Meet our Guides
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
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.
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.
Sian Williams
Swim history before SwimTrek
I re-found my love of swimming and open water when I did my first triathlon in 2008. 6 Ironman distance events later, looking to improve my own technique and help others, I qualified as a swim coach and teacher.
Locations guided on
Montenegro, Croatia Dalmatian coast, Croatia Kornati St Kitts and Nevis, Lithuania, Burgh island, River Thames, Greek Ionian explorer, Greek Cyclades, Greek Sporades, Milos, Crete escape,Crete Discovery 10k training camp, LDT, Tenerife, Slovenia Malta and Maldives
Most memorable swim moment
This should probably be landing on the rocks in France after my Channel crossing! Other special moments include enjoying the peace, tranquility and beauty of nature in the River Dee. Spending lots of quality father-daughter time as my father kayaked for me on many of the BLDSA swims. Crying in to my goggles during the Zurich crossing when I was convinced I wasn't making any progress and of course night diving with Mantas in Hawaii.
Top tips would be
Set yourself a goal to keep you motivated to train
Stay safe! I love my red float for open water swimming
Record your progress
Interesting fact about you
My first language is Welsh. I love cooking and have a passion for locally sourced ingredients. In the winter months I love to ski.
Simon Emm
Swim history before SwimTrek
Back in the day I was a double British National 5k Open Water Champion and represented Great Britain and England in open water events. In my quest to reach the top, I swam in many locations all over Britain, competing in races from 5k to 25k and also briefly visited France as a member of an English Channel Relay team. I had a break from competitive swimming while working in London and bringing up a young family but I never lost the love for open water swimming. I often travelled for work and used to hunt out locations to swim to get my daily fix. I spent many hours in Lake Zurich with the Alps as my backdrop. These days I swim outdoors all year round be it in a pool or in open water. I now compete as a Master, anything from 50m to 10k and hold numerous county and regional records, national titles and have medalled at the Europeans and World Masters in 200m Butterfly. In 2018 I turned my back on my corporate life with the aim of simply spending more time in, on and around water. I have achieved this aim and now take great pleasure in teaching children and adults to swim. I also coach and provide water safety at events. I am passionate about swimming and I love my new life; in, on and around water all over the world.
Locations guided on
Tremiti Islands, Ionian Explorer, Dalmatian Coast
Most memorable swim moment
One very special moment was crossing the finish line first at the National trials for the 5k and, as a result, being selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Vienna. These days, more memorable moments include spending time with a great group of friends in the River Deben in Suffolk; the cold, the warmth, the laughter, the sheer joy of open water.
Top swimming tip
Listen to your body, relax and enjoy!
Interesting fact
I used to be suited and booted, working in the 'Gherkin'.
Simon Murie
A solo English Channel Swimmer and swim coach, he still guides on some of the tours himself. Continuing his swimming adventures around the world, in 2009 Simon swam across the River Volta in Ghana and broke the Australian record for swimming across the Gibraltar Straits; in 2010 he swam to the Isle of Wight. He spends a lot of his time now scouting for new SwimTrek locations.
Simon founded SwimTrek, after spending many years organising open water swimming trips for himself and others. Originally from Australia, Simon lives in the UK and prior to SwimTrek, was working overseas in the mining industry.
He was introduced to open water early by both his mother and father. His most memorable open water swim was the Hellespont in Turkey, which he first completed in 2000.
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