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 After four and a half years of relentless training, countless setbacks, and a swim dream rooted in childhood memories, Mark finally conquered the mighty Cook Strait. What started off as a tribute to long summer days at the Te Awamutu Swimming Baths—run by his late father, Cor—evolved into a powerful personal journey of resilience, love, and legacy. Pushed by a deep family connection to swimming but also a desire to inspire his wife Michelle and their three young children, Mark endured 100 days across three summers waiting for the perfect conditions. When his moment came, he embraced it fully—completing the 27.6 km swim in 7 hours and 15 minutes. In this episode, we dive into the story behind the swim: the cold-water fear, the tidal heartbreaks, the support crew who stood by him, and the voice of his father echoing, “Go Mark,” as he powered across the strait. 

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Today we’re diving into a fantastic tool designed to help everyday Kiwis enjoy our beautiful beaches more safely - Safeswim. 

Safeswim has had some bad press within the Open Water Swimming Community, but when you remember that it was built for the general public — families, casual swimmers, and anyone heading to the beach — giving clear, accessible information so you can make safe and confident decisions before getting in the water, it starts making more sense. 

The platform is constantly learning and evolving, and now it’s even better thanks to its partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand. This means more accurate and timely updates, plus an improved understanding of local conditions. One of the most valuable features is that it doesn’t just tell you if the water looks good — it gives you a list of real-time hazards at specific beaches, from strong currents to pollution alerts, helping you avoid surprises and stay safe.

Great tool, getting better and better. 

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Today we dive deep into the mind of an extraordinary human pushing the limits of what’s possible. Our guest is not just swimming in uncharted waters — he’s owning them.

From the sun-soaked shores of Malta to the icy depths of world records, Neil Agius has redefined what it means to go the distance. A former Olympian turned ultra-endurance marathon swimmer, Neil etched his name in history with his jaw-dropping 142.3km swim around Malta — the longest unassisted, current neutral ocean swim ever recorded. No wetsuit. No flippers. Just sheer grit and ocean-sized determination.

He’s also a passionate environmental activist, spearheading the 'Wave of Change' movement to clean up our seas and inspire a more sustainable world. So whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or just someone who needs a little push to chase the impossible — strap in. Because today, we're going the distance with Neil Agius."

Cool dude too. 

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Welcome 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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In 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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Today, 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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Milton 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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Episode 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.

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Welcome to Clever Dicks, where we dive into the stories of extraordinary athletes who have redefined their sports and inspired the world.

Today, we spotlight Mary Fisher, one of New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympic swimmers. Born with a visual impairment, Mary didn’t just overcome obstacles—she shattered records. A Paralympic gold medalist, world champion, and multiple world record-holder, she dominated the pool in events ranging from sprint freestyle to backstroke and medley, and of late, Ice Swimming and Open Water Swimming. 

Her journey began in Wellington, but her impact has rippled across the globe. From standing atop the podium in London 2012 to breaking world records at Rio 2016, Mary’s career has been a testament to resilience, skill, and determination. And beyond the pool, she’s tackled open water swimming, proving that her love for the water knows no bounds.

To top it off, Mary is one of the nicest people I know. 

Enjoy!

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Today, we're thrilled to introduce a guest who’s taking the open water swimming scene by storm: Alex Dunkley.

Alex is a young swimmer from Auckland starting out on his open water journey and learning some of the tricks of the trade. Recently back from a swim camp in Australia, although dominant in New Zealand, Alex now knows he have massive room for further improvement. Known for his lightning speed and unwavering determination, Alex has carved a name for himself as an unstoppable force in the Ocean Swim Series. With his flowing blonde locks—that seem to have a mind of their own—and an infectious, down-to-earth attitude, he's not just a champion in the water but a true crowd favorite.

Whether you’re a fan of swimming, the ocean, or just love hearing stories of incredible human spirit, you won’t want to miss this conversation. So grab a towel, and let’s dive in—it’s time to meet Alex Dunkley!