A/Prof Heather Massey: The English Channel, Cold Water and the Science of Swimming

What can marathon swimmers teach us about staying safe in open water? Can we really adapt to cold water? And why are researchers increasingly interested in the connection between outdoor swimming, wellbeing and mental health?

In this episode, I sit down with A/Prof Heather Massey, an environmental physiologist at the University of Portsmouth and a leading researcher in cold-water immersion, swimmer safety and outdoor swimming. Heather is also an accomplished marathon swimmer, having completed a solo English Channel crossing, multiple Channel relays, and represented Great Britain at the World Ice Swimming Championships.

During our conversation, we explore Heather's journey into open-water swimming, what she learned from her English Channel crossing, and the unique physiological and psychological demands of marathon swimming. We discuss cold-water adaptation, hypothermia, SIPE, swimmer safety, and some of the misconceptions that continue to surround cold-water swimming.

We also discuss Heather's research into outdoor swimming and mental health, why scientists are increasingly interested in the potential benefits of outdoor swimming, and what questions remain unanswered.

Whether you're training for a channel swim, preparing for your first winter season, or simply curious about the science behind open-water swimming, this episode is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking discussion.

Heather will be visiting Western Australia next month as part of a UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellowship, where she will present public talks on long-distance swimming, outdoor swimming, and mental health. This conversation offers a wonderful introduction to Heather's work ahead of her visit.

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This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.