F@@king Cool Swims

Welcome to a conversation that goes far beyond distance, endurance, or athletic achievement.

In this episode, I’m joined by marathon swimmer Andy Donaldson, whose journey from Scotland to Australia has taken him across some of the most remarkable waterways on Earth and into a deeper mission shaped by community, environmental advocacy, and personal renewal.

What unfolds is not just a catalogue of extraordinary swims, but a powerful reflection on why water matters: how it heals, connects us, and can become a platform for meaningful change. From the serendipitous thread of the Thames Sw...

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the magic of Hawaiian open water with three brilliant guests: Ryan Leong, Stefan Reinke, and Deb Kemp, a trio united by saltwater, courage, and the Aloha spirit.

What starts as a simple chat about swims quickly turns into a love letter to the ocean.

Ryan and Stefan, both seasoned Hawaiian open water swimmers and caretakers of iconic events like the Waikiki Roughwater Swim and the Double Roughwater, bring to life what makes Hawaii one of the most extraordinary swimming destinations on Earth: warm turquoise water, powerful...

In this episode, Dave talks with Annika Surry, known on Instagram as @ice_for_life_annika_surry, about her extraordinary passion for cold-water swimming and the transformative power it has had on her life.

Living near Copenhagen, Annika swims almost every day — often at sunrise — embracing the elements no matter the weather.

She shares how swimming in icy water helps her manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, calming her body and clearing her mind. What began as post-exercise dips soon evolved into a daily ritual and a source of strength, mindfulness, and joy.

In this very special episode of F**ing Cool Swims*, I dive into one of the most iconic open-water adventures in the UK — The Scilly Swim Challenge.

I'm joined by Dewi Winkle, co-founder of the event and John Coningham-Rolls, co-founder of SwimQuest, which now organises it. Together, they explore the origins of this extraordinary challenge, the camaraderie that keeps swimmers returning year after year, and the sheer logistical feat of guiding hundreds of people safely across the pristine waters of the Isles of Scilly.

From tides and jellyfish to laughter and late ferries, it’s a...

In this episode, Dave is joined by Amy Ennion — better known to many as Amy Swims — to explore the world of open water swimming and the powerful personal journey that has shaped her relationship with it.

What starts as a chat about Amy’s shift from pool swimming to ultra-marathon challenges quickly turns into a tale of resilience, discovery, and a deep emotional bond with the water. Amy shares her recent experiences of the 33.3 series in Montenegro, what it is like being the 10th person in history to swim Lake Geneva (a 72km swim), and what Loch N...

Step into the wild with the first episode of F**ing Cool Swims, a podcast that explores extraordinary swims in extraordinary places. Host Dave Wallace takes us to Finland’s Oulanka River, where he joins Robson Lindberg, announcer of the legendary Downhill Swim.

What begins as a journey through pristine waters becomes a lesson in resilience, wonder, and the Finnish philosophy of LIVING WITH NATURE rather than on it. With currents that carry you like three strokes in one, the warmth of the midnight sun, and the quiet camaraderie of swimmers from around the world, this is mo...