Hi welcome to my channel. I'm Rachel Andrews and I'm an everyday athlete. By that I mean I like to get up and go and do something in my spare time. I spend a lot of my time doing or planning outdoor swimming, riding my bikes, paddle boarding, exploring in my powerboat, walking my cocker spaniel and enjoying being out in the elements.
On this channel I share my adventures, ideas for getting involved with the great outdoors and useful tips for my fellow everyday athletes. I'll review gear I'm using and discuss kit I'm thinking about trying out.
I'd really love to have your comments and suggestions so I can keep the content relevant.
I upload my videos ready to entertain on Tuesdays when time off can seem a while away. Please subscribe to join the fun, and don't forget to click on the bell to get notifications when new content is posted.
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Michigan resident speaking. Ir is July. Looking forward to autumn. Got an ironman tri in September. Once that is done......autumn swimming begins.
Does winter mean no swimming in Michigan? I’m guessing all the watery spaces freeze up?
Looking forward to more videos
Did you do the full year Zoe subscription? I am on holiday but am going to send for my kit this week. Been following Zoe team for a while
Yes I did. I find the app and the recipe suggestions useful and inspiring. It’s definitely adding variety and interest to the weekly menu..
Brilliant insights into why we may feel the cold. Thank you.
Are there any truly spacious dry robes? I’ve tried a few and there just wasn’t enough room to get changed underneath and I’m not keen to invest in my own
It’s more about having a technique for getting dressed than the actual room. There are quite a few for sale second hand on Facebook market place so no need to invest too much.
I like your character. You are amazing. ❤
How lovely, thank you @Muslima824
How weird. This very video is the epitome of about 6-7h of research on how to keep my valuables safe with me when going to the beach on holiday abroad. From researching waterproof phone bags of differing waterproofness, to bum bags that rip, to dry bags, and, finally, tow floats. Think I'm ready for that holiday!! Thanks for the great vid!
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and happy holidays!
amazing video detail... thank you..
You are welcome!
did you really need to take the dog?
Yep. She was only tiny, could t leave her at home or on the boat unsupervised. Thanks for asking.
Thanks to the Tories neglect the whole British island has plenty of brown floats bobbing around out coasts !
This stretch has taken a maybe Scottish king
Thank you
I’m ten and my first adult open water triathlon is in 3 weeks. This will be my first time using a tow float.
Good luck. They can be a bit challenging to get used to but I’m sure you’ll have a super time 🏊♀️😃
Hi Rachel, Great tip about putting the rope between the legs when it's windy or popping a heavy water bottle inside so it doesn't fly around. it flipping float annoyed me no end yesterday during a windy OW swim, thank you so much
Good luck trying out the different tips x
Watch in the watch at 1.06 behind you. What is it?
Didn't they think of the damage they are doing to the bottom of the stream a complete eco system being disturbed. What would they do if I walked into there homes and took a baseball bat to there furniture. No difference . With poor water quality and pollution in our local rivers and beaches, Ali and I decided on a mini adventure which was rather like a safari. Floating and swimming through the New Forest, at times scraping the bottom, we felt like explorers NO JUST A DESTRUCTION DERBY AS YOU BECAME THE POLLUTION
Great informative video, thanks for making it. I am just wavering between the lomo run swim tow float rucksack and the onde from Swim Secure - which brand is better in your opinion? I'm new to all this but assume you prefer Lomo, since that's what you're using! Many thanks again for such as useful video!
Which did you go for. I’ve used both brands and her good things about them so I think either will work for you. Enjoy!
I got the Lomo. Not used it yet but it seems very good quality and well made. Will hopefully use it this week as I swim out to some Portuguese islands in the Algarve - hopefully the boats will see me and avoid!
One handy thing I do to get the sand off my feet is to bring a bottle of water with me and rinse them before I put on clothes to avoid all that sand in socks and shoes. Awesome channel and advice!
Can running shoes fit in the tow float?
❤
Brilliant, so helpful. Thank you. Changing will now be so much easier 😊
Glad it was helpful! Good luck!
The only thing I've found to help in salt water is to tape the back of my neck, with Rock Tape extra sticky kinesiology tape.
I found that a few one-to-one coaching lessons altered my head position in the water and it almost eliminated the neck rub. Tape is a great idea tho!
Whenbatterbubbles you flip
Great tip!
@@EverydayAthleteRach i used to be a chef lol. Love your channel!
UK TRAVEL VLOG. kzread.info/dash/bejne/naeYj8Nqe6m5kqg.html
Why would you swim at an industrial site ?
It’s not an industrial estate, I’m opposite a container port in Southampton Docks in the River Test. It’s fascinating seeing all the harbour traffic.
Very clever 🎉🎉
Thank you! 😊
Hi Rachel, I can’t decide which I love more, the lunge test or that incredible circular brick building behind you overlooking the water. What a great place to film!!! I just wish changing robes were available in 🇨🇦. Your reviews are very thorough. When the day comes that I do find one to purchase, I’ll certainly know what features to look for. Thanks, and keep on lunging, my friend!! Ⓜary💦🏊♀
Hey Mary, glad you enjoyed the video. The circular building is Calshot Castle www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/outdoorcentres/ourcentres/calshot/visit/calshot-castle If I swim around Calshot Spit I swoosh past it as the tide gives me a lift westwards. Hope you’ve managed to get in the water for a quick dip. Rach x
Thank you! Great video
Glad you liked it!
Very interesting, I have a Gorilla Robe which is great but it’s a pull over your head type and I sometimes wish I had bought a front zip fastening one. The one good thing that I love about mine is that it has a huge pocket at the front that you can put a hot water bottle inside in the winter!
The Gorilla Robe is one of my favourites for the no-nonsense on over the head and the side zips which are great if you’re changing in or out of a wetsuit.
Yes the side zips are a great addition- extra lunge room!!😂
Is the entire Strid dangerous or just that keyhole part? Or is it just this part known as the Strid where it’s like the keyhole?
The Strid is the name of the thin section between two wider sections. Water gets squeezed and there are some wild currents as well as huge depth. There’s loads of info if you google it 😀
Hi Rachel great review on the 4 changing robes ,as I said I’ve got the Rugga Robe and think it came out as good as the other 3 ,which I well happy it did the the job,really like your reviews on all swimming related items ,great work .👍🏊♀️
Thanks for watching Chris. It’s a super change robe and good value too.
I bought the Speedo ones today. Pretty desperate, have swimmers ear right now for the 2nd time in 2 months. 😢
Hope they help. Good luck with kicking swimmer’s ear into touch x
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thank you. 😀
Hi Rachel,I enjoyed ur video when u swam with a dr.talking about sea swimming.it was very informative.
I am a Brazilian open water swimmer and I would love to swim in these cold waters! Love your channel by the way
Thanks for joining Andrea. I’d love to swim in Brazil, I bet the water is really warm, isn’t it?
@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes, right now we are in the mid autumn and it is as hot as summer this year.
Can you do a second video with you sitting in them. You get out of water tired so you sit down and the robes pull right up to your ass and you sitting on cold plastic. And your legs stick out too. This is not just a length issue but a design flaw imo. But mabye other brands are better?
Good shout Gerry. Next time I’ll incorporate a sit test. All of these were pretty long so would probably have passed the cold bum measure.
Great video, very helpful and interesting about the ION robe You also made me laugh with your sense of humour. Thank you x
Thanks for watching Sally, glad it was interesting. I think quite a few companies have jumped on the changing robe bandwagon but not all of them are thinking about the end user!
@EverydayAthleteRach I have a Robie, very good. Soft lining. Big pockets and good zipper.
Great idea demonstrating which robes fit in a tow float. For me, I worry about my DryRobe getting knicked if I leave it on the beach. Really no way to keep an eye on your kit when you’re swimming. And these things ain’t cheap.
There are really big tow floats nowadays - Zone 3 do a whopper. I never leave kit to get peed on or nicked!
Thanks Rachel. Plenty of choice. Rachel any idea how to repair a Tow Float. Tried different glues but no luck.
I don't know, but off the top of my head a puncture repair kit or Black Witch might do the job. When mine have broken, it is usually at a point where neither of those options will help. Let me know if you come up with anything. Rach
Thanks Rachel, this was interesting, I currently have a Gorilla Robe which is great but it’s a pull over the head one and I sometimes wish it had a zip up the middle! Due to cost I will be hanging onto it for a while as other than that it’s a pretty good robe, it even has a large front pocket for a hot water bottle !
Looks like a fantastic adventure. Great to hear the Pink Tri X are serving you well. Stay awesome, keep inspiring. Cheers :)
Thanks team, they were just the job. Even my older pairs are appreciated when I lend them to people. Keep making great kit at affordable prices!
WoW Rachel, this little retreat would be a dream come true for me. I’m in awe of all the amazing swim spots you got to check out. I’m also in awe of all the tents and the overall set-up… it all looks so great. I did notice your new pink gloves, very cool!! The one thing that really caught my attention is all the laughter. It seems that everybody was there to enjoy and have a fun time, and to share the swim-vibe amongst like-minded adventurers. Sorry to be late to the viewing party here… these post-graduate uni courses are keeping me pretty dang busy. Plus, the Vancouver Canucks are in the Stanley Cup playoffs (hockey) and this is a big time event!! So, like a true Canadian, I’ve been watching a fair bit of hockey lately. I’ve yet to get out for a swim yet, but the day will come as soon as the wind dies down and I can get away from my computer. Thanks for another great video, much appreciated. Looking forward to more, Ⓜary💦🏊♀
We had an absolute blast Mary. I knew you'd be along for the scenery so tried to give a flavour of the area for those who are a bit farther afield. You're right, there was a lot of laughter, it was such a fun experience. Bit noisy with the rain, but defo felt close to nature! What are you studying at the moment? Hope you get in the water soon x
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hey Rachel, I’m taking Post-Graduate courses in Teacher Librarianship. My degree is in Phys. Ed which, at my age, is no longer a teaching option. I’ve been teaching sewing and working in my school library for the past 15+ years. I decided to take this program because libraries are changing, there is a paradigm shift towards Library Learning Commons in universities and schools… so this is just me, older gal who does not yet want to retire and is trying to keep up with the times. It is a 💯% vertiginous learning curve… it’s keeping me on my toes!! Thanks for asking, Ⓜary📚💦🏊♀
@@marycharlebois6627 wow that sounds like quite an undertaking. Well done on going for it!
Great vlog Rachel ,amazing views of the bays and the sea was abit choppy,and camping ,by the way I wear a green Rugga Robe I find mine well warm .
The scenery was beautiful. That RuggaRobe is lovely and warm, great for inclement weather or sitting on a stoney beach - really kept the chill out!
Looks like you had a fabulous time with The Wild Swimming Company! I’ve done a couple of retreats with them - in the lovely house in Studland, never under canvas - and enjoyed them immensely. Somehow, whatever the weather, they always know the best spots to head for! They have a longer ‘swim challenge’ along the Hampshire - Dorset coast coming up that might be right up your alley.
It was well organised and location-wise offers so much choice, even when the weather tries hard to alter your plans!
Your videos are so helpful, thank you so much for all the wisdom you're sharing! Your channel is probably my favourite all over KZread and gives me a lot of motivation to get back to swimming again after having to take it very slow for awhile due to long covid. Best wishes from Austria!
Hey Jane, welcome to the Covid slow lane. I’m still on a go slow 2 years after first getting Covid. Slowly we get back to the fun stuff. I hope you can be by the water even if not yet in it. Thanks for joining me. I appreciate you (virtual) company xx
The thought of retreating is so inviting. Really enjoyed this video. Shame about the sleep, but how could you 'forget to have your coffee's?
It was brilliant. I was too busy scoffing cake to finish my coffee 😋😜🏊♀️😀
What a great time! I'd love to do that one day! I'm from Canada and our local river is 9.5°C today.
It was great fun. Which part of Canada are you in?
@@EverydayAthleteRach I'm in the Ottawa Valley in Arnprior. Love your inspiring, informative videos!
Ah you might be my most easterly Canadian viewer. Thanks for joining me!
I always take ear plugs and an eye mask everywhere when I sleep over it’s a game changer
The silly thing is I had a load of swimming earplugs in the bag in my tent!
@@EverydayAthleteRach hahah typical. I was swimming with a friend who lost her goggles the other day. They were around her neck the whole time. 😂
@@helenheggadon6324 hahaha
Good to see you back. Still interested in the Zoe updates. Can’t wait to see next swim
Great to hear from you Helen x
"swim coaching, encouragement, fantastic locations and plenty of cake" soooo perfect .. thanks for taking us with you .. I really like your vids!
Thanks Kerstin your images of swimming are amazing. It’s be great to meet for a swim somewhere!
Thanks @@EverydayAthleteRach oh yes .. I hope we'll meet some day!
Gorgeous! Water is officially warm in Texas now. I'm missing the invigorating chill! I think a holiday might be in order!
It's virtually never officially warm in the UK, so you'd be safe over here! There's plenty of water too!
Lovely to see you again!
Thank you, it's good to be back!