In this episode Pat Kelman is joined by Coach and Therapist Clare Flaxen.

In this conversation we talk about the emotional benefits of cold water swimming, the joy of Parliament Hill Lido and Pond swimming.

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Pat Kelman is joined by British marathon swimmer and world record holder Beth French and BAFTA nominated film maker Stefan Stuckert to discuss their film AGAINST THE TIDES.

Against the Tides is available on Demand from March 1st 2021 in the UK and the US. Details on www.againstthetidesfilm.com

The film documents Beth's attempt to swim across seven of the world's most dangerous sea channels - an extreme challenge called OCEANS SEVEN.

For open-sea swimmers it’s the ultimate test; very few people have ever completed it. But, driven by her desire to set an example for her autistic son and to overcome her life-long battle with ME (a.k.a. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), which forced her to spent long periods of her teenage years in a wheelchair, Beth aims to become the first person in history to swim all seven channels in one year. 

Traveling to far-flung corners of the world, she confronts hypothermia, sharks, jellyfish, wild weather and mind-numbing fatigue, as well as her own inner demons. 

But, as her dramatic journey nears its end, Beth’s yearning to conquer the open sea comes into heart-rending conflict with her dreams for her son. 

Film Trailer:

Film Website: http://www.againstthetidesfilm.com/

Facebook: Against the Tides

Twitter: Against the Tides

Instagram: Against the Tides

• Episode introduction [0:35]
• Film Trailer Audio [4:05]
• Interview Starts [5:49]
• Closing remarks [48:00]

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This episode explores finding unusual lake and river spaces for cold water swimming with Laura Godtschalk, from "landlocked Leicester".

In this conversation we talk about finding those unusual swimming spots and how to make sure you're swimming safely. We also take a detour into sea swimming with seals, and how in Australia seals are a great way to detect the presence of sharks!

We also hear this week's "Review of the Week"

• Episode introduction [0:45]
• How Laura got into Swimming [2:40]
• The draw of the water [4:20]
• Stanton Lake [7:00]
• Connecting with nature  [10:50]
• Finding somewhere safe to swim [12:50]
• That "cold whoosh" feeling [16:00]
• Water to help recover from injury [23:00]
• Floating [27:00]
• Seals and Sharks?! [30:30]
• Advice for Starting Out [34:45]
• Finding Laura [36:50]
• Closing remarks [37:45]

• Leicestershire DragonFly Open Water Swimmers
• Stoney Cove Facebook Page
• Stanton Lakes on Facebook
• Stanton Lakes
• The Install Company

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Subscribe, share and review this podcast to enter a competition to win one of five copies of Sarah Norquoy's beautiful memoir, "Salt on my Skin".  (ends Jan 31, 2021)