From Couch to the Surf with Hilary Topper

Episode 17: From Couch to the Surf with Hilary Topper Open-water swimming is where triathlon gets real, and Hilary Topper has spent years helping beginners stop panicking and start thriving in it. If the thought of cold water, rough conditions, sighting, or that first jump off the pontoon makes you tense up, in this episode of *Hot Tub Tri Machine*, Ursula and The Beast welcome author, endurance athlete and open-water swimming advocate **Hilary Topper.** Hilary talks about conquering one of the biggest hurdles for many triathletes: getting comfortable in the water when there’s no pool wall, no lane rope and absolutely no hiding! Hilary shares the story behind her new book, *Unlocking the Open Water Swim: The Beginner’s Guide to Success in Open Water Events*, and her own remarkable journey from “couch potato” to confident open-water swimmer — starting to swim at 53 and eventually tackling long-distance challenges, including an 8.3-mile swim around Mackinac Island. Topics will range from dealing with cold water, rough conditions, sighting, breathing, race-day nerves and that slightly terrifying moment when you realise you actually have to jump off the pontoon and swim! Hilary shares practical tips for staying safe and calm in open water, along with the mental strategies, gear and training techniques that can help nervous swimmers build confidence. If the thought of swimming in open water makes your heart rate rise before you've even started, this episode is for you. Hilary proves that you don't have to be a lifelong swimmer, or even think of yourself as an athlete, to become an open-water swimmer. links to the books:   - Unlocking Triathlon: The Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon: https://amzn.to/4h195qG - From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: https://amzn.to/4fue7t2 - Unlocking the Open Water Swim: The Beginner’s Guide to Success in Open Water Events: https://amzn.to/4hJIlLu - Australian release will be January. Here’s the link to use: https://woodslane.com.au/products/9781782553014?\pos=1&\sid=3fb6f9a56&\_ss=r Send your “Age Group Ask” questions or your “Shout Outs” to [hottubtrimachine@gmail.com](mailto:hottubtrimachine@gmail.com). Follow Hot Tub Tri Machine (https://www.hottubtrimachine.au/) on Spotify, Apple Podcast and our instagram page. Join the Hot Tub Tri Machine Podcast club in Zwift and join our virtual group ride events. Zwift Companion app - https://www.zwift.com/int/companion Zwift - https://www.zwift.com/ Music made with Suno; Graphics made with Chat gpt; Recording and editing in Riverside and Garageband