The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming
The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming explores what it really takes to swim well — and safely — in open water. Hosted by endurance swimming coach and sport scientist Grant Landers, the podcast brings together swimmer stories, coaching insights, and evidence-based science to unpack performance, preparation, and decision-making in unpredictable environments. Each episode features conversations with open water swimmers, triathletes, coaches, and researchers, covering topics such as training alongside work and family life, adapting to conditions, managing uncertainty, and learning from both success and setbacks. The podcast is informed by Grant’s work coaching endurance swimmers and triathletes, as well as his...
Glenn Taylor: Lake Argyle, Risk Management and Creating a World‑Class Open Water Swim
In this episode, I speak with Glenn Taylor, race director of the Lake Argyle Swim, about what it takes to create and safely deliver one of Australia’s most unique open water events. They explore freshwater swimming, reduced buoyancy, big‑lake conditions, risk management, and why Lake Argyle can behave more like an inland sea than a typical lake.
For more information on the Lake Argyle Swim visit: www.lakeargyleswim.com
And for more events hosted by Glenn in the Kimberly region of Western Australia, check out this site: www.fitevents.com.au
This...
Dr Kate Baldwin: Injury Prevention, Strength Training and When to See a Physio
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Kate Baldwin - a physiotherapist, sport scientist, former professional triathlete and Rottnest Channel solo swimmer.
We explore injury in swimmers and endurance athletes, focusing on why injuries occur and how they can be prevented.
Kate shares practical insights on common swimmer injuries, the role of strength training in endurance sport, and how athletes can better manage training load to stay healthy and consistent.
We also discuss when swimmers should seek help from a physiotherapist, and the warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
Alon...
Adam Knight: Preparation, Persistence and the Father–Son Channel Crossing
Qantas pilot Adam Knight shares the journey from years of team swims to committing to a solo Rottnest Channel crossing. Balancing irregular rosters, structured training and lessons from the podcast, Adam prepared meticulously for the challenge. When the official event was cancelled, he and his son Patrick organised an out-of-event tandem crossing - turning months of preparation into one of the most memorable swims of their lives.
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and p...
A/Prof Claire Badenhorst: Women’s Physiology, Iron and Performance Wellbeing
In this episode, Associate Professor Claire Badenhorst joins the show to explore the science of women’s health and performance in endurance sport. We discuss menstrual health literacy, iron regulation, hepcidin, and how female athletes can better understand their bodies to support training and wellbeing. Claire shares insights from her research career across Australia and New Zealand, while also reflecting on her own experiences in triathlon and open water swimming, including the Rottnest Channel Swim. A timely conversation following International Women’s Day, and an important listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone supporting women in sport. You can find Cla...
Ryan Evernden: Post-Big Swim Recovery, Strength and the Critical 2-Week Window
After months of preparation for a long‑distance swim, many athletes reach the finish line without a plan for what comes next.
In this episode, strength and conditioning coach Ryan Evernden breaks down what smart recovery really looks like, from rehydration and real food to gentle movement, early mobility, and the first steps back into training.
A practical and evidence-informed conversation for adult swimmers, coaches and anyone navigating the post-event phase after a major swim.
https://www.formidablestrength.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/FormidableStrengthandConditioning
Felicity Sheedy-Ryan: Abandonment, Adaptation and the Solo Return
In 2024, Felicity Sheedy-Ryan lined up for her first solo Rottnest Channel Swim. Fit, prepared, and ready — only for the race to be abandoned mid-crossing in some of the worst conditions in the event’s history.
For many swimmers, that would have been the end of the story.
In this episode, Flick reflects on what it meant to have a deeply personal goal taken away, how injury and identity had already reshaped her relationship with sport, and why she chose to return in 2025 to finish what she started.
We explore the psychology of setbacks, adap...
Dr Angela Spence: SIPE, Hypothermia and Safety in Open Water Swimming
Marathon swimmer and exercise physiologist Dr Angela Spence joins the podcast to unpack what happens to the heart, lungs and body temperature during long open water swims. We discuss swimming induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE), hypothermia, and emerging considerations around female physiology and individual variability in endurance swimming.
Instagram @dr_angie_phd
LinkedIn: angela-spence-69a682a3
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present
Dr Liv Stewart: Vision, Sighting and Confidence in Open Water
Join me as I talk with Dr Olivia “Liv” Stewart an experienced channel swimmer and optometrist, about the relationship between vision, confidence, and performance in open water. We unpack practical sighting techniques, smart goggle choices, and how to navigate changing conditions with more calm and control. A must‑listen for anyone who wants their open water swimming to feel smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Links mentioned:
Lions Outback Vision Kimberley Hub: https://www.outbackvision.com.au/kimberley-hub/ UWA Doctor of Optometry: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/doctor-of-optometry
This interview was recorded on Whadju...
Nathaniel Wells: Preparing the Mind for Long Open Water Swims
Endurance open water swimming is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one, yet mental preparation is often overlooked.
In this episode, psychologist and Rottnest solo swimmer Nathaniel Wells explores how swimmers can work with discomfort, uncertainty, motivation, and self-talk during long swims, while also protecting their mental wellbeing before and after big events.
Learn more about Nat’s work: https://northbrisbanepsychologists.com.au/team/nathaniel-wells/
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and...
Gaby Villa: Nutrition, Fuelling and Feeding in the Water
Sports nutritionist and triathlete Gaby Villa joins the podcast to discuss nutrition for long open water swims, with a focus on fuelling strategies and the practical realities of feeding in the water during events like the Rottnest Channel Swim.
Gaby shares common mistakes swimmers make, how to plan and practise nutrition, and why effective fuelling needs to be individualised.
Learn more about Gaby’s work at:
https://www.intenseatfit.com/
Prof Scott Draper: Ocean Science, Waves and Channel Swims
In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Scott Draper, an experienced Channel swimmer and ocean scientist, to explore how waves influence swimmers and how route optimisation can improve both performance and safety during Channel swims.
link to the route optimisation website: https://www.rcs.optiswim.com/
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present
April Mobsby: From team to solo: progression, confidence, and reflection.
In this episode of The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming, I’m joined by April Mobsby to discuss her progression from a team swim to a duo, and now preparation for a solo Rottnest Channel crossing. We explore confidence, reflection, pacing, and what it means to learn to trust your body as the distances increase.
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present
Tyson Landers: Open Water Swimming, Resilience, and the Long Way Around
In this episode, Tyson Landers shares his journey into open water swimming, the challenges that shaped him along the way, and what he’s learned about resilience, preparation, and embracing the longer path when conditions and life don’t go to plan.
This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present
Episode 1: Why This Podcast — Stories, Science, and Open Water
Episode 1 is live.
This podcast isn’t about training plans or race results.
It’s about the people, decisions, and experiences that shape open water swims and what we can learn from them.
In this short episode, I explain why I wanted to start these conversations and what to expect from future episodes.
If there’s someone you think I should talk to on the podcast, let me know.
This was recorded on Whadjuk Nyungar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyungar people as the Traditional Custodians of this...
Podcast Trailer
A short introduction to The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming — exploring what it really takes to swim well and safely in open water, where experience, preparation, and science meet.
This was recorded on Whadjuk Nyungar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Whadjuk Nyungar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present
