About the writer
The Whole Swimmer
Writing at the intersection of swimming, teaching and the science of movement.
For those who want to look beyond the stroke.
The Whole Swimmer explores the questions behind everyday swimming and teaching — not simply what we do, but why we do it, how it feels to the swimmer, and what we might do differently.
The Thinking Behind The Whole Swimmer
Not the Only Way. Another Way to Think.
The Whole Swimmer isn't about finding one perfect way to teach swimming.
It's about exploring ideas, questioning assumptions and recognising that every swimmer brings different experiences, abilities and needs to the water.
An approach that works for one swimmer may not work for another. Even something that worked yesterday may need to change tomorrow.
Through our books, blogs and teaching resources, we aim to encourage curiosity, professional judgement and reflective practice.
We don't claim to have all the answers. Instead, we hope to encourage better questions.
Good teaching means understanding when, why and how to adapt.
Teaching philosophy
Good teaching is mostly listening. The swimmer already knows something is wrong — your job is to help them find the words for it.
I believe swimming is a thinking sport. The best teachers I’ve encountered don’t just correct — they observe, reflect and make thoughtful adjustments. They recognise that each swimmer brings different experiences, abilities and needs, and adapt their teaching with that person in mind.
That's the spirit behind everything I write. Not prescriptions, but frameworks. Not rules, but principles that hold up under scrutiny.