Sharks, Currents, and Aloha: True Stories from Hawaii’s Open Water Masters

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the magic of Hawaiian open water with three brilliant guests: Ryan Leong , Stefan Reinke , and Deb Kemp , a trio united by saltwater, courage, and the Aloha spirit. What starts as a simple chat about swims quickly turns into a love letter to the ocean. Ryan and Stefan, both seasoned Hawaiian open water swimmers and caretakers of iconic events like the Waikiki Roughwater Swim and the Double Roughwater , bring to life what makes Hawaii one of the most extraordinary swimming destinations on Earth: warm turquoise water, powerful currents, vibrant sea life, and a deep cultural sense of mana . Deb shares how she went from cold Lake District swims to being embraced by the Hawaiian community, guided through tropical waters by masters of the craft, and overwhelmed by the spirit, culture, and generosity she found there. Her story is a reminder that when you step into the ocean with respect, it gives you something back. The conversation drifts across: 🌊 The legendary Waikiki Roughwater and its tougher sibling, the Double Roughwater 🐬 Close encounters with dolphins, rays, hammerheads — and even a silky shark that escorted them for eight hours 🔥 The raw truth of Hawaiian conditions: currents, winds, microclimates, monthly jellyfish swarms 🏊‍♂️ Why open water swimming is about community, humility, adventure , and never being entirely in control 🌺 And how the mana, the living energy of the water, shapes every swim It’s an episode about adventure, respect for the ocean, and the shared joy of being tiny specks moving through something vast and alive. After listening, you’ll probably — like Dave — be mentally booking a flight to Hawaii. Follow us on Instagram: @Fuckingcoolswims Follow us on TikTok: @Fuckingcoolswims Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davejvwallace/ Please subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.