
I have completed three Arctic work tours and swam in freezing temperatures in the Arctic. I've also worked outdoors trapping fur in extremely dangerous cold conditions. I average over 300 miles of swim drills per summer season and likely still hold (or once held) a record for swimming the furthest distance in a pool at one mile when I was just nine years old (1981).
I'm trained and certified in water rescue, and I love swimming while incorporating body surfing techniques into my freshwater swims. It's completely different from regular swimming—more of a water resistance workout. Rows, side strokes, fly strokes, and pushing and pulling movements working every muscle group.
Lately, I've taken up ice-breaking and creating 25- to 50-meter open swim pools in lakes and rivers with thick ice. It's my favorite thing to do in the water right now. There’s no watching the clock or counting laps—just pure, immersive experience.