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Welcome back to the MYSWIM Podcast, where we explore the world of swimming through culture, history, adventure, and the people who make the water feel like home.
I’m your host, Michael Helps , and today we’re heading to a place where swimming is more than a sport — it’s a way of life.

Iceland- A land of fire, ice, geothermal magic and some of the most passionate swimmers you’ll ever meet.

Today we’ll dive into Iceland’s swimming history, its cold‑water culture, the best places to plunge, and what you need to know before you brave the North Atlantic.
We’ll also explore the relaxing beauty of the Blue Lagoon as well as the incredible network of swimming pools found in nearly every Icelandic town.

So grab something warm to drink, settle in, and let’s dive in.

Welcome to Iceland & welcome to the MYSWIM podcast.
Content Includes:

• A BRIEF HISTORY OF SWIMMING IN ICELAND
• SWIMMING POOLS: THE HEART OF ICELANDIC COMMUNITIES
• THE RISE OF COLD‑WATER SWIMMING
• so WHY resurgence of COLD WATER dipping ? What are the THE BENEFITS
• HOW TO PREPARE FOR A COLD PLUNGE IN ICELAND
• TYPES OF ICELANDIC COLD‑WATER SWIMMERS
• THE BLUE LAGOON
• THE BEST OPEN‑WATER SWIM SPOTS NEAR REYKJAVÍK
  • Hvammsvík Hot Springs
  • Hoppland Akranes
  • Nauthólsvík
  • Lake Elliðavatn
  • Silfra

Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and stay tuned for more stories from the world of swimming.

Until next time — stay warm, stay curious, and keep swimming.

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This is a bonus episode in the Africa series and is my personal account of swimming one of the worlds greatest swim adventures.

In this episode I go through the What, Who, When and How for my Lake Malawi swim attempt.

My training time was split between lido, lakes and my normal 3 times per week masters sessions as well as gym work (mainly on shoulders and core). My typical training diary, weekly and monthly training mileage are in the show notes looked something like this:

Typical Weekly Training Plan:

· Monday – Rest or Gym (1hr to 1.5hrs)

· Tuesday – Masters swimming club (approx. 3k)

· Wednesday – Rest or Gym (1hr to 1.5hrs)

· Thursday - Masters swimming club (approx. 3k)

· Friday – Lido (between 5k to 10k)

· Saturday – Lake swim (6k to 10k)

· Sunday - Lake swim (6k to 10k) or Masters swimming club (approx. 3k)

Average monthly /weekly SWIM totals:

| Monthly Totals | Ave.Weekly Totals
| January | 18,225m | 4,556m
| February | 5,500m | 1,375m
| March | 20,125m | 5,031m
| April | 16,400m | 4,100m
| May | 61,325m | 15,331m
| June | 85,860m | 21,465m
| July | 61,147m | 15,287m
| August | 73,969m | 18,492m
| September | 52,516m | 13,129m
| October (up to swim) | 8,350m | 2,088m

To find out more above the African swims and particularly Lake Malawi contact Open Water Africa please follow website www.openwater.africa and visit www.MYSWIM.uk for links to the other African swims in the series as well as information about many other of aquatic adventures.

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This is the fourth of a four part podcast Africa series with Open Water Africa founder Howard James.
In this episode we find out the details of the incredible and exciting swim across Lake Malawi in the heart of Africa .We find out why this swim is so special , the logistical challenges and explore what it takes to successfully achieve the swim and discuss unique wildlife in the area.
To find out more above the African swims and particularly Lake Malawi contact Open Water Africa please follow website www.openwater.africa and visit www.MYSWIM.uk for links to the other African swims in the series.