Andrew Page: Good Habits, Great Friends and 51 Rottnest Crossings

What happens when a lifelong swimmer develops the tools to understand what's happening beneath the surface? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Elizabeth Sinclair, evolutionary biologist, conservation geneticist, marine scientist, and long-time endurance athlete. Liz shares her journey from a self-described novice open water swimmer completing her first triathlon in the United States, to representing Australia at Age Group World Championships on 18 occasions. Along the way, we explore memorable races around the world, the challenges of open water swimming, and the lessons learned through decades of endurance sport. We also dive into Liz's scientific career, from early research on quokkas and conservation genetics to her work studying seagrass ecosystems, environmental change, and marine resilience in Shark Bay. But perhaps the most fascinating part of the conversation is how her perspective on the ocean has changed. Where she once hurried across reefs and seagrass beds, she now finds herself slowing down to observe the remarkable ecosystems beneath her. It's a reminder that the more we understand the environments we swim through, the more connected to them we become. Whether you're an open water swimmer, triathlete, ocean lover, or simply curious about the natural world, this is a conversation about sport, science, curiosity, and learning to see the ocean differently.

What can marathon swimmers teach us about staying safe in open water? Can we really adapt to cold water? And why are researchers increasingly interested in the connection between outdoor swimming, wellbeing and mental health? In this episode, I sit down with A/Prof Heather Massey, an environmental physiologist at the University of Portsmouth and a leading researcher in cold-water immersion, swimmer safety and outdoor swimming. Heather is also an accomplished marathon swimmer, having completed a solo English Channel crossing, multiple Channel relays, and represented Great Britain at the World Ice Swimming Championships. During our conversation, we explore Heather's journey into open-water swimming, what she learned from her English Channel crossing, and the unique physiological and psychological demands of marathon swimming. We discuss cold-water adaptation, hypothermia, SIPE, swimmer safety, and some of the misconceptions that continue to surround cold-water swimming. We also discuss Heather's research into outdoor swimming and mental health, why scientists are increasingly interested in the potential benefits of outdoor swimming, and what questions remain unanswered. Whether you're training for a channel swim, preparing for your first winter season, or simply curious about the science behind open-water swimming, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking discussion. Heather will be visiting Western Australia next month as part of a UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellowship, where she will present public talks on long-distance swimming, outdoor swimming, and mental health. This conversation offers a wonderful introduction to Heather's work ahead of her visit. Enjoyed this episode?If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

In this episode of The Science & Art of Open Water Swimming, I sit down with Ceinwen Roberts; marathon swimmer, coach, event organiser and one of the most influential contributors to open-water swimming in Western Australia. From her early days in the pool to becoming an Australian Hall of Fame marathon swimmer, Ceinwen reflects on a lifetime spent in and around the water. We explore her journey to 34 solo Rottnest Channel crossings, breaking the longstanding women's record, completing a Rottnest Triple Crossing, circumnavigating Rottnest Island, and setting a world record across the Bristol Channel. But this conversation goes well beyond achievements. Ceinwen shares the lessons she's learned from decades of marathon swimming, the role the ocean has played throughout different stages of her life, and how some of her most meaningful experiences have come through helping others achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. We also discuss the origins of Positive Swim Squad, the creation and growth of Port to Pub, the evolution of open-water swimming in WA, and her reflections on community, resilience, family, and what it means to spend a lifetime connected to the water. Whether you're training for your first ocean swim, preparing for a channel crossing, or simply love stories from the open-water community, Ceinwen's warmth, humour and perspective make this a conversation not to be missed. Enjoyed this episode?If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

The Rottnest Channel Swim is one of Western Australia's most iconic sporting events, attracting thousands of swimmers, paddlers, skippers, volunteers and supporters each year. But behind every successful crossing is a huge effort to balance tradition, participation and swimmer safety. In this episode, I speak with Will Rollo, President of the Rottnest Channel Swim Association, about his own journey in open water swimming and what it means to help steward one of the world's largest open water swimming events. We discuss the origins and evolution of the Rottnest Channel Swim, the role of teams and solos in growing the sport, the contribution of paddlers, skippers and volunteers, and how the Association approaches risk management, safety and decision-making in an increasingly complex environment. We also explore the role of research and innovation, including Swimming Induced Pulmonary Oedema (SIPE), route optimisation technology, weather-related challenges, out-of-event crossings, and the opportunities and responsibilities that come with guiding the event into the future. Whether you're planning your first crossing, supporting a swimmer, or simply interested in the people behind major endurance events, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the stewardship of the Rottnest Channel Swim and the community that makes it possible. Enjoyed this episode?If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Dr Andrew Lyttle has spent more than three decades helping athletes and coaches better understand how humans move through the water. From his PhD research on drag and swimming efficiency at UWA, through nearly 20 years at WAIS, to his current role as National Performance Support Lead for Biomechanics at the AIS, Andrew has been at the forefront of swimming biomechanics in Australia. In this episode, we explore the science of drag, why efficient swimming should feel easier rather than harder and how our understanding of technique has evolved over time. Andrew shares lessons from his research, his experiences working with elite swimmers and coaches, and some of the key biomechanical principles that apply to both pool and open water swimming. Whether you're a swimmer, triathlete, coach or simply curious about the science behind performance, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into what makes swimmers faster and more efficient in the water. Enjoyed this episode?If you found this conversation valuable, share it with a training partner or someone in your swimming or triathlon community. You can also follow The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming on Facebook and Instagram for more episodes, insights and updates. This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.