Meet our Guides
Meet the fantastic team of guides who bring your SwimTrek experience to life.
Ricky Andrews
Swim history before SwimTrek
I started out as a competitive swimmer for Romford Town Swimming Club. I dive into their Master’s sessions every now and then when I get a few days back home. Over the last decade I’ve managed to travel much whilst working along the way. A variety of jobs eventually lead to swim guiding. Beach/ Pool Lifeguarding, Divemaster, Deckhand, Barman, Activities Manager / Assistant Manager of a Hotel, Ski Host. In 2015 I was part of the first group of swimmers to cross between Corfu and Mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea- 10.5km for Sail4cancer. In 2017 as a duo, I swam the 20km length of Kohr Asham in Oman. Very recently I’ve taken to Freediving which is holding your breath underwater.
Locations guided on
Greece- Cyclades, Sporades, Milos, Ionian and Crete. Turkey, Portugal. Sicilian Aeolean Islands, Sardinia, Tremiti.Islands, Mallorca LDT and 10km, Tenerife, Ibiza, Dalamtian Coast, Uglian and Kornati Islands. River Thames, B.V.I’s, Slovenia, Oman, Mexico, Galapagos.
Most memorable swim moment
The Greek Island of Kastellorizo. Or the Island of Meis to the Turkish. From Kas, on the Turkey trip you can get a short ferry journey across. Local boat pilots take trips to a cave on the south side of the island. On a calm day the pilots will bring the boats inside, with all guests lying down to squeeze underneath the rocks at the entrance. They often allow you a quick dip. The Blue Grotto is a cavern illuminated by the reflection of sunlight from outside which leaves a bizarre blue glow, the awe has to be experienced from the water. Swimming back to the port from the Blue Grotto in Meis has definitely been a highlight of my time with SwimTrek. On the way we’ve spotted turtles, underwater cliffs and all the while you can see Turkey or Asia across the way.
Top swimming tip
Sighting and preparation… grab some good quality goggles and look after them. Your comfort in the water is essential because you may well be in the water for some time. To save fidgeting, get a pair that you have tried and trust, plus have a spare set ready to go. When it comes to using them in the sea there will be no excuses. Give them a rinse with fresh water after every swim and defog when necessary. There are many types available now but preferably try something with a wide range of vision. You’ll see more in and out of the water which will be beneficial for speed and enjoyment.
Interesting fact
I’m a huge fan of caves. Don’t get me started on caves.
Shaun Challis
Swim history before SwimTrek
As a kid all I did was swim! Competing for Brighton and Sussex in the pool and open water led me to Masters swimming as an adult where I have broken several British, European and a World record in Masters relay events in the pool. I qualified for the GB age group team 5 years ago and have been competing for GB in aquathlon ever since, medalling at both European and world championships. I continue to compete in masters swimming, swimrun, surf lifesaving and anything else water related I can find! I have been coaching swimming, SUP and beach lifeguarding for several years, my passion is in the water!
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming at the aquathlon world champs off an island in Denmark, on the start line about to dive in there were thousands of jellyfish in the water, so many they were almost touching each other. Made for a painful swim!
Top swimming tip
Relax! Swimming is about efficiency. The more relaxed you are, the more efficient you will be. The more efficient you are, the further you can swim with less effort.
Interesting fact
I have run 2 marathons and hiked the 100mile south downs way in full firefighting kit.
Sian Williams
Swim history before SwimTrek
I re-found my love of swimming and open water when I did my first triathlon in 2008. 6 Ironman distance events later, looking to improve my own technique and help others, I qualified as a swim coach and teacher.
Locations guided on
Montenegro, Croatia Dalmatian coast, Croatia Kornati St Kitts and Nevis, Lithuania, Burgh island, River Thames, Greek Ionian explorer, Greek Cyclades, Greek Sporades, Milos, Crete escape,Crete Discovery 10k training camp, LDT, Tenerife, Slovenia Malta and Maldives
Most memorable swim moment
This should probably be landing on the rocks in France after my Channel crossing! Other special moments include enjoying the peace, tranquility and beauty of nature in the River Dee. Spending lots of quality father-daughter time as my father kayaked for me on many of the BLDSA swims. Crying in to my goggles during the Zurich crossing when I was convinced I wasn't making any progress and of course night diving with Mantas in Hawaii.
Top tips would be
Set yourself a goal to keep you motivated to train
Stay safe! I love my red float for open water swimming
Record your progress
Interesting fact about you
My first language is Welsh. I love cooking and have a passion for locally sourced ingredients. In the winter months I love to ski.
Tasmin Powell
Swim history before SwimTrek
I started swimming in the sea with the Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club (JLDSC) at 8 years old, gradually spending more and more time in the sea around the stunning beaches of Jersey. My first taste of open water swimming came at 12 swimming around Jersey in a relay, then moving onto a solo swim 3 years later. In between I also swam Lake Coniston and the English Channel in another relay.
The next couple of years was spent crewing for a number of English Channel swims, including a successful double Channel, round Jersey and Jersey to France swims, spending a lot of time in a kayak. Then in 2015 I also swam from Jersey to France, with what appeared to be half the worlds population of jellyfish standing between me and the French beach.
Most memorable swim moment
My most memorable moment has to be during a particularly tough hour of my Jersey to France swim one of my crew fell spectacularly into the water while handing me a new set of goggles.
Top swimming tip
My top tip, having taught children to swim, take it back to basics, if you’re not blowing bubbles you’re not breathing right.
Interesting fact
I have a Fine Art Degree and love to knit and crochet.
Tim Whitefield
Swim history before SwimTrek
My deep connection with the ocean began as a young kid growing up on the beaches of Durban, South Africa. Endless summers spent surfing or being hurled about in the shore break has left an indelible mark on me and as a result I have spent most of my life either in the sea or on it. I work as a RNLI beach lifeguard as well as operating a water sports adventure company, based in Cornwall.
Locations guided on
Cornwall, Outer Hebrides and Greece Cyclades.
Most memorable swim moment
There’s a lighthouse in Cornwall which has a cave that runs through it. Only accessible at spring low tides, it’s home to packs of seals, almost pitch black with a very small underwater hole as an exit. To return to the shore you have to beat the racing tide or be swept down the coast…epic!!!
Top swimming tip
Relax and enjoy the ride.
Interesting fact about you
If I could surf everyday, I would.
Ray Smith
Swim history before SwimTrek
I was an adequate club swimmer as a youngster, but that stopped when I was hit by a car and spent some time in a wheelchair. I returned to swimming many years later and had some moderate success in open water races between 3k and 10k. However, being more enthusiastic than talented, I needed to improve my technique which took me to a variety of coaches and eventually into coaching itself. There's no better way to truly understand something than by trying to help others with it. The journey towards true understanding is never ending, but very much worth undertaking. For a bit of adventure I moved on to colder water and longer distances and this led me on to an ice mile, three English Channel relays and a Channel Solo.
Most memorable swim moment
Surprisingly, it's not the Channel or the Ice Mile - they were long, cold, uncomfortable and uneventful. Just as I had planned. I have much more vivid memories of the times I have encountered wildlife. Most memorably, the time I bumped into another swimmer while sea swimming and stopped to apologise, only to find that no one was there - but there was a huge Barrel Jellyfish wider than me! He accepted my apology and we parted friends.
Top Swimming Tips
On long leisure swims: Relax and be mindful: Swimming is better when you relax - easier, faster and more fun. Remain aware of what you are doing and be your own internal coach. On Challenge swims: Remember that 'This too shall pass' and 'Success is on the far side of discomfort' - so as Churchill said: 'If you are going through Hell, Keep going'
Interesting Fact
I'm currently exploring the world of self-supported swimming by towing small boats.
Jason Brandt
Swim history before Swim Trek:
I became a strong open water swimmer about 10 years ago. After seeing my children become regular fish in the water, I dedicated myself to taking lessons and coaching with masters swimming to learn to swim efficiently. Now swimming is one of my favourite sports! It also opened the door to triathlon where I’ve now completed over 10 full distance Ironman Triathlons. I’ve also become an advanced open water scuba diver. And finally, I discovered SwimTrek and the joy of combining swimming and vacation with two trips as a guest to the Galapagos and Baja Mexico.
Most memorable swim moment:
Completing the Alcatraz Swim in San Francisco, CA! Alcatraz prison was said to be inescapable due to the cold water, strong tides and shark infested waters that would surely prevent an escapee from making it to mainland. While that may be lore, it was very cool to swim with good friends and be cheered on at the finish by my wife.
Top swimming tip:
Be comfortable bilateral breathing. Open water swimming presents its own challenges with waves, sunlight and pack swimming. Being comfortable breathing on both sides makes for a more enjoyable experience. Oh and treat yourself to new goggles before an event or trip.
Interesting fact (about yourself):
My son and I love mountain climbing and just recently summited Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Alessandra Masala
Swim history before SwimTrek
In my life I have always cultivated my two greatest passions with great enthusiasm: one for swimming and one for Art. I have been swimming since I was 4 and have certainly spent more time in the water than out. I was a professional swimmer at national level, with experiences in international competitions. I am a swimming teacher and lifeguard since 2005 and after finishing my university career with a Master Degree in History of Contemporary Art, I spent my days working in museums and teaching in the swimming pool. Since 2007 I work as an Open Water swimming guide and I organize swimming trips for children, adolescents and adults. My goal is to transmit, through knowledge, respect for our greatest friend, the sea. I am very sensible in humanitarian and environmental issues and I am part of the Legambiente Onlus, the most important Italian non-profit environmental association. I am a passionate lover of the sea and everything that concerns it. Since 2018 I have been organizing and promoting events, training courses and workshops on Yoga, Freediving, Swimming Technique, Marine Biology, First Aid, Safety at Sea and Environmentalism related to Open Water Swimming. I love to practice many sports and in recent years I have been dedicating myself to improving my freediving skills.
Most memorable swim moment
It's still printed in my eyes. It was on the Asinara Island, North-West Sardinia. I was leading a group of children on a swimming exploration along the coast. A giant ray comes to meet us. I try to show it to the whole group but many of them failed. I invite everyone to put their heads under the water again… maybe the ray will come back. At that moment a line of six giant rays are swimming towards us and, to close the group, the smallest and cutest of them tried to swim as fast as possible to keep up with the group. The guys and I didn't speak for a long time, incredulous for the wonderful scenery we've witnessed.
Top swimming tip
Breathe deeply, clear your mind and enjoy the sensations your body has in the water. Remember we are marine animals. By listening to our body we can rediscover the deep connection we have with water - our primordial environment.
Interesting fact
I live according to my instincts and I follow with all my strength what I love most. I like to observe the sea and learn from it.
Mike Sapounas
Swim history before swimtrek
I grew up in the east suburbs of Athens/Greece where the closest beach was a five-minute walking distance from my house. As a result, swimming was a daily activity in my life from a very young age. In 2012, I joined a triathlon team and since then I have participated in 4 local triathlon competitions. The last few years, I find great joy and fulfillment in swimming all year round with friends who share the same passion as me!
Most memorable swim moments
Swimming in the winter at the north side of Crete and looking at the magnificent snowy White Mountains in every breath!!
Top swim tip
Keep calm, Breath, Glide, Enjoy!
Interesting fact
Skydiving once wasn’t enough for me – I have to do it again!
Cian Ó Súilleabháin
Swim history before Swim Trek
I have always remembered being involved in ocean and water life. Swimming competitively with Ennis swimming and lifesaving club from a young age I was fortunate enough to make national finals and swim in some international meets. I played water polo with the University of Limerick and Guinness water polo club in national and international events during and after university. I spent 5 years teaching in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where I started a swimming club for adults and coached high school swimming teams there. I competed in many triathlons and adventure races in SE Asia. I have 10 years of beach lifeguard experience in Ireland and in the US on busy surfing beaches.
I love getting into lakes, rivers and oceans whenever I travel and I am home at most swimming out beyond big surf and body surfing back in.
I have a lifetime of spending time on, in and around the water and I love it. I’m currently living in the west of Ireland teaching in a secondary school. I spend my time swimming, surfing and spearfishing in the Atlantic. I am a member of Clare water safety and volunteer as a rapid response lifeguard during the winter months in the locality.
Most memorable swim moments
Last summer I got to swim alone out in the middle of Spanish Point Bay with a 20ft basking shark while wearing my free diving fins and snorkel. It was amazing swimming alongside such a gigantic creature.
I travelled to the bottom of New Zealand so I could swim and be geographically as far away from my hometown as possible on this round planet we live on. I’ve a pipe dream to make it to Campbell Island as it's the furthest land mass from Ireland. I loved following my friend Chris to international open water swimming competitions in China, Hong Kong, and Barcelona. I spent 6 nights aboard a live aboard lost on small islands in the Philippines swimming and free diving among reefs, shipwrecks, and fish…. eating great food, sleeping on tidy islands, hosted by individual families. Seeing the stars every night, with no service on my phone. Magical.
Top swimming tip
It is always worth jumping in for a swim, even just a dip. Stop thinking, just get in.
Interesting fact
The Moken people of many islands on the Andaman Sea have an eye adaptation where they can make their pupils smaller and alter their lens shape to such a degree that makes seeing underwater much more possible. Seals and dolphins have a similar adaptation, It is from spending generations living on the ocean. Moken children can see twice as well as their European counterparts.
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