Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
Rosie Smith
Swim history before SwimTrek
Growing up in Devon, UK I spent a huge amount of time in the water; from squad swimming through school, to surf lifesaving and life guarding full time on the beaches, and racing triathlons too. I migrated to warmer climates after University, living in Western Australia ever since and working in various water related jobs including swim teaching, and kayak tour guiding, amongst many many others!
Most memorable swim moment
A 10km open water swimming race between two remote tropical islands in the company of turtles, dolphins and friendly sharks!
Top swimming tip
I find it really helpful to practice breathing every 3, 5, 7, and 9 strokes in training (only if your happy doing that!) - I find it makes me more comfortable in rough/choppy seas, if I miss taking a breath or two due to the waves. And also enjoy yourself out there! Smile at yourself swimming!
Interesting fact
I once got an award for ‘Rock Running’ the furthest distance underwater, and I’m currently working on perfecting my bubble ring technique!
Maia Brundage
Swim history before SwimTrek
As the daughter of a swim-obsessed father, it's no surprise that I fell in love with swimming! While my earliest career aspirations of mermaid/marine-biologist have yet to come to fruition, I've continued honing my skills for that future! From a young age, I began competing for my local team in Arizona. When I finally got sick of the sun, I moved to Canada to experience rain, snow, and cold water swimming. Whilst in Vancouver, I had the honour of competing for the University of British Columbia and coaching their master's team. Throughout my life I've lifeguarded, taught swimming lessons, and coached folks of all ages! My recent decision to move to Brighton to complete my teacher training was 100% based on Brighton's proximity to the sea.
Most memorable swim moment
In the pool: Competing in a 3-generation relay with my Dad, Grandad, and Aunt at US Master's nationals in 2016! In the sea: Playing tag with a friendly seal during a swim up Indian Arm in Vancouver!
Top swimming tip
To help with your head position, think about the water line being even with where your swim cap sits on your head. It should feel a little like you're swimming downhill.
Interesting fact
I've had pizza for dinner every Thursday for as long as I can remember!
Thomas Oliver
Swim history before SwimTrek
Growing up by the sea I have had an obsession with the water for as long as I can remember. I swam competivtly as a child, since transitioning to a love for open water swimming through my active involvement with Brighton's Surf Lifesaving Club. This lead me to working as a beach lifeguard on Brighton Beach for 5 seasons, where I ran lifeguard training sessions and use these skills to train up the next generation of guards at the local Surf Lifesaving Clubs. I aim to share this knowledge and passion for swimming with other like minded individuals and with a keen eye for photography a dream of mine is to travel the world capturing the beauty below the surface.
Most memorable swim moment
My most memorable swim moment was in Cebu in the Philippines. I got up early to go for a morning sunrise swim before a hectic day of travel and just 100m offshore I was greeted by a pod of whale sharks. My heart was in my chest as the huge dorsal fin sliced through the water towards me, only to be greeted by the gentle giant cursing through the water by my side!
Top swimming tip
My top swim tip is to slow down. When you stop worrying about being the quickest in your lane or the fear of the person behind you tapping your toes your swim becomes much more enjoyable and reminds me of why I got into swimming... the weightless feeling of being in the water, when you stop fighting it you learn to love it.
Ella Madgwick
Swim history before SwimTrek
Born and raised in a small beach town in NZ called Whanagamata in the coromandel peninsula. Basically lived in the sea as a kid, swimming, surfing, and sailing around the islands in the coromandel. I studied adventure tourism in Queenstown, NZ (the world capital for adventure). I worked as a swim teacher in Yorkshire, mainly teaching schools and private lessons to children in Harrogate.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Swimming in the sea around Cuba, watching all the sea life swim around me.
Top Swimming tip
Have the right swimming costume/wet suit for the season.
Interesting Fact
I love Hiking; I just completed the Tour Du Mont Blanc in August. One of the best hikes in the world!
Paul Fallows
Swim history before SwimTrek
I have been swimming from a very young age, I remember too well the early morning swim sessions before school and then the hours training after school. I enjoyed swimming competitively and spent most weekends at some kind of swim meet. In my later life I have discovered open water swimming and all that it offers. I have been so lucky with the places I have swum, the warm waters of Australia, the marine life packed waters of the Maldives, swimming in Oman with Dolpins and stingray! And closer to home swimming the length of Windermere when the lake was like a millpond with the sun on my back.
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming the length of lake Windermere. On the morning of the swim there was a mist on the lake and we couldn't see very far ahead, as I swam up the Eastern side of the lake I could see the sun creeping over the hilltop and burn off the mist. Once the mist cleared we had the most incredible conditions on Windermere, the water was like glass, so smooth and beautiful.
Top swimming tip
Relax! Stiff bodies don't swim well especially if you are swimming long distance in open water. Relax the neck and shoulders, relax the legs, gentle kicks from the hip and enjoy!
Interesting fact
I'm swimming the Channel this year.
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