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Swimmingly

Adventures in Water

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Swimmingly

By: Vassos Alexander
Narrated by: Nathalie Buscombe, Simon Darwen, Vassos Alexander
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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents Swimmingly: Adventures in Water by Vassos Alexander, read by Vassos Alexander, Nathalie Buscombe and Simon Darwen

'A hugely enjoyable love letter to swimming and open water adventures' – Sophie Raworth

Sports and Virgin Radio Breakfast Show presenter Vassos Alexander found solace and distraction swimming in the Thames during a difficult summer, and was bitten by the bug. Now he can't pass a body of water without wanting to jump in.

Told through the story of training for a solo Channel swim, Swimmingly takes you on a journey across the world from Bournemouth Beach to San Francisco Bay. Vassos discovers that outdoor swimming is not about being the fastest or the best, it's about finding that little bit of magic in every stroke.

Working with elite coaches and interviewing the great and the good of swimming, he uncovers the massive sense of community at the heart of this time-honoured pastime. He meets Olympic champions and Channel legends – including Diana Nyad, who in her 60s became the first person to swim between Cuba and Florida; Lewis Pugh, the UN Patron of the Oceans and Lynne Cox, a woman who went for a swim and saved the world.

It's about the everyday swims, too – the tips shared and friendships forged over coffee and cake after a morning dip with the Teddington Bluetits or the sea swimmers of Whitstable. With the sport exploding in popularity over recent years, we all know someone (or are that someone!) who swims outside throughout the year.

Swimmingly will leave you with a renewed sense of connection to the world, and perhaps even inspire you to dive into your nearest lake, river or sea with gleeful abandon.©2025 Vassos Alexander (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Sports Water Sports Swimming Adventure
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Full disclosure... I'm a huge fan of Vassos anyway. This latest book did not disappoint. His total proud ownership of his training quirks, defiance & chaotic preparedness is full of truth, humility and transformation. Now I just want to ruin to the beach, dive in the sea, and discover the joy he portrays.

Joyful & inspiring

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Really enjoyed this book, Vassos speaks with plenty of first hand experience and knowledge of endurance adventures and this covers both those and his long term prep for his next adventure. Some great insights from him and those he learnt from that you can use in practice whilst also sharing some great stories from others. Great listen!

Fantastic listen and insight into open water swimming

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Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about swimming, the challenges, the local group and so much more! Really good.

You don’t need to like swimming to like this!

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I LOVED this! so relatable, laugh out loud, honest and real. It was just my kind of humour! Vassos words things in such a magnificent way!! I didnt want it to end! 5 stars and more!!

brilliant narrating

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Such an inspiring book about the love of swimming, pushing outside the cold fire zone and striving for a goal. Love how lots of different people are interviewed and we hear all their stories too. Will definitely listen all over again.

Loved this, will listen all over again!

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