22–23 Mar 2025 329 days to go! #GetOutside

Karen Marshall

I’m lucky enough to live right by the sea in South Devon where I swim and coach. I’m originally from the lakes, so have a love of everything watery sewn into my very soul.
I’m a qualified Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach and I blinking love the sea. I swim with a fabulous community, all swimming or dipping for their own reasons.
Sea swimming makes me happy and has enabled me to get fitter both mentally and physically. It has taken me further than I thought possible in all sorts of ways and I’ve made many new friends to boot.
I work with people to improve their confidence, transition from pool to sea, acclimatise to cold water, go on mini-adventures, practice open water skills, improve technique and to increase efficiency.
I coach with individuals and in groups all year round. Sometimes we swim in head to toe neoprene, sometimes in a cossie to feel the bite. There’s a certain magic to be found swimming in a big sea.