Join Sandy Ciccognani as she dives into the vibrant world of swimming on the Isle of Wight.

Meet Fiona Claxton, a dedicated member of the Marlin Swim Club, who shares her transition from pool swimming to embracing the open sea. Discover the joys and challenges of sea swimming, including Fiona's experiences with different swimming spots and coping with the elements.

Learn about the iconic pier-to-pier swim event, its rich history, and the dedicated community that keeps it thriving. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting, this episode celebrates the unity and passion of the Isle of Wight's swimming community.

Experience a delightful dive into the sparkling waters around the Isle of Wight as host Sandy Ciccognani shares the microphone with guest, Patrick Yates, a fellow swimmer with a captivating life story, in a podcast episode aptly titled "For the Love of Community & Open Waters". This episode is a tribute to the vibrant swimming community, the remarkable aquatic adventures that the world offers, and a chronicle of a swimmer's extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Guest Patrick Yates describes his journey from a novice recreational swimmer to a marine adventurer fascinated by sharks and whales. Despite his global adventures, the allure of Isle of Wight remains irresistible to Patrick.

Gain insights into another Island figure in the world of open water swimming as we delve into the inspiring story behind "Dip and Sip", a growing community group devoted to sea swimming. This episode also takes a dive into the story of its founder, who triumphed over mental and physical challenges to create a group that has now positively impacted the lives of many. Venturing into the cold waters, these swimmers find physical and mental rejuvenation, and a connection with nature and each other. The establishment of Dip n Sip and its rapid popularity showcases the power of community and shared passion.

The episode also highlights the charm and impact of organic meetups like Dip n Sip. With the aim to foster a sense of community, this get-together encourages attendees to push their boundaries and fosters strong relationships. The focus lies not just on swimming, but the adventure of breaking personal barriers in a supportive environment. The conversation finally strays into the organizer's personal journey, depicting his resilience and love for swimming.

Join us in this inspiring and fascinating episode that explores the world of swimming and community initiatives promoting positive mental and physical health in the beautiful backdrop of Isle of Wight.

Welcome to this episode of our podcast diving into the fascinating swimming community on the Isle of Wight. We talk to Charlotte 'Lottie' James who shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to a motivational coach. Tune in as Lottie recounts her inspiring aquatic journey that held its inception in therapy and eventually led her to a scholarship at Bournemouth.

Learn about Lottie’s transition into coaching, a domain where she uses her experiences to inspire others. Discover why, despite moving away from competitive swimming, her love for the sport remains untouched. Now, she dedicates herself to helping others swim and uncover its therapeutic benefits, emphasizing the importance of hydration and nutrition for swimmers.

Lottie also shares her deep-seated interest in other forms of fitness and how she achieves balance. While she reminisces the intensity of her competitive swimming days, she rejoices in the opportunity to facilitate others' journeys in the swimming community.

In this episode, our guest provides a deep dive into the world of swimming, weaving stories of her achievements, her fears, and her ever-growing love for the sport. She narrates her unexpected transition from pool to sea swimming, detailing her initial apprehension and the gradual immersion that made her embrace open water swimming.

Find out about her aspirations to participate in the Solent swim again, her plans to dedicate more time to coaching and masters' competitions, and her unwavering resolution to help others realize their swimming ambitions. The episode wraps up with a personal insight into her life at the beach, her renewed joy in open water swimming, and her favourite swim spots on the island.

A cherished part of the swimming community, Lottie's story serves as a beacon of inspiration, underscoring the joy and therapeutic implications of swimming. Her love for the sport and her dedication to helping others excel is bound to motivate listeners to face their fears, accept challenges, and find new ways to relish the sport of swimming.