Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
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!
Natalie Sanders
Swim History Before Swim Trek
I have always enjoyed pool swimming for leisure and relaxation, the sensation of being in water makes me feel happy and calm. My first outdoor swim event was Hellespont for my 30th birthday, then Dart 10km, Scilly Swim Challenge and Gulf of Corryvrekan. I now enjoy all kinds of swimming - indoor pool, outdoor pool, river, lake, reservoir, sea, tidal pool, waterfall. Finding as many beautiful swim spots as possible while travelling is one of my favorite activities. My preference is for enjoying the views and looking for fish over racing.
Most Memorable Swim Moment
Managing to find the Venus Pool on the Isle of Sark.
Top Swimming Tip
Enjoy it!
Interesting Fact About you
I'm learning to play the Ukulele.
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