Meet the SwimTrek HQ Team
Meet the head office team who create the magic in the background.
Simon Murie
Life before SwimTrek
Well I’ve been at SwimTrek since 2003, which seems another world away! Prior to SwimTrek, I was travelling the world as a Mining Engineer spending many months in various isolated locations, including West Africa, Philippines and Australia. Ironically a lot of these places couldn’t have been any further away from any swimmable water. It was probably this that drove me to become an open water swimmer!
Life at SwimTrek
My passion is in discovering new swimming locations and I’m pleased to say that this is the focus of my role here as I have responsibility for SwimTrek by scouting out new trips and swims across the world.
Most memorable swim moment
This has to be my cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia (The Hellespont and Dardanelles) in Turkey back in 2000. It’s a swim that had significance in not only the geography (Europe-Asia) but also the history (Gallipoli and Troy), mythology (Leander & Hero) and even literary (Byron)! In addition the time it took (1 week) in getting all the permissions lined up also made the swim itself so special! This was a lifetime ambition fulfilled.
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
My next one. I love travelling the world and discovering new locations that swimmers may have never thought about swimming in. I am always searching for the next great swimming location.
Interesting fact about you
My mother appeared in the James Bond film, Thunderball.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
What’s better than working in something that you love doing?
Ash Van Wensveen
Life before SwimTrek
A Sports Science degree led to numerous roles, from managing swimming pools to being an outdoor instructor, before leaving Australia in 1998 to pursue a career in Travel & Tourism. Having gained experience across many areas of the travel industry, from hike/ski guiding to being Commercial Director, I wanted to combine my passion for the outdoors with the skills I'd developed professionally. All roads led to SwimTrek.
Life at SwimTrek
As Managing Director my role is to work closely with all departments in developing and delivering our unique product that creates customer experiences that will last forever, whilst managing the long-term strategy of the business. Our vision is to continue in providing great swimming adventure holidays to more creative destinations, whilst continuing to improve our already high standard of customer service.
Most memorable swim moment
Standing on French soil having completed a solo crossing from Jersey to France. My shoulder was in bits for the last 2 hours but nothing was going to stop me standing on the beach and looking back towards Jersey. It made me realise, "Anything really is possible" with the right mental attitude and preparation
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
So hard to answer. Without copping out and saying all are brilliant; a personal favourite has to be our Croatian trips as they were my first due to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, along with the great food and culture. IN terms of races; it has to be the Oldest Swim in the world - Hellespont
Interesting fact about you
I've met the Dalai Lama. I said "namaste" and shook his hand. Awaiting a profound response back that might provide me with enlightenment; he just laughed. Thats it! Could be worse I guess.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
The opportunity to work with like-minded people dedicated to providing the very best holiday experience for our customers. To combine my own personal passion for sport and adventure travel, with a product that I truly believe in, is a gift. So much so, that I have to pinch myself every morning.
Benjamin McIvor
Life before SwimTrek
After obtaining a Coach Education & Sports Development degree at Bath University I fell in love with swim coaching and passing on my passion and knowledge to others within the sport. Over the years I have worked very closely with various swimming clubs around the UK as well as pursuing a career in retail management & wholesale for such lifestyle brands as Abercrombie & Fitch, Canterbury of New Zealand and Jack Wills.
Alongside working at SwimTrek, I still coach the 'up and coming' stars of Brighton Swimming Club and dabble in some CrossFit coaching too.
Life at SwimTrek
As Sales Manager, I work closely with both the Customer Relations Team and Marketing Team, where we are responsible for making sure all goes swimmingly in the lead up to your adventure.
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming the English Channel with the SwimTrek office is one of the most memorable moments to date for me, however, I will never forget the time whilst representing Great Britain in South Africa where not only did I win a bronze medal, but I had the opportunity to swim against competitors from around the world and dolphins alike.
Interesting fact about you
I struggle with the concept of shoes...Flip flops for me all year round!
Why I love working at SwimTrek
I get to work with an amazing team who have a clear passion for adventure, swimming and travel. It's safe to say, that for me, SwimTrek HQ feels more like a second home than work - What's not to love when the beach is minutes away, there are endless locations to travel to and explore, and the icing on the cake...Helping SwimTrekkers find the holiday of a lifetime!
Lucia Guerriero-Davies
Life before SwimTrek
Before SwimTrek I worked as a beach Lifeguard on Brighton Beach and on the Lifeguard Patrol boat for 3 consecutive summers. In between my seasons I worked in the Italian alps (I’m half Italian) Ski Repping. I then spent a year travelling my favourite part of the world, South East Asia teaching English. I have spent the last 2 years back in Brighton working as a Travel and Lifestyle consultant for American Express.
Life at SwimTrek
I started off guiding for SwimTrek in Montenegro, Croatia and Greece. I’m now working closely with Ben as a Group Sales Executive in the Brighton office. My role is to get more groups involved in these fantastic trips!
Most memorable swim moment
I will never forget swimming through the Blue Cave in Montenegro. The colours of the water were memorizing. This swim was followed by a sunset boat ride back to base accompanied with dolphins all the way back!
Interesting fact about you
I guided a celebrity’s family for a week in Greece not knowing until the last day!
Why I love working at SwimTrek
After having the best experience working as a guide for SwimTrek I’ve now got a new opportunity to use my first hand knowledge and experience to sell these exciting trips to groups.
Sally McGrath
Life before SwimTrek
Before SwimTrek, I worked winter and summer seasons abroad, gained a degree in Tourism and Hospitality management and worked in recruitment. These combined with a passion for swimming, water sports and being outdoors have all lead me to working here at SwimTrek.
Life at SwimTrek
I worked in the Customer Relations Team from 2018-2024, ensuring guests got the most out of their SwimTrek holiday before and after their trip. I'm now in the role of People and Workplace Manager here at SwimTrek, providing a support function to the wider SwimTrek team. As a qualified lifeguard, I've been lucky enough to guide some of our Mediterranean trips too!
Most memorable swim moment
Always taking the opportunity to get in the water, I loved swimming in the freezing cold fjords of Norway while the sun was setting into the mountains.
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
From local UK events to far away destinations, I am excited to explore everything there is within SwimTrek.
Interesting fact about you
Once I hitchhiked on a sailing boat for 3 days from Weymouth to Portsmouth.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
I am so lucky to work for a company that combines my passion for adventure while providing unique swimming experiences for others, as well as enjoying some of the beautiful locations myself.
Beth Durnford
Life before SwimTrek
Since the age of 14 I have been teaching babies and young children to be confident in the water and the fundamentals of swimming. I have worked a summer and winter season across Europe and travelled around New Zealand and Fiji.
Life at SwimTrek
As a member of the customer relations team, I am here to ensure you get the most out of your SwimTrek adventure.
Most memorable swim moment
My most memorable swim moment was diving in Fiji in the most beautiful ocean, seeing manta rays in their natural habitat.
Favourite SwimTrek location
I loved the Emerald Coast trip in Sardinia and can’t wait to experience more SwimTrek adventures.
Interesting fact
Another passion of mine is dancing which I have done since the age of 3. I had some great opportunities, including pantomimes, professional ballets, youth west end performance and performing on stage and in the parade at the ‘most magical place on earth’.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
Working at SwimTrek allows me to combine my passion for swimming and travelling.
Dawn Stepney
Life before SwimTrek
Swimming has always been a huge part of my life, from learning to swim at a very young age, then swimming competitively all through my teens and early twenties. For a while, swimming took a backburner whilst I travelled, studied, built a career working as a Customer Support Consultant for a Communications Company, Then it was marriage and starting a family. However, one day whilst watching my own children learn to swim, over 10 years ago, I had an epiphany and decided to come back to swimming as a Swimming Instructor and Coach. This has been a successful career where I eventually became the Swimming Programme Manager for a local swim school. However, during Covid, my love for Open Water Swimming grew and here I am at SwimTrek, as I take another turn in my varied career and follow my passion for the love of Open Water Swimming and Travelling.
Most memorable swim moment
I have three, sorry, as they are all memorable, Snorkelling, Diving and Chasing Dolphins in Egypt, Swimming with Turtles in Turkey and Swimming with Seals in Australia.
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
It has to be my first, as you never forget your first SwimTrek Trip – Crete Discovery. But I’m sure the next one will be just as memorable.
Interesting fact about you
I played water polo for Scotland.. (It might help to know that I am Scottish!) I also love a dress with pockets, it’s the future.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
I feel extremely lucky to work for a company that supports my passion for swimming and travelling and I get to share it with others. It’s great to work with like-minded people, who all have a passion for the product, swimming, and adventure. The company also supports a great ethos of wellbeing, openness, trust, and positivity, making it a great workplace, whilst dreaming about the next exotic swim holiday.
Reggie Lang
Life before SwimTrek
Managing overseas operations for a number of volunteer organisations based in Central America, Africa and Asia for several years I was responsible for establishing new initiatives and innovations.
Prior to this I used to manage environmental research and community development programmes on the African coast and in the Seychelles. I have a deep respect for the oceans and working with our environment, working with the local community in whichever location I have found myself in.
Life at SwimTrek
Here at SwimTrek I manage and organise all of our overseas operations at the numerous locations we work in. Simon is constantly on the hunt for new and exciting swims, its then my responsibility to organise the operational and logistical aspect of each of these trips and support our international guiding team to make sure everything comes off without a hitch.
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming with whale sharks in the Seychelles and being overwhelmed with the speed of such incredible creatures, them barely flicking their fins whilst there I am, sprint swimming simply in order to keep up with them.
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
A bit of a history fan, I love all of our swims that come with a story. The programmes in Alcatraz, The Bosphorus and the Hellespont really grab me for the intrigue surrounding them.
However, coming from an environmental background, some of the locations we work in are just ecologically incredible. The potential for personal experience with some of the ocean's most stunning sea life is something that really stays with you.
Interesting fact about you
I once lived on an uninhabited island in an abandoned medical base for a year.
Why I love working at SwimTrek
Combines my passion for exploring amazing locations with the opportunity to create memorable experiences for others.
Amy Hawkes
Life before SwimTrek
I worked abroad for 8 years doing summer and ski seasons across Europe and Canada in various roles such as kids activity manager, ski guide, ski rep, which in the end lead me to being the area operations manager for an active holiday's childcare programme for the last 7 years. My passion for travel and activities led me to SwimTrek :)
Life at SwimTrek
I work in operations as the Travel and Logistics manager. Being part of the lovely team that makes it happen.
Most memorable swim moment
A whale shark swam into me whilst swimming with them in the Philippines
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
I love Sivota in the Ionian. I was lucky enough to work there for 2 summer seasons, such a beautiful place.
Interesting fact about you
I once broke my foot sleep walking
Why I love working at SwimTrek
Being part of a passionate team and working with a product that is so cool and exciting. You can't beat it!
April Marshall
Life before SwimTrek
Started swimming from a very young age - I was born in the bath! Joined a swimming club, which lead to joining Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards at the age of ten, during this I started out as a nipper to then coaching. I trained to become a pool and beach lifeguard as soon as I could, where I started working summer seasons lifeguarding on the beach. This eventually took me to America lifeguarding, as well as working in Croatia as a Nanny and lifeguarding for early morning swims. After this I ventured into the world of Cabin Crew, this took me to some amazing locations. After a couple years flying, I found myself working within the marine industry, working in customer service and operations, all of this experience led me to SwimTrek.
Life at SwimTrek
My role within SwimTrek is Operations Team Coordinator, I work within the ops team making sure all trips run smoothly.
Most memorable swim moment
Swimming with Green Sea turtles in two locations, one being Australia’s Whitsundays and the second being the beautiful west coast of Sri Lanka, both unforgettable moments.
Favourite SwimTrek location or event
All the destinations provide such a memorable experience for not just the guests but the guides too. I have to representing SwimTrek and helping out at the Dart 10k event in August 2023, was truly great fun!
Interesting fact about you
I once had a phone call from a celebrity wishing me happy birthday, turns out it was Gethin Jones who was down the beach with the lifeguards presenting for a television show!
Why I love working at SwimTrek
SwimTrek is proof that you can combine a passion of swimming with the love of travel. The company goes above and beyond to create experiences that will leave you wanting more!
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