Swim Smooth Ireland

Today marks 100 years since Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel. 💙

She didn’t just cross the Channel—she shattered expectations, proving that courage, determination, and resilience know no gender. A century later, her achievement continues to inspire generations of women to dream bigger, challenge limits, and dive into the impossible.

Here’s to celebrating the women who came before us, and to every woman who is brave enough to create her own legacy. 🌊💪

We often talk about confidence as something we build ourselves. In reality, confidence is often borrowed first.

It comes from seeing someone like us achieve something we once thought was beyond our reach.

As the open water season gets into full swing, it’s fitting to celebrate two members of our swim Nation/Swim Smooth community who continue to inspire others through both their achievements and their example.

A huge congratulations to Mark Dunleavy and Eoin Lorigan, who were recently recognised at the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association awards.

Mark was honoured for his successful English Channel crossing, a swim of at least 34km, achieved after overcoming the disappointment of a previous unsuccessful attempt. Eoin was recognised for his 10.5km marathon swim from Aughinish, Co. Clare, to the Diving Tower in Salthill, Galway.

While the certificates recognise remarkable swims, they don’t tell the whole story.

Both men are pillars of our community. They encourage newcomers, support fellow swimmers and are always willing to share not just their successes, but also the challenges, doubts and setbacks they faced along the way.

Since Mark’s Channel crossing, more members of our community have committed to their own English Channel journeys. That’s the power of visible, relatable role models!

Swimming may be what brings us together, but confidence, resilience and self-belief are what keep us moving forward.

Congratulations, gentlemen. Your achievements are impressive, but the example you set for others may be even more valuable.

Just a few days before we get to swim in the magical Glendlough swim brought to you by Open Water Swimmer!
Why not get comfortable in the surroundings tomorrow evening to settle the head 🧠💪

What’s better than one good coach? Two! 🙌 Pool2lake Open Water

Local Swim Group Raises €14,090 for Wicklow RNLI

Swim Smooth Ireland has proudly presented a cheque for €14,090 to Wicklow RNLI lifeboat. This incredible donation marks the culmination of the group's annual pre-Christmas swim event, held at Killashee Hotel, Naas in December 2024. The hotel's generous support in donating pool time makes this cherished tradition possible each year.

The pre-Christmas swim sees over 50 dedicated swimmers dive into the pool at 5 a.m. on a crisp December morning. Participants complete either a 5 km or 10 km swim over the course of approximately four hours. This inspiring event is a celebration of community spirit and resilience, uniting swimmers of all levels to support the life-saving efforts of the RNLI.

Although Swim Smooth Ireland is based in Kildare, the squad trains regularly at Wicklow Harbour during the summer, safe in the knowledge that Wicklow RNLI isn’t too far away. This connection has inspired the squad’s commitment to supporting Wicklow RNLI through their annual fundraising swims. Over the past four years, Swim Smooth Ireland has raised over €46,000 to Wicklow RNLI. These funds go directly toward the RNLI's mission of saving lives at sea, funding crucial equipment, training, and community education. Wicklow Harbour remains a key RNLI location, where volunteers provide a 24-hour rescue service and promote water safety advocacy.

Swim Smooth Ireland founder, Maxine Strain, expressed her gratitude: "We are thrilled to support such an important cause. Our swimmers have shown incredible commitment and generosity, and it's inspiring to see how a shared love for swimming can make a real difference in our community."

The cheque presentation took place at Wicklow Lifeboat Station on Sunday, May 4th, at 10 a.m, where volunteers from Wicklow RNLI Fundraising Branch accepted the donation on behalf of the RNLI. This was followed by a group dip and swim to officially open the Swim Smooth open-water training season. Attendees enjoyed cake and a warm coffee after the chilly swim, making it a memorable morning of celebration and connection.

Swim Smooth Ireland is more than just a swim squad—it’s a community-driven swim coaching group founded by Maxine Strain, dedicated to empowering swimmers of all levels through technique-focused training and open-water skills development. The squad focuses on delivering confidence, belief, challenge, acceptance, support, and community. From mastering the fundamentals of freestyle to pushing the limits in long-distance open-water swimming, Swim Smooth Ireland nurtures swimmers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For more information about Swim Smooth Ireland or to join future events, please contact Maxine Strain at [email protected] or on their website www.swimsmooth.ie

Hats off to squad legend Mark Dunleavy!
On Tuesday, 20th August, Mark completed the gruelling 20.5km Classic Fastnet Swim in an incredible 7 hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds — earning the ILDSA Recognition of Achievement!

This is no ordinary swim. It takes strength, grit, and relentless perseverance to take on such a challenge — and Mark did it with true heart and determination.

A huge congratulations on this milestone, Mark. You’re an inspiration to every swimmer in our community — proving what’s possible with hard work, belief, and the courage to chase big goals.

We’re all so proud of you!

Enough said. Link in bio