Send us a textWelcome to the Clever Dicks Swim Podcast, where we dive into the stories of passionate open water swimmers who push the limits of endurance and determination. Today, we’re talking to Jan Steenkamp, an inspiring swimmer based in Auckland. Jan’s journey in the water began in high school, but it was eight years ago when he decided to get back into the water with a mission. In one of the most ambitious feats in the world of open water swimming, Jan attempted the daunting 80km Double Lake Taupo swim. Though he didn’t finish that first try, he didn’t give up. Instead, he tweaked is approach, toned down the training and worked on his feeds, and came back two years later with his gang of mates to become just the 5th person ever to complete this incredible challenge.Jan has proved that perseverance and the will to learn from failure can lead to greatness. Get ready for an inspiring chat about what it really takes to go the distance. Let’s dive in!
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E38 - Jono Ridler - 99km and a washing machine!
Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into the swim journey of ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler, whose relentless determination took him from a debilitating shoulder injury to one of the most awe-inspiring endurance feats in New Zealand’s waters—his 99km, 33-hour swim from Great Barrier Island to Takapuna. Jono shares the mental and physical battles he faced, from hallucinations to the discipline required to balance elite-level swimming with everyday life.We explore the mindset that fuels such extreme endurance, the lessons learned from pushing to the limit, and what it takes to keep going when every part of you is screaming to stop. If you’re fascinated by resilience, ocean swimming, and the power of the human spirit, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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E37 - Nick Edwards - Cook Strait charity swim for Ovarian Cancer! Please donate.
Send us a textToday, we’re a little late in flying the flag in support of Nick Edwards, who made a gallant effort for 13 hours swimming across this massive stretch of water called the Cook Strait, battling fierce currents, icy temps, and unpredictable conditions. Unfortunately the ocean was not working with Nick today and the cold and huge currents put an end to his swim. But, he was not out there swimming on his own - his swim was to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, a disease that affects thousands yet remains widely under-recognized.Every year, over 300,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and early detection is critical. Nick’s mission is to spark conversations, push for awareness, and, most importantly, raise funds to support research and those affected.Want to support Nick’s incredible journey? Donate now by clicking on the link below and help make a difference.https://showup.ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/nick-edwards
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E36 - Milton Brest - Neoprene, Eskimo's, testosterone and a swim from Panama to Colombia!
Send us a textMilton Brest is not just a businessman from Johannesburg—he’s a force of nature. A former karate athlete, he has taken on some of the world’s most extreme open-water challenges, from braving the icy waters of the Bering Strait to swimming the treacherous currents around Alcatraz and Robben Island, meeting Eskimo's and swimming at the Base Camp of Everest. Training just steps away from the legendary Ellis Park Stadium, the home of Springbok rugby, Milton is no stranger to discipline and endurance.Beyond his incredible athletic feats, Milton has also been a bit of a mentor to me, and today, we’ll be unpacking the mindset, motivation, and life lessons behind his adventures. So, whether you're here for inspiration, adventure, or just a great conversation—stick around. This is going to be a good one!"
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E35 - Corrina Connor - The Swimming Librarian.
Send us a textEpisode 35 sees the Clever Dicks chat with a true force in the world of open water swimming, Wellington’s very own Corrina Connor. She’s conquered the relentless currents of Foveaux Strait, battled the unpredictable Cook Strait, and taken on the vast, stunning Lake Taupō - completing New Zealand’s prestigious Triple Crown of Swimming. But Corrina is much more than just an endurance athlete—she’s also a musician, a librarian, and, as anyone who knows her will tell you, an absolute lady.From the solitude of long-distance swims to the rhythm of music and the quiet wisdom of libraries, Corrina’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the mind of a woman who thrives where others might falter.
A light hearted podcast by swimmers for ordinary people who like to swim. Duncan & Jim have relaxed chats with many swimmers, and people around swimming. Most of the swimmers are New Zealand based, but we talk to swimmers around the world too.All the swimmers have great stories to tell, many have dome cold swimming, many have done feats of endurance, but all are epic in their own way.
New Zealand