After the Padstow to Rock swim, June 2010 I put some questions to Rick Stein about his love of outdoor swimming:

For how many years have you been participating in the Padstow to Rock swim?

Two.

Do you swim in the sea, lakes or rivers anywhere else?

Yes, I’m a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club in Hyde Park and I swim at Balmoral beach in Sydney when I’m over there.

Did you train for the swim?

I swim every day anyway.

Was the tide problematic or did you know what to expect?

I knew what to expect and the organisers judge the tides very well.

Any particularly memorable experiences on this swim or past swims?

Having only done two swims like this I find trying to swim with a mass of people around you quite daunting, but then when we’re all getting into the water the camaraderie is great.

What especially do you like about the Padstow to Rock swim?

It’s local, raising money for a very good cause, Macmillan Cancer Care, and there’s a beer and a pasty at the other side.

What especially do you like about swimming in general?

I find that an early morning swim sets me up for the day.