Meet SwimTrekker Andy, an avid open water fan from Dallas, Texas. Swimming has been a large part of Andy's life and having competed in the pool and open water from a young age, this passion has led him to meeting other swimmers from all over the world. Andy first joined us in the Cyclades in 2011 and since then has gone on to explore almost all of our Greek trips! Read on to hear why he keeps coming back to SwimTrek.
Tell us your SwimTrek story
I first came to know about SwimTrek through a friend who was organizing a trip for a number of local swimmers. Seven of us joined up to experience the Greek Cyclades trip in September 2011, and I was hooked from there. I have been a competitive swimmer (both pool and open water) for most of my life, so the chance to combine my love of the water with the opportunity to experience some of the most pristine and beautiful conditions with like minded people on a holiday was an ideal fit. Since then, I've enjoyed many other SwimTrek adventures, and plan to do as many as I can, especially since SwimTrek continues to add new locations!
What you love about SwimTrek
There is so much to love about SwimTrek - having a chance to experience new cultures and locales, bask in some of the best places to swim in the world, meet new and old friends and share in an unforgettable experience all come to mind.
What keeps you coming back
In a word - the people. I have met some of the best people from all over the world on these trips, and it is great to be able to share experiences and bond over our love of swimming, all the while enjoying the excellent hospitality of the guides and boat captains. And of course, the great food doesn't hurt either.
Favourite trip
It is very difficult to pick, as each trip I've taken has provided special memories. However, if I had to pick just one, I would say it was the Milos Explorer. The trip combines one of my favourite places: the Greek islands, with crystal clear water and brilliant blues skies, with the highlight of the trip being the day spent exploring the white cliffs and caves.
Favourite memory
There are so many fond memories, but perhaps the one that stands out is from Turkey. One of the swims on the trip is to go from the bottom of the Greek border to the Turkish shore line. It was an amazing experience to swim from one country to the other, and then to memorialize it with a group photo at the end with flags from both countries.
Which SwimTrek trip is next on your wish list
There are so many good choices, but I think the next trip will be Vietnam.
If you could create a new SwimTrek trip, where would you go?
I think a great venue would be someplace in the Pacific Islands - maybe Fiji!
