About me

I’m Rachel Andrews and I’ve loved swimming outdoor all of my life. I’ve been a year round swimmer for around 5 years. I enjoy all kinds of swimming and I’ve yet to come across an environment I don’t like. I immerse to feel part of nature, swim with friends for fun and train to swim a 10km every year.

I’ve worked in the outdoors and outdoor education for over 20 years, teaching all sorts from kayaking and canoeing, to gorge walking, sailing and powerboating. I love how being outdoors brings out so much in people. Supporting someone to do something they thought they couldn’t is so satisfying. 

Often people think they are coming to learn a skill, but they leave with so much more: a sense of achievement, increased self-belief and a spring in their step as they head off to face new challenges with confidence. When someone leaves a session in the outdoors walking a little taller, chattering about their experience and with a cheeky spring in their step I’m over the moon.

I started my YouTube channel Everyday Athlete Rach after buying my first GoPro. I knew I wanted to share the thrill of being in the water and that I wanted to empower others to dip their toe in the water safely. I make videos to encourage and support people into swimming outdoors.

I’ve swum the Dart 10K three times - twice in a wetsuit, once skins (in a swimsuit), and the Jubilee River 10K. I hold the STA Level 2 Award in Open Water Swimming Coaching, RYA First Aid Instructor, PGCE FE.

I speak French, some Swedish and a little bit of Japanese.