23/03/2026
๐ค ๐ฝ๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ข๐๐ฉ๐.
My wife, Hayley, completed a 20km open water swim across the Rottnest Channel, from mainland Western Australia to Rottnest Island.
Open ocean. No shortcuts. Just preparation, courage, and commitment.
This wasnโt her first time taking on the channel โ she completed the crossing in 2021, and I had the privilege of paddling for her then, and again for this journey โ a role built on responsibility, trust, patience, and focus.
As the paddler, my job was simple in theory, but critical in ex*****on:
Guide the swimmer so they can stay locked into their rhythm.
Stay disciplined with the feeding schedule.
Maintain clear water and space around them.
Hold alignment with the boat navigating the path ahead.
This effort is never individual.
Alongside us was a skipper guiding the boat, two crew members managing feeds and support, and another paddler โ Hayleyโs brother Ryan โ supporting a second swimmer, our good friend Jade, who was taking on the same challenge in tandem.
I didnโt swim the distance, but I helped make it possible โ along with the rest of the crew.
Sometimes youโre the one in the spotlight.
Sometimes youโre in the role that helps make it possible.
Both matter.
Be a great teammate, no matter which role youโre in.
