The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming

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The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming

Where swimming, science, and the sea converge. A podcast about open water swimming.

21/08/2026

Open water swimmers!

Ever wondered which turning technique is actually fastest around a buoy?

A Master's research project from UWA Sport Science is investigating how different open water turning techniques affect swimming performance.

We're looking for experienced swimmers to take part in a single testing session at UWA.

More information: https://bit.ly/buoy_turn_study

20/08/2026

Congratulations to William Ellis on successfully completing his 70 km swim across Lake Geneva.

When we recorded this episode, Will was just days away from beginning the challenge.

During our conversation, we spoke about resilience, community, family and the many reasons people are drawn to the water.

This swim was about more than distance. Will undertook the crossing to raise funds for his son Odie’s specialist SEND school, helping support the resources and opportunities available to children and families navigating complex developmental needs.

As Will said:
“Every stroke you’ve ever taken has led you to that start line.”

After a successful 70 km crossing of Lake Geneva, those words seem especially fitting.

Congratulations Will, on a remarkable achievement and thank you for such an open and thoughtful conversation.

🎧 William Ellis: Why We Come to the Water is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

18/08/2026

🎙️ New Episode Out Now
William Ellis: Why We Come to the Water

Today I’m delighted to share my conversation with William Ellis: open-water swimmer, marathon swim coach, actor, voice artist and host of An Open Water Swimmer’s Podcast.

What began as a discussion about swimming quickly became a deeper conversation about resilience, personal growth, community and the many different reasons people are drawn to the water.

We explore:
🏊‍♂️ What keeps us committed when progress is slow
🌊 How swimming can help us navigate life’s challenges
🤝 The importance of connection and community
🎧 Lessons learned from hundreds of conversations with swimmers
💭 Why people come to the water and what they find there

As this episode is released, Will is beginning his attempt to swim the 70 km length of Lake Geneva in support of his son Odie’s specialist school.

Wishing him calm waters, steady progress and a successful swim.

I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do too.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

15/08/2026

If you missed last month’s episodes of The Science & Art of Open Water Swimming, here are four conversations worth catching up on:

🏊 Adam O’Byrne on Ironman racing, channel swimming and earning the Triple Crown.

❄️ Adam O’Byrne again, this time on ice swimming, cold water adaptation and preparing for the moments that matter most.

🎯 Dr Sacha Fulton on preparation, adaptability and performing under pressure when it counts.

🌊 Jordina Quain on identity, belonging and the often unseen impact that endurance sport can have on our lives.

Whether you’re a swimmer, triathlete, coach or simply fascinated by human performance, there’s something here for you.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

13/08/2026

🏊‍♀️ “Come to the swim looking for fun rather than a result.”

One of the themes that emerged throughout my conversation with Sam Moore was the idea that open water swimming doesn’t always have to be about chasing a time, a PB or a podium finish.

From the relay format and beach parties to the decision to stop the clock between legs, the GeoBay Swim has been intentionally designed to encourage participation, connection and enjoyment.

It’s a refreshing reminder that some of our most memorable swims are the ones we share with others.

🎙️ Sam Moore: Community, Inclusion and the GeoBay Swim is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

12/08/2026

We recently had the chance to sit down with Grant from The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming podcast to chat about where Swim started, how it has evolved, and what we’re trying to create for the swimming community.

At the heart of it all is fun and community.

Every decision we make is about creating a swim that feels welcoming, accessible and enjoyable — whether you’re lining up for your first long-distance swim or you’ve spent more time in the ocean than on the couch.

It was great to have the opportunity to share a little of the Swim story and talk about why we love what we do.

A big thanks to Grant for having us on the show. We’re looking forward to tuning into the rest of the episodes and hearing more stories from the world of open water swimming.

🎧 Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

https://scienceandartofopenwaterswimming.podbean.com/e/sam-moore-community-inclusion-and-the-geobay-swim/

11/08/2026

🎙️ New Episode | Sam Moore: Community, Inclusion and the GeoBay Swim

Over the past year, a number of guests on the podcast have mentioned the GeoBay Swim as an important event on the WA open water swimming calendar.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Moore to explore the story behind the swim, from an idea that emerged during Ironman WA training sessions to a sold-out event that has become known for its focus on community, inclusion and participation.

We discuss:
🏊 The origins of the GeoBay Swim
🏊 The influence of Mick Bray and the local swimming community
🏊 Why the event doesn’t require support boats
🏊 The beach party concept and stopping the clock
🏊 Wetsuits, accessibility and reducing barriers to participation
🏊 GeoBay’s role as a pathway towards longer open water swims

What I really enjoyed about this conversation was exploring how the event has been intentionally designed to make long-distance open water swimming more accessible, without losing the challenge or sense of achievement that comes from covering 20 kilometres in the ocean.

🎧 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

08/08/2026

🏆 A special congratulations to Felicity Sheedy-Ryan Triathlete and David Budge on their induction into the inaugural Triathlon Western Australia Inc Hall of Fame. As part of TriWA's 40th anniversary celebrations, 11 individuals were recognised as foundation inductees for their outstanding contributions to the sport.

Felicity was honoured for an exceptional racing career that includes two Duathlon World Championship gold medals, a World Cup victory, an Oceania Championship title and numerous top performances on the international stage.

David was recognised for more than two decades of service and leadership that helped shape triathlon in Western Australia, including his roles with Triathlon WA, the ITU Triathlon World Championships in Perth, the Sydney Olympic Games, and the growth of some of Australia's most iconic triathlon events.

We were privileged to host both Felicity and David on The Science & Art of Open Water Swimming podcast, where they shared stories and insights from their remarkable journeys in the sport.

🎧 You can listen to their episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Episode links are in the comments.

Congratulations to Felicity, David and all inaugural Triathlon WA Hall of Fame inductees on this well-deserved recognition.

06/08/2026

🏊‍♀️ What does the growth of open water swimming look like?
It looks something like this.
One of the key themes from my recent conversation with Ben Roberts from Swimming WA was that open water swimming is attracting people from all walks of life.
Some swimmers are taking on their first ever open water event.
Some are returning to the sport after years away.
Others are building towards bigger challenges such as Rottnest, Port to Pub or national-level competition.
What brings them together is the opportunity to share the experience alongside a broader swimming community.
In our conversation, Ben discusses how the Swimming WA Open Water Series has grown over the past two decades, the importance of creating opportunities for swimmers of all abilities, and the role that open water swimming can play in fostering participation, connection and lifelong involvement in the sport.
🎙️ The episode is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.
Thanks to Swimming WA Open Water Swimming Series and Ben Roberts for sharing these images.
Swimming WA Open Water Swimming Series swimmingwa

03/08/2026

🎙️ New Episode Out Now
Ben Roberts: Participation, Progression and the Growth of Open Water Swimming in WA

Open water swimming continues to grow across Western Australia, attracting everyone from first-time ocean swimmers to elite athletes competing on the world stage.

In this episode, I speak with Ben Roberts from Swimming WA about:
🏊 The growth of open water swimming in WA
🏊‍♀️ Why participation continues to increase
🏊 Opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities
🏊 The role of the Swimming WA Open Water Series
🏊 Regional events and expanding access beyond Perth
🏊 Pathways from first swims through to high-performance competition
🏊 The future of open water swimming in WA

One of the recurring themes throughout our conversation is that open water swimming offers a place for everyone, whether you're tackling your first 500 m swim or working towards a major goal like a Rottnest crossing.

Thanks to Ben for joining me on the podcast and sharing his insights into Australia's largest open water swimming series.

🎧 Listen now via the link in bio (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Address

Perth, WA

Website

https://scienceandartofopenwaterswimming.podbean.com/

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