Swim Smooth Ltd

Lessons From Mallorca – Part Two is now live.

Over two weeks, we coached 24 swimmers from around the world. Different ages. Different goals. Different abilities.

Yet none of them left with the same advice.

That’s because our philosophy has always been simple: coach the swimmer, not the stroke.

Whether it was improving rhythm, building confidence in open water, refining pacing or eliminating an overglide, every swimmer left with a personalised roadmap for improvement. The results have already been remarkable, including one swimmer who has since taken 25 minutes off her 1500m long-course time.

That’s what makes a Swim Smooth Experience different. We don’t just take you swimming—we help you become a better swimmer.

Our final Swim Smooth Experience of 2026 takes place in Crete, Greece (27 September – 3 October), and we now have just two places remaining.

The link to the full blog and camp details is in my bio.

Coaching the swimmer, not the stroke…

📚 Lessons From Mallorca – Part Two Twenty-Four Swimmers. Twenty-Four Different Solutions. One Coaching Philosophy.

🎵 It’s cold outside, there’s no kind of atmosphere… 🎵

Fortunately, that’s where the similarities with Red Dwarf end. 😄

While Perth’s winter mornings might be a little chilly, there’s plenty of atmosphere at our early morning squad sessions — great company, plenty of laughs, expert coaching, and the satisfaction of starting your day with a swim under your belt.

Whether you’re training for an event, looking to improve your technique, or simply want to enjoy swimming with a friendly and welcoming group, we’d love to see you on pool deck.

Come and join us. We can’t promise a spaceship, but we can promise a much better crew. 🚀🏊‍♂️

StartYourDayRight

“Well, I just never stop showing up!” says 90yr old Barrie when asked about his secret to longevity

10 Best Fests. My best performances yet. At 47 years old.

I’ve just returned from another incredible week in Mallorca, competing across six days of open water racing alongside 580 swimmers from around the world.

The week included:
🏊 5km point-to-point
🏊 3.8km Ironman distance
🏊 1.5km sprint
🏊 2.5km “Tell Me Your Time”
🏊 3km Volcano Swim
🏊 10km endurance challenge
🏊 4x500m relay

What surprised me most wasn’t the results themselves, but the lessons each race delivered.

🔹 In the 5km, I swam towards the wrong finish line after missing a last-minute course change. A reminder that experience never replaces paying attention.

🔹 In the 3.8km, I emptied the tank racing 18-year-old Irish marathon swimming star Brian Welsh. I finished second, but learned that sometimes your best race isn’t necessarily your best result.

🔹 In the 1.5km, I spent over a kilometre hanging onto the feet of former Olympian Alberto Bertini. If you want to improve, find swimmers who are slightly better than you and try to stay with them.

🔹 In the windy 2.5km event, I adapted my stroke to suit the conditions rather than fighting them. Open water rewards adaptability.

🔹 In the Volcano Swim, I practised drafting for 3km straight. Drafting isn’t cheating—it’s a skill worth mastering.

🔹 In the 10km, I realised I’d spent far too much energy worrying about my rivals. Most of the time, they’re hurting just as much as you are.

The biggest lesson?

After ten years of racing these events, I still came away learning something new.

That’s one of the reasons I love open water swimming so much. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out is usually the moment the water teaches you otherwise.

Part One of my Mallorca reflections is now live on the blog. Part Two next week will focus on the Swim Smooth Experience Camps and why a dedicated week of swimming can transform your progress.

SwimmingLife OpenWater TriathlonTraining SwimmingCoach NeverStopLearning

It’s not every day you get to deliver a Swim Smooth Experience camp in sunny Mallorca with a 3-time Olympian - so great having the opportunity expertise of Fenella Ng from in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 join me and a team of 12 eager swimmers from around the world in the amazing

What a week. 🇪🇸🏊‍♂️

The 2026 Best Fest is done and dusted, and I’m incredibly grateful to have taken out the overall Colònia Classics title again.

At nearly 48 years old, these were actually my best performances to date. Across six days I swam 36km, clocked several personal bests, and surprised myself with what was possible. And I loved every minute of it.

People often ask what the secret is.

Truthfully, it’s not very exciting.

It’s simply showing up consistently. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year.

There are no shortcuts. Just regular training, good habits, patience, and a genuine love for swimming.

But while it’s nice to reflect on the results, Best Fest has never really been about PBs, podiums, or titles.

What makes this event so special is the community.

The team at Best Centre has built something truly unique over the years. Swimmers of all ages and abilities come together from around the world to challenge themselves, support one another, share stories, and celebrate a mutual love of the water.

That atmosphere is what keeps people coming back.

It’s what keeps me coming back too.

A huge congratulations to everyone who took part this year, whether you were chasing a podium, tackling your first open water race, or simply enjoying every moment of the experience.

The memories will last far longer than any finishing time.

Here’s to another incredible week of swimming, friendship, and Mediterranean sunshine.

Roll on Best Fest 2027. ☀️🌊

SwimmingLife MastersSwimming OpenWaterSwi