love the water is a dream come true. I think its fair to say I have some unfinished business when it comes to SwimTrek.
Top swimming tip
‘Success lies outside your comfort zone’
Interesting fact
I am a triplet, yes there are three Pippy’s for the price of one & I founded a charity called Shine a Light in aid of the homeless, based in Ireland.
Peter Carr
Swim history before SwimTrek
37 Seasons as a beach lifeguard in West Cornwall.
Locations guided on
Croatia Dalmatian Coast, Croatia Short Swims and Montenegro.
Top swimming tip
High elbows!
Most memorable swim moment
Accidentally stepping into deep water in a rock pool when I was 4.
Interesting fact about you
Dual nationality English/Australian due to being born in Australia
Shelli Whitfeld
Swim history before SwimTrek
At five years old I joined my first swim club in Satellite Beach Florida, the Cape Coast Swim Team. The youngest in the squad. This is because whilst my parents tried to put me in tap shoes, a tutu or tennis ‘whites;’ I preferred being naked, and in the sea playing with the starfish, turtles and dolphins. When my big brother, who was my beach buddy, joined the local swim team, my solo safety at sea was feared so I was plonked in the pool by the adults, and I learned to swim lengths and laps. Thus a long competitive swimming career started spanning 15+ years, and the continental United States of America. I was a member of eight different swim teams – with eight dramatically different coaches and teams – as a result of my father’s Air Force relocations. Swimming kept me sane and grounded. I had one constant friend, the water.
Swimming highlights include at the age of 10 breaking the minute mark in the 100m freestyle, and storming on from there to qualify for the US Olympic Trials in the 50 and 100m freestyle at the age of 12. Please don’t ask: I cannot remember my exact times! I never made it to Seoul or Barcelona, but I have swum with many exceptional people who did. I opted not to swim in competitively in college, and I changed my relationship with swimming to be social. Across the globe I used to travel for work, and I used swimming to keep me sane, again. Whatever continent I visited, I always found a colleague up for a crazy swim challenge, and boy did it beat sitting alone in a hotel room.
I am currently living in the Montagne Noire in the South of France exploring the lakes, rivers and gorges, as well as dipping down to the Mediterranean Sea on the weekends for some amazing coastal swimming. My current hobby is swimming across borders at sea.Locations guided on
Lycian Way Dalmatian Coast and Kornati Islands, Croatia Mallorca Escape River Thames
Most memorable swim moment
Keeping swimming pace at the side of a whale shark for 15-20 minutes (or a good mile) off the coast of the Isla del Espiritu Santo in Baja, California, and then stopping to watch it feed.
Top swimming tip
Always pace oneself for the distance (and make sure that you can see it with excellent goggles). The challenge of a natural sprinter like me is that we like to be bold and gun it at the beginning. Keep the adrenaline and excitement in check. It makes for a better swim result and overall experience.
Interesting fact
I am a member of the Virginia Woolf Society. Oh, and once upon a time, I was strawberry blonde.
Ricky Andrews
Swim history before SwimTrek
I started out as a competitive swimmer for Romford Town Swimming Club. I dive into their Master’s sessions every now and then when I get a few days back home. Over the last decade I’ve managed to travel much whilst working along the way. A variety of jobs eventually lead to swim guiding. Beach/ Pool Lifeguarding, Divemaster, Deckhand, Barman, Activities Manager / Assistant Manager of a Hotel, Ski Host. In 2015 I was part of the first group of swimmers to cross between Corfu and Mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea- 10.5km for Sail4cancer. In 2017 as a duo, I swam the 20km length of Kohr Asham in Oman. Very recently I’ve taken to Freediving which is holding your breath underwater.
Locations guided on
Greece- Cyclades, Sporades, Milos, Ionian and Crete. Turkey, Portugal. Sicilian Aeolean Islands, Sardinia, Tremiti.Islands, Mallorca LDT and 10km, Tenerife, Ibiza, Dalamtian Coast, Uglian and Kornati Islands. River Thames, B.V.I’s, Slovenia, Oman, Mexico, Galapagos.
Most memorable swim moment
The Greek Island of Kastellorizo. Or the Island of Meis to the Turkish. From Kas, on the Turkey trip you can get a short ferry journey across. Local boat pilots take trips to a cave on the south side of the island. On a calm day the pilots will bring the boats inside, with all guests lying down to squeeze underneath the rocks at the entrance. They often allow you a quick dip. The Blue Grotto is a cavern illuminated by the reflection of sunlight from outside which leaves a bizarre blue glow, the awe has to be experienced from the water. Swimming back to the port from the Blue Grotto in Meis has definitely been a highlight of my time with SwimTrek. On the way we’ve spotted turtles, underwater cliffs and all the while you can see Turkey or Asia across the way.
Top swimming tip
Sighting and preparation… grab some good quality goggles and look after them. Your comfort in the water is essential because you may well be in the water for some time. To save fidgeting, get a pair that you have tried and trust, plus have a spare set ready to go. When it comes to using them in the sea there will be no excuses. Give them a rinse with fresh water after every swim and defog when necessary. There are many types available now but preferably try something with a wide range of vision. You’ll see more in and out of the water which will be beneficial for speed and enjoyment.
Interesting fact
I’m a huge fan of caves. Don’t get me started on caves.
Rosie Canby
Swim history before SwimTrek
I grew up by the sea and have always enjoyed being in the water. I learned to swim with my local swimming club and competed in local and county events before moving to triathlon at the age of 11, and going on to train with the triathlon performance squad at the University of Nottingham during my studies there. I have worked as a beach lifeguard in Eastbourne for the last 6 years and always swim on my lunch break when I have the opportunity. I love visiting new places and trying new water sports when I get the chance - I have done kayaking, SUP boarding, surfing, wakeboarding, jet-surfing, and windsurfing, and next on the list to attempt are kite-surfing and white-water rafting!
Most memorable swim moment
Lifeguarding on a film set and carrying mermaids through the water (their prosthetic tails were too heavy to allow them to swim).
Top swimming tip
Make sure you familiarize yourself with the environment and understand what the water is doing before you swim somewhere new. Ask someone local if possible, as they will always know the water best!
Interesting fact
I once sprained my ankle at my desk… office work is not for me!
Sally McGrath
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I've always loved being in the water, whether I'm alone or part of a group, cold or warm water, rivers, seas, lakes, I'll be in! I was part of a swim club in Brighton from a young age and I've worked in travel for a active holiday company in Europe, swimming in some beautiful waters around the world. I've taken part in some open water swimming events, such as the Dart 10km, mostly just for fun, although
Locations Guided On
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim - Turkey, Greek Sporades
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Always taking the opportunity to get in the water, I loved swimming in the freezing cold fjords of Norway while the sun was setting into the mountains. I will never forget swimming in the last mile with Ross Edgley in 2018 after he had swim around the UK, the atmosphere in Margate was electric!
Top Swimming Tip
Swim your swim and enjoy your swim. Don't feel pressured to be going as fast as anyone else. Just work on your own stroke, make it the most efficient for you.
Interesting Fact
Once I hitchhiked on a sailing boat for 3 days along the English south coast.
Sarah Huntley
Swim history before SwimTrek
I loved swimming as a kid and remember spending most of my summer holidays in our local pool! I then swum with Hailsham Swimming Club until my teenage years. I re-discovered my love for swimming whilst at university, and played waterpolo for a few years which was great fun. I took up triathlon after graduating from university, and raced up to Half Ironman distance, before deciding to focus on open water swimming. I compete in events up to 10km and completed an English Channel relay swim in August 2018. In 2019, I went back to multi-sport, and raced in the Aquathlon Age-Group World Championships in Spain. Now, I swim for fun and just love being in open water, whatever the weather!
Locations guided on
Lake Bled Slovenia Alps & Ionian Explorer (Sivota, Greece)
Most memorable swim moment
This was during the English Channel relay swim in 2018 - I was lucky enough to be swimming a leg just as the sun was setting. It was an incredible feeling to be out in the middle of the Channel, feeling the last of the sun's warmth on a beautiful August day. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real and not an elaborate dream!
Top swimming tip
Often in swimming it can become all about racing, results and outcomes. In my day job as a sport psychologist, I encourage people to think about why they swim, and their motivation for doing so. More often than not, it's about the intrinsic enjoyment of being in the water and the physical and psychological benefits gained from spending time in nature and also in water. Sometimes, I have to remind myself just that - swimming for swimming's sake is enough of a reason to swim.
Interesting fact
I am currently converting a Mercedes Sprinter van into a new home - and look forward to spending next summer making the most of being a digital nomad - combined with guiding on a few SwimTrek trips too!
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