Hexham swim coach selected for Team GB in Ice Swimming Championship

Hexham man Fenwick Ridley, swim coach been selected again to be a member of Team GB in the 5th Ice Swimming World Championships in Samoëns, France, in January.

His passion for swimming in open water led him to create his own business called H20 trials - which takes the public on ‘wild swimming adventures’ and paddleboarding around Northumberland.

“Last winter, I was selected to go to the 4th Championships, but 95% of the team dropped out due to Covid complications," Fenwick said.

"So basically, a lot of us couldn’t afford to risk being input into quarantine and affecting other team members.

"This year, I was selected again by the IISA GBTeam captains.

"I previously had met them at another event, and they continued to watch my progress then, which led them to offer me a slot."

"I’m feeling mixed nerves, excitement and a slight pressure as I have waited a while to get to this point and never thought I would achieve where I am now.

"With branded kit to purchase, insurance, travel costs, accommodation, event entry costs and more, it becomes insanely expensive.

"But I have an incredible amount of support for this winter event.

" I have had followers, friends, family and people I don't know who have donated towards my GoFundMe page to help me go to the IISA Worlds.

"It's given me a massive boost into my training, and I'm even more excited and nervous, but I need the nerves for power. "

"But with all support and a possible paid sponsor, it has allowed me to enter another two Ice swimming events in Austria and Rotterdam early next year."

Preparing for the competition, Fenwick has made sure to push his limits. He has a routine of training six days a week, 'chill time in a barrel in his garden and distance work in the cold water in Northumberland swim Hub at Sweethope Lough.

"There is also a lot of particular gym work for my Ice Fly (butterfly) training," He said.

"I have stepped up my game to shape myself more than ever to target some of my biggest goals, like the possibility of a record time for my age group in fly.

"Ice swimming is basically swimming under 5 degrees Celcius, and it is possible to have between 2 – 4*c at the champs in France, but I’m cooling my barrel around 2*c.

"I am so determined and driven.

"It has become an incredible part of my life, but I wouldn’t be at this point now without my family and close friends but, most of all, my amazing future wife, Jenny."