2.4 Coach Dougal Dunlop on founding the Washing Machines, teaching swim skills, and enjoying all-weather swims at Oriental Bay

Dougal Dunlop is one of Wellington's swim legends and has been swimming and coaching for over 50 years. Now in his 70s, he continues to coach at Freyberg Pool and swims at Oriental Bay all year round – most mornings he'll be in the water at 6:46am (ish).

A back injury led to Dougal swimming regularly in the ocean and he founded the Washing Machines, a hardy group of open water enthusiasts including ultramarathoners and ice swimmers. Dougal updates the group (of over 200 members) via WhatsApp every day with the local swim conditions and water temperature.

We recorded this chat at AYE! Cafe in Oriental Bay so there's a bit of background noise sometimes – it's still a good listen for Dougal's stories and knowledge!

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