The famous Bantham Swoosh is one of the country’s most popular wild swims. South Devon swimmer Suzy Greenwood reveals how she went from first strokes to full swoosh and how her watery journey inspired a new retreat
Four years ago, I struggled to swim 500 metres. As a sailor and lover of the sea, I’d meant to learn to swim properly for years but had never quite got round to it. I hadn’t even tried front crawl since primary school. Then, in June 2023, I nabbed a transfer spot in the Bantham Swoosh taking place the following month – and suddenly, I had to learn. Fast.
I enlisted swim coach Julia from Wild Swim Devon and began a crash course in front crawl. I trained two to four times a week in calm seas, choppy waves, glorious sunshine and pouring rain – sometimes against a tide that took me backwards. I had physio, earache, wetsuit rash, and ate three times what I usually would. It was quite the journey before I’d even made the start line!
The morning of the Swoosh came around quickly, and I felt equal parts nervous and excited. Surrounded by hundreds of bobbing red swim hats in the muddy estuary, it took me ages to find a rhythm. As the river started to widen, I got into a groove and focused on counting my breath. Then came the moment I’d been waiting for – the famous swoooooosh of the final kilometre – and suddenly it was over all too quickly. In four weeks, I’d gone from being exhausted after 20 minutes to swimming for almost two hours.
As I ran up the beach at Bantham, I was elated: I hadn’t just completed the swim – I’d absolutely loved it. So much so that in 2024 I came back for more – and this time, brought friends.
Swim pals John, Simon and I trained for months together along our local beach, Slapton Sands, turning our usual morning dips into more adventurous sessions.
Well prepared and knowing what lay ahead, this time I felt pure excitement.
The atmosphere was once again amazing, and seeing John’s head bobbing beside in the water me spurred me on. Before we knew it, the mud beneath us had turned to sand. The tide that year was so strong that for the final kilometre we floated on our backs to the finish line, laughing the whole way.
By 2025, the Swoosh had become a highlight in my calendar. I swam smoothly and calmly, remembering to take in the stunning views around me. I finished faster than ever, though time felt irrelevant. Having double-booked myself, I’d slipped out of a yoga retreat at my guesthouse in Frogmore at 4.30 am that morning to make the swim.
On the drive home, my friend Teagan turned to me and said: ‘You should do a Swoosh retreat next year – just for the swimmers.’ The idea was genius.
And so, I am. Teaming-up with my good friend Francesca, we’re creating a retreat designed specifically for the swimmers. The Bantham Swoosh has come to mean so much to me. It has such a fantastic atmosphere and sense of joy from start to finish – wild, beautiful, full of community spirit, and brilliantly organised. It’s a swim that leaves you buzzing long after you’ve crossed the finish line. I can’t wait to do it all again in July, and I’m so excited to share and host the experience. If you’re feeling inspired, I hope you’ll join me.
Suzy is the owner of Seaflowers, a luxury guesthouse and retreat venue in South Devon. Her new Swoosh Retreat blends adventure, wellbeing and connection for swimmers taking on the Bantham Swoosh.
The Swoosh lowdown
Every summer, hundreds of swimmers head to South Devon to chase the tide and ride the magic of the Bantham Swoosh and Boomerang – two of the UK’s most loved and fastest-selling swims.
The Bantham Swoosh is a 6km downstream dash through the beautiful Aune Estuary – a stretch of clear, sandy-bottomed water where you might even spot a crab cheering you on. As the river narrows for its final kilometre, the ebbing tide gathers pace, funnelling swimmers through like a natural water slide and swooshing you along at up to four times your usual speed, straight to Bantham Beach.
The Bantham Boomerang, the Swoosh’s adventurous sibling, starts on that same beach. You’ll swim upstream with the tide as it floods in, then turn to ride it joyfully home – two Bantham Swooshes in one.
Younger swimmers can join the Mini-Swoosh – a chance for children aged eight and over to enjoy the swooshiest part of the estuary alongside a parent. Many are also learning with a Level Water teacher, making it a special moment to share.
Both events raise vital funds for Level Water, giving children with disabilities the chance to be active, learn to swim, and feel the freedom, confidence and joy of the water.
levelwater.org/bantham-swoosh-boomerang-2026
The Swoosh Retreat
For those lucky enough to secure a Bantham Swoosh place in 2026, The Swoosh Retreat at Seaflowers offers a way to make the weekend truly unforgettable.
Running from July 17 to 19, 2026, the retreat is designed entirely around the swim – giving participants the chance to focus on the joy of the Swoosh while every detail is taken care of.
Guests will enjoy luxury waterfront accommodation at Seaflowers in Frogmore, nourishing seasonal menus by Herbs & Wild, restorative yoga sessions, deep-tissue sports massage, and private transfers to and from the swim itself.
Co-hosts Suzy and Francesca have created a weekend that blends adventure, recovery and connection – a celebration of community as much as the swim. Ten per cent of retreat profits will be donated to Level Water.
seaflowers.co.uk
