Believe YOU can

and you are half way there

Hi there this is me. . .looking tired but ecstatic after swimming the full 11 miles of Lake Windermere in Sept 2023.

Usually you can find me swimming off the golden beaches of the South Hams, Devon. I am a qualified STA Open Water Swim Coach and have completed an Open Water Swim Safety Course.

I initially trained with Kerri-Anne Payne (Olympic Open Water Swimmer) to be an Open Water Coach which was a pleasure and joy to learn from her. Annually I continue my training with Stephan Vuckovic (Olympic Triathlete & Ironman medallist). I now regularly coach swimmers to improve their technique and confidence as well as speed and endurance for those taking on Triathlons, Swim Runs and Ironman events.

I came to love Open Water swimming after joining a friend training to swim round our local Burgh Island for charity. A 1 km swim which looked daunting with but once I got over the fear of seaweed, deep water and the odd Jellyfish I was hooked on Wild Swimming. Since 2014 each year I have trained for different challenging swims and my love for the ‘sport’ has grown so much I felt compelled to train as a coach so I can help others experience the wonders and benefits of wild swimming.

Living in South Devon I am very spoilt when it comes to wild swimming locations. The sea, estuaries and rivers are on my doorstep so there is always a swim to suit your mood (weather allowing).

I grew up here in the South Hams and have always loved the outdoors so trained as an Outdoor Education Teacher and worked in Wales for several years before returning home to run a toy and bike shop! I have been a member of the Hope Cove Coastguard team and have taught Coasteering, Canoeing and Surfing so I am happy in the water and have a wide breath of local knowledge.

Testimonials

Chris…”Julia is an absolutely superb sea swimming coach, who helped me progress from indoor pool to competing in The Burgh Island swim, for charity”

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Double Dip Day Tide in Tide Out Both great coaching sessions with lots of improvements made by the Triathletes Did you swim today? A balmy 12'c now!
10 weeks left to train for the #banthamswoosh organised by @theoutdoorswimmingsociety If you need a boost, inspiration, and coaching get in touch. #banthamswoosh #theoutdoorswimmingsociety #openwaterswimmingcoach #openwaterswimmingcommunity
Spring has sprung and the water is slowly warming up so now is the perfect time to grab a session and improve your swimming skills. New coaching session dates now available, if there is nothing to suit you just send me a message and I will check my
Boom Spring is here, and so are coaching sessions. The water is slowly warming up, so send me a message if you need a coaching session.
With Easter and British Summer Time is just around the corner now is a great time to book up some coaching sessions. April dates now available just following the link in the bio #wildswim #salcombe #southhams #thurlestone #wildswimuk #openwaterswi
Whata wet morning. Wet in the pool, obviously, but just as wet running outside, too! I thought the best way to train for a swim-run is to swim and run! Are there any other suggestions, folks? #swimrunuk #otillo #ötillö
Sunshine, sea, swimming, sprits across the beach, smiles all round and not much shivering. Thank you, Emma, for booking a lesson and braving the water. Who's next #openwaterswimmingcoach #salcombe #wildwater #wildswimming #wildswimminguk
What a morning. An amazing brilliant experience at @endurancelife, just loved watching the longer distance runners set off and passing me on the route. PB 10km achieved, where to next.
Last training run before I venture out on an epic 10km coastal run with @endurancelife this weekend. I'm not looking good forward to the hills, but it will be good training for future Swim Runs (Otillo's) later this year. If you would like some swim
Before the storm, a blustery 10km run about the coast finishing with a skin dip with a Seal. What an experience
It's so good to see this burning ball of gases rise up this morning and spread its warmth and light. Amazing 6km run along the cliff edge finishing with a Ddip in the sea. What a way to feel alive. What are your aims for this year, taking on a new
. Take care venturing into the sea it's not at its cleanest in some places, Thurlestone, Hope Cove and Salcombe currently.. Let's hope we have some cleaner water in 2024
Take care out there, folks. Choose your festive swims and dips carefully.
14 swims, over 30km. 1 sea swim, 2 bike rides, 8 land training classes, 2 beers, and many swim friends. Home for a rest.
Sunrise run and sunset swim lesson a perfect Saturday in my book. Could have been a bit warmer, though!
Every journey has to start somewhere, so today on a chilly wet grey morning my Otillo (Swim Run) has begun. 2km run in wind rain and mud followed by a lumpy 1km swim. The afternoon spent watching the film Nyda, very inspirational on not giving up!
Boost your mental and physical health this winter by regularly embracing the cold water. Commit yourself to swims with others to keep you in the water over the winter months. Weekends, and Thursday sessions with like minded swimmers for fun swims, di

Swim Challenges I have completed:

Windermere 18km - 11 miles

Ullswater 12km

Coniston 8km

Wye River 10km

Plymouth Breakwater 4km

Hurly Burly 10km

Thames Marathon 14Km

Dart 10km

The Big Swim Cornwall 4km

St Michaels Mouth 2.5km

Burgh Island 1km

 
 
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