Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
Marianne Clark
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Although I didn’t come to love swimming until relatively late, I’ve had a passion for sport and fitness since I was young and it has probably been the most consistent and enduring focus of my life. I started swimming more seriously when I took up triathlon in the early noughties and over 20 or so years I competed in the UK and abroad at all distances from sprint to Ironman distance, and also raced for the GB Age Group Team for a number of years. Through triathlon I had the opportunity to swim in some beautiful bodies of open water; lakes, rivers and coastal water and that was the beginning of my love of open water.
In 2010, after many desk-bound years working in a corporate role, I decided to combine my sporting passions with work. I moved with my family to Brighton and re-trained initially as a swim teacher and PT. Subsequently I qualified as an open water coach, triathlon coach and certified Ironman coach. I am also a qualified surf lifeguard and First Responder. I have coached for SwimTrek in Brighton since around 2021. I mainly teach and coach freestyle technique in the Endless Pool. I also lead regular open water swim groups and cold water swim courses. Along side my work for SwimTrek I train and coach swimmers and multi sport athletes for a variety of endurance events including marathon swims, Ironman and other ultra endurance events. These days I no longer race but swim purely for pleasure to enjoy the freedom and tranquillity of being in the water.
Most memorable swim moment
Completing a swim race in Lake Bala in gale force winds. It was my slowest ever 1500m by some margin! The conditions were so poor many swimmers didn’t even make it into the water and even more had to be rescued by the safety boat.
Top Swimming Tip
First - relax, then stay long, to swim smooth and strong!
Interesting Facts About Me
I used to be a lawyer . I swam my first mile at six - seemingly demonstrating a penchant for endurance events at an early age.
Madison Malherbe
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I have a rich and diverse swimming background that spans in the competitive, recreational, and life-saving disciplines. Starting as a competitive pool swimmer at age 8, I reached a national level, refining my technique, endurance, and discipline for the next 10 years. This foundation and love for the distance events transitioned into my passion for open water swimming, where I’ve embraced the challenges of natural environments and competing in the 3km, 5km and 10km at National championships. Throughout my swimming journey I have always competed in Lifesaving, achieving top 3 positions at all National championships I competed at from Age 8 to 18. Lifesaving is not only a competitive sport for me, it is a life skill which allows me to perform a voluntary service, ensuring safety in the water for myself and others. My love for the water extends to teaching, as I’m a qualified Learn to Swim Coach dedicated to helping others build confidence and skills in swimming, from beginners to those exploring advanced techniques. I thrive on the ability of combining my passion for swimming, coaching, and teaching to inspire others, blending my love for the water with my commitment to education and personal growth. Through it all, I continue to explore the beauty and adventure of swimming, both in pools and open water. However, what makes this extra special is sharing this gift with others.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
One of my most memorable swimming moments was during a swim in the Maldives, where I encountered six different hawksbill turtles, an experience the dive guide described as incredibly rare. Coincidentally, I was wearing a swim cap adorned with six little turtles, and in that moment, I felt a profound connection to these beautiful creatures. Seeing these endangered turtles in their natural habitat deepened my love and affinity for them, making this swim unforgettable.
Top Swimming Tip
Be like a jellyfish - just go with the flow. The more you relax and let the water do 'it's thing', instead of fighting it, the faster and more effortlessly you will glide.
Interesting Fact About You
I survived a Box Jellyfish sting to the forehead whilst swimming in the Maldives. This was an unknown species of Box Jellyfish to the Maldives, so the only medication they could administer was Paracetamol.
Reef Slack
Swim History Fefore SwimTrek
I have swam since the age of 5 and use to swim competitively in the pool, open water and in biathlons. In recent years I have enjoyed open water swimming for fun, regularly swimming around my home town of St Ives in the summer, and in tropical destinations around the world in the winter.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Swimming through bioluminescence in Costa Rica was a magical experience with every movement lighting up the water around me.
Top Swimming Tip
Try to disturb the water as little as possible with your hand entry and kick. The more splash you make the more energy you waste!
Interesting Fact About You
When I was younger I use to get called ‘happy to be alive boy’
Tim Chung
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I have been swimming competitively since I was 7 years old and continued through college at the University of Texas. Throughout my career, I coached multiple swim teams for athletes ages 8-15. After retiring from a 20-year career as a petroleum engineer, I now coach my alma mater’s high school swim team when I’m not guiding with SwimTrek.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
One of my most memorable moments in swimming was when my teammates and I won Mercer Island High School’s first state championship title in dramatic fashion. It was an unforgettable night—just ask me about it when we meet! To this day, my buddies and I still talk about it every year.
Top Swimming Tip
As a swim coach who has given countless private lessons, my top tip for every swimmer is to keep your head down and stretch your stroke out. Imagine you’re 8 feet tall, reaching as far as possible with each stroke to maximize efficiency and glide through the water.
Fun Fact About You
A fun and interesting fact about me is that I went from being a petroleum engineer for 20 years to coaching my alma mater’s High School swim team to guiding open-water swims with SwimTrek. I've also traveled the world extensively, monitoring humpback whales while scuba diving in the Indian Ocean and exploring big game in Africa.
Amy Caldwell
Swim History Before SwimTrek
As a youngster I swam competitively for my local swim team. Although I was never very fast, I loved being a part of the swimming community. I went on to train as a swimming teacher, and I have been teaching children to swim for the last 12 years which I love! I fell into open water swimming in 2021 when a relay team was in need of a swimmer for an English Channel swim, and I thought that seemed like a fun thing to get involved with. Since then I have completed Coniston, Ullswater and Windermere end-to-end swims and have attempted a solo swim of the English Channel.
Most memorable swim moment
In 2023 I was my friend's support swimmer during her English Channel solo. It was such a privilege to be a part of such an amazing swim and I was so, SO excited to see her land in France!
Top Swimming Tip
Ear plugs! When I first started swimming outdoors I didn't wear ear plugs because I thought they were just for people who had ear infections - wrong! I couldn't survive without them now.
Interesting Fact About You
My relay team successfully crossed the English Channel even though more than half of us had never met before. Due to the pandemic, we weren't able to train together. Now, after our big adventure, we're be bonded for life!
Oscar Porras Perez
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I was born by the sea in Spain and I started swimming and surfing in the sea at a very young age. Being in the sea is something that feels natural to me, even in challenging sea conditions. I love being in the sea and that's why I have been a beach lifeguard for 22 years. I swim in the sea weekly as I love it. Also, I have taken part in several open water events in Spain (swimming marathons, triathlons, and Aquathlons)
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Enjoying a swim session in the sea with my colleagues in rough conditions where we can test ourselves and have a nice chat afterwards with a big a happy smile on our faces.
Top Swimming Tip
If you are not sure, don't go in.
Interesting Fact About You
I love learning new things. As an example, I studied Engineering, then I worked as a beach lifeguard 22 for years in Spain, UK, and Australia, and now I'm planning on studying Emergency nursing (equivalent to Paramedic in the UK) at University.
Keith Warner
Swim History Before SwimTrek
40 Years of Ironman and other triathlons done badly! Not very good at running! 55 Years of swimming and sea kayaking in the North Sea! Looking for Luxury Now
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Supportive Swim Leg with a Friend swimming the English Channel and his training with him leading to the event! Swan the light of most English Lakes
Top Swimming Tip
Don't Race the person next to you! & Enjoy!
Interesting Fact About you
"I do truly plan as if i am going to live forever, live as if i am going to pass tomorrow!"
Orlaith Martin
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Orlaith grew up as a competitive swimmer, dedicating most of her time to training. In the summers, she transitioned to surf lifesaving, gaining experience in both pool and open water swimming. Now, she swims 3-4 times a week in her local pool and enjoys outdoor swims in a nearby quarry during the summer months.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
My most memorable swimming moment has to be one with friends during a sunset on our favourite local beach in Clare.
Top Swimming Tip
Relax, and have fun!
Interesting Fact About You
I'm currently writing a film about remote lifeguards working off the coast of Ireland.
Charles Moir
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Growing up in a small surfing town in Western Australia I started swimming lessons at our local beach. Our family joined the local Surf Life Saving Club too and we began to adventure through South West Australia searching for open water events and racing at Surf Comps. I have enjoyed teaming up with my family for Enduro swimming events like the Rottnest Channel Swim and Lake Argyle Open Water Swim. When I am not racing, I am water safety on a board, boat or kayak. Working as a swim instructor and beach lifeguard all over West Oz I have the luxury of sharing the waters with sharks, crocodiles and jelly fish. As a passionate swimmer I will spend the winter months training lengths in the pool and as summer comes around, I am back into open water swim events. These days I compete for the enjoyment of sharing the marine adventures with my friends and family and staying fit.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
The Lake Argyle Open Water Swim in Western Australia's far north is my most memorable swim. Celebrating a family birthday, we flew to the Ord River to compete as a team in the 20km fresh water, crocodile friendly event. The magic savannah, rocky outcrops and untamed wilderness contrasting the deep blue waters of the Australia's second largest man made lake. This oasis in the Kimberley we trekked through is an all time high for me.
Top Swimming Tip
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
Interesting Fact About You
I have a bachelors degree in nutrition. Which still can't help me choose ripe fruit, because I'm also a little colorblind
Nicholas Hale
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I used to swim for a local club in my youth which gave me a good grounding and allowed me to be comfortable in the water wherever I find myself. I have lived in the US, New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia and always stick to the coast so I can combine swimming with healthy doses of boating, fishing, paddle boarding, a bit of surfing. I worked as an ASA Swim Instructor and pool lifeguard at the University of Birmingham for a number of years.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Sunset swimming and snorkeling at Paniatan Island, Indonesia.
Top Swimming Tip
Think about why you are there and enjoy it!
Interesting Fact About You
I have a stream named after me in Alaska!
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