「The Dawn Chorus」– 湖區清晨野泳

Neil is a seasoned coach with over 30 years of experience across various sports. Originally living and working in London, Neil made a life-changing decision to relocate to the tranquil beauty of the Lake District in 2001. Amidst the pressures of a demanding career in the police force, Neil discovered solace swimming in the therapeutic waters of the lakes, finding respite in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. It was during his immersive forays into open water swimming that Neil crossed paths with Graeme Sutton, the founder of Swim on the Wild Side. Their shared love for open water swimming sparked a friendship, leading to numerous swims together in Derwent Water, including the cherished tradition of Boxing Day and New Year's Day dips. Neil's coaching journey in triathlon has been extensive, starting from club coaching to mentoring athletes individually and in groups. His dedication to the sport has not only inspired countless individuals but has also seen him train athletes to the elite level, with one achieving European championship glory. He has shared this knowledge to other by tutoring over 500 triathlon coached with British Triathlon. His commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive sporting environment led him to a pivotal role as a director for Triathlon England, overseeing safeguarding and welfare initiatives. Fuelled by a mutual passion for open water swimming and coaching, Neil and Graeme frequently joined forces to deliver coaching sessions at clubs and introduce newcomers to the joys of open water swimming. When Graeme decided to pass on the baton of Swim on the Wild Side, Neil seamlessly stepped into the role, carrying forward the legacy of sharing this extraordinary pastime and picturesque region with others. Join us in experiencing the wonders of swimming in chlorine free water with the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District. When swimming with Swim on the Wild Side, you get expert coaching from a coach with over 30 years experience, coaching complete beginners to National and European champions. You get the reassurance of a fully equipped and trained safety kayaker to provide you with the confidence that you are in safe hands. We pride ourselves on doing things the right way and putting your safety and enjoyment first.