Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
Rachel O'Riordan
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Swimming has saved my mental and physical health many times! I was always a strong swimmer, but as an adult I started club swimming in about 2017. Its been one of my main hobbies ever since, and I've trained as a swim teacher too, coaching teenagers and adults with a club in South London. I've swum Coniston, around the Scilly Isles, The Kilarrey Fjord in Ireland and done lots of sea swimming in Brighton and Bournemouth.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Swimming with my young daughters about 1k out to a rock off a beach in Croatia. They felt so brave, mustering up the boldness to go on the adventure with me. It was deep and they were scared of swimming over the deep bits. But we all did it together.
Top Swimming Tip
Swim from the hips
Interesting Fact About You
I was once on a sinking ship: The Jupiter, which sank in Piraeus harbour in 1988. I was on a school trip which should have been a cruise around some historic sites. But the ship was hit by another vessel. Myself and a classmate were on the ship when it went down. I was rescued from the water by a Greek fishing boat.
Hugo Pyett
Swim history before Swim Trek:
My history before swim trek was many years beach lifeguarding in Cornwall before moving on to running my own business as a thatcher.
Most memorable swimming moment:
Coming in 10th in the Inn to Inn swim
Top Swimming Tip:
Relax, slow down and try to flow. Technique!
Interesting Fact:
I run a full time thatching business and surf all year round in Cornwall
Nedd Lestrade
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Born and raised on the eastern coast of Dominica, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of the ocean in both what it gives and what it can take away. I learned to swim in the Atlantic Ocean where almost year-round the water is rough. Interestingly, the first job i had was a fisheries officer which quickly turned into a snorkeling guide on a tour boat. I have never looked back afterwards. I am a certified scuba, sailing instructor and commercial boat captain. I work with tour operators as a boat captain or snorkeling guide.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
This was an early morning swim on Pinneys Beach, Nevis. We were surrounded by schools of baby squids. It was a magical moment- it was the colors in their upper bodies mixed with the rising sunlight.
Top Swimming Tip
" rush slowly" enjoy the water, feel the water.
Interesting Fact About you
I climb trees.
Beverley Firth
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Coming into the swim world approx. 7yrs ago, not really being a great swimmer or with any huge goals, apart from considering competing in a triathlon at some stage! This quickly progressed from having every fear of open water to overcoming these and loving it. I therefore became a coach very quickly to help others reach the fabulous feeling that I have for the water! I now compete too.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
There has been a few and they are all because they are a huge achievement - from standing at the waters edge and getting in, to competing, to daring to swim on occasions without my wetsuit, swimming a 6km event in Wales with a group of friends, to swimming a non wetsuit 5km sea swim in Australia (getting over the fear of sharks).
Top Swimming Tip
Consider your position - check out the environment, safety and if you are feeling able.
Interesting Fact About you
I have recently being competing in the GB age group team for the past few years, coming 4th in the world in Australia (2024) in a duathlon event.
Amba Gardnir
Swim History Before SwimTrek
Growing up on the East Coast of Australia, I was lucky enough to have the ocean at my doorstep. This meant I was always in the water swimming. As a kid, I would swim laps through the week, attending Nippers and local carnivals for the Surf Life Saving Club on the weekends. I feel so grateful for this upbringing by the ocean. Acting as my humbling teacher, I learnt to respect the water and its ever changing motion. This appreciation and love remained as I got older, as I began to lifeguard, patrolling the beaches of Byron Bay and surrounds. I caught the travel bug as soon as I finished school and have always managed to work in the water. From snorkel guiding, kayak tours, and deck handing all over the Coast. I am also currently training in my freediving and hope to keep growing my understandings, gaining certifications and reaching deeper depths!
Most Memorable Swim Moment
My most memorable swim moment would have to be completing my bronze medallion alongside my older brother. Putting in all we had to that swim, board and run... with a hint of competition to beat him... I was filled with the happiness, exhaustion and satisfaction of completion... even though he got over the line first! But that joy overpowered any other feeling, because it meant that all of our training and hard work payed off, and we did it together!
Top Swimming Tip
My top swimming tip would be to stay in your own lane, to swim your own swim, and remember to be present with yourself... enjoy it!
Interesting Fact About You
I lived remotely at the Cocos Keeling Islands for a year. It was a dreamy, island paradise. Full of amazing surf spots, scuba diving, fishing and coconuts!
Angelos Symeonidis
Swim History Before SwimTrek
The journey started in 1990 , learning, competitive, teaching in many areas in Greece ,enjoing .....and still going.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Being a child ....playing and swimming with in the sea my siblings and cousins at Profitis Ilias beach house.
Top Swimming Tip
Relax and enjoy
Interesting Fact About You
calm and happy
Finn McGeever
Swim History Before SwimTrek
15 years of competitive swimming experience. I am a Tokyo 2021 Olympic Swimmer, my team obtained a qualification position for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics by placing top 16th in the world as well as placing 5th in the European Final. Placed 6th in the World in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle in the World SC Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Placed 7th in Europe in the Men’s 4x200m Freestyle in the European Swimming Championships in Serbia in 2024. I have one current Irish Senior Record in the Men's 4x200m Freestyle relay and one Prior Irish Senior Record in the Men's 400m Freestyle along with Two Irish Junior Records in the Men's 4x200m Freestyle relay and the Men's 4x50 Medley Relay!
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Representing Ireland at the Tokyo Olympic Games!
Top Swimming Tip
Your body should be a narrow tube going through water. Anything outside of that narrow tube causes resistance so make it count!
Interesting Fact About You
I enjoy cliff jumping and freediving
Hamish Newton
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I've been in the water for as long as I can remember. Swimming competitively in the pool and racing in Surf Life Saving carnivals and triathlons in my childhood. As a beach lifeguard, I'm in the ocean every shift, either swimming or out on a board. The water's my second home.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Swimming at Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Crystal-clear water, white sand, and colourful marine life beneath me. It's one of those places that makes every stroke unforgettable.
Top Swimming Tip
Slow it down, soak it up. Open water swimming isn't just about distance or speed. It’s about enjoying the experience and the environment around you.
Interesting Fact About You
In 2023, I completed a 7,000km solo road trip following the Australian coastline line from Brisbane to Perth. I made it my mission to swim in every single coastal town I stopped in. Swimming in the Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans, all within the space of a couple of 2 weeks!
Grace Lackie
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I grew up swimming competitively in the pool from age seven until my late teens. I also enjoyed Open Water and competed in National Championships as well as completing an English Channel relay crossing at fifteen.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Swimming with a pod of dolphins - in the wild - is my all time favourite.
Top Swimming Tip
Sing songs in your head!
Interesting Fact About You
At thirteen I started my own eco-friendly swimwear brand.
Poppy Morrison
Swim History Before SwimTrek
I started pool swimming in my early childhood, going to swimming lessons and competing in school comps. I moved from the pool to the ocean at the age of seven, when i started competing in swimming as a junior lifesaver (Nippers) in Victoria, Australia. This instilled in me a deep love of the ocean, and I have spent every summer since developing my ocean swimming skills and gaining lifesaving qualifications. I am now the Chief Instructor at my local surf club, and spend my time training young lifesavers in everything from Advanced Resuscitation Techniques and Bronze Medallions, to Inflatable Rescue Boat courses. I also love to swim the Pier to Pub, which is one of the largest open water swimming events in Australia. Although, rather than swimming it this year, I spent the day in a boat providing water safety for the event.
Most Memorable Swim
Seeing a turtle whilst free diving off a little island called Orpheus Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Top Swimming Tip
Speed doesn’t always equal better swimming. It’s ok to take things slow, relax and enjoy being in the water!
Interesting Fact About you
I tried to teach my dog how to surf when she was a puppy… she got as far as standing on a boogie board in the bath tub.
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