Introducing the 2024 Across the Lake SwimSquad Ambassador Team!
James Addington
Kelowna, BC Canada
Bio coming soon!
Sandra Arthur
West Kelowna, BC Canada
I became a swim addict at the age of 9 when I joined a summer swim club and then later a winter club. You will find me in the summer in Lake Okanagan. Favourite beach is Gyro Beach where the outdoor swim clinics are held. See you out there!
Aerin Bowers
Kelowna & Rossland, BC Canada
Aerin swam out of the womb, pretty much, discovering the joy of open water 11 years ago. She’s travelled the world swimming in places like Zurich, London, Stockholm and San Francisco, to name a few! Aerin is training for an English Channel crossing this September to celebrate her first half-century. She’s participated in most of the ATLS events enough times to have replaced all her towels, and has learned to speak fluent Ogo Pogo.
Sommer Cunningham
North Vancouver, BC Canada
With a name like Sommer, I am bound to be a water baby! Though the water has always been a draw for me, I am an adult-learned swimmer. Find me in the mighty Pacific year round or in the waters of Sasamat and Cultus Lakes and I’ll likely be training for a triathlon or an Across The Lake Swim event! See you out there!
Laurie de Grace
Edmonton, AB Canada
My love of open water swimming began with my participation in triathlons. As long as there were no attacking sea creatures, I much preferred open water to pool swims.
In 2023 I turned 70 and set a couple of goals to mark the occasion. One was to complete a 160km Gran Fondo in July and the second more challenging goal was the 11.8km Skaha Ultra in August. Having ridden long distances before I was certain I could complete the ride but distance swimming was something new. While training I typically swim less than 3 km and once did a 4km swim race so tripling the distance was no small feat. I added to the challenge by breaking my leg while skiing in December, lopping 3 months off my training, I returned the pool in March.
The swim across Skaha was amazing and I was ecstatic to finish. The next day, once the endorphins had evaporated, I decided to return to improve my time. In addition to having a full season of training, I also plan to finish with a swim buddy filled only with air! Not closing it properly, I towed a swim buddy filled with water.
Emily Epp
Kelowna, BC Canada
Hello, My name is Emily! I have been swimming since I was 9 years old. I have always loved swimming outside in oceans and lakes; there is something so peaceful about it. I completed my first Across the Lake swim when I was 12 and fell in love with it. Since then I have specialized in open water swimming having completed a solo English Channel Swim, Escape from Alcatraz swim, and circumnavigated Bowen Island. My hope is so inspire swimmers to challenge themselves, and enjoy our Beautiful Okanagan Lake. I am very excited to be an Ambassador. If you see me, please say hi!
Sarah Freeman
Canmore, AB Canada
Sarah is Building empowering communities for #waterwomen to connect & thrive as their authentic self in the water & beyond🌊
She is a water lover, from Masters Pool competitions, 2k-5k open-water swims, ice dipper and soon to be Ice Swimmer!
She is a step-mum of two beautiful girls, wife to an Aussie, and a horse lover too.
You can also find Sarah Leading the Bow Valley Chamber, and being a community co-host on the radio. Most of all she is part mermaid with a big heart🧜♀️
Jennifer Grant aka Jennifer Leach-Trask
Kelowna, BC
I am very honored to have been selected to be a Swim Squad Ambassador for the Across the Lake Swim. 2024 will be my 23rd Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Kelowna. Every Across the Lake Swim I have done over many years has been transcending and awe-inspiring. I have always found open-water swimming to be healing, calming, rejuvenating, and magical.
There is always so much excitement in the air at any Across the Lake Swim event. It is wonderful to watch the hundreds of swimmers who make their dreams come true by participating in the Across the Lake Swim.
Six years ago, I was 62, and I was diagnosed with Late-onset Bipolar One Disorder. I thought my life would end when I heard that I had a severe mental illness. My journey back to stability and wellness has been challenging, but I have never given up. Without the enduring love and support of my husband, Grant Trask, our children Zach and Vanessa, our grandson Dax, and my closest friends, I would still be living in the dark shadows of mania, depression, and despair. I also have a trusted medical team who advocate and support me.
If I can share one message with anyone who has a mental illness or mental health issue, it is that you can still have a purpose and you can live a life with happiness and meaning. Living with a mental illness requires acceptance, fortitude, courage, and resilience. If you have or find a passion, follow it; if you have a dream, make it happen. If you need professional or medical help, seek it.
For 23 years, The Across the Lake Swim has been instrumental in making me feel joyous and helping me stay well. I plan to throw my energy and whole heart into my position as a Swim Squad Ambassador.
Thank you, Peter Rudd and your entire Volunteer team, for making the Across the Lake such a safe, fun, and memorable event.
Stephanie Horman
Kelowna, BC Canada
Phred Martin
Kelowna, BC Canada
I like long swims along the shore, especially with lots of sea life (but not the big bitey ones). My new phavourite quote “When you’ve forgotten how to breathe, go visit the water. It will remind you how.”
Andrea McCallum
Vancouver, BC Canada
Andrea has been swimming a looong time! Her first memory of swimming was in Lake Okanagan… when she was around 6 years old! My parents were sitting on the beach and I swam towards them. They asked if my hands were on the bottom of the lake. I said “no”, and remember thinking that was a weird question. My parents were a little surprised and said “she’s swimming!” I have been hooked on swimming ever since. I have swum the Across The Lake Swim twice… it is so spectacular, well planned and the nicest people volunteering. Andrea is very excited to be participating now as a SwimSquad Ambassador. I hope all swimmers participating in the Interior Savings ATLS Kelowna 2024 swim have fantastic swims and an amazing swim experience.
Nadia Pedley
New Westminster, BC Canada
After a short sabbatical (of 25 years), Nadia is back with a splash! A former water polo player, turned masters swimmer, she is ready to take on the exciting challenge of open water swimming. When she’s not swimming (or at work), Nadia enjoys spending time soaking up the sun on her paddle board and spending time camping with family and friends.
Darryl Reuter
Kelowna, BC Canada
Bio coming soon!
Kierra Smith
Kelowna, BC Canada
Rooted in the heart of the Kelowna swimming community, my journey from a local swimmer to a two-time Olympian has been incredible, shaped by the unwavering support of those around me. The kindness and encouragement I received left a mark, teaching me the true value of community and the strength found in collective support.
Now, as I embrace the role of an ambassador for the across-the-lake swim, I see it as a way to express my gratitude and encourage others to join in this experience. It’s not just about the distance swam, but the shared moments of joy, challenge, and camaraderie that define our time in the Okanagan Lake. This event stands as a testament to what we can achieve together, and I’m honored to be a part of it, hoping to inspire others to dive into the water beside me.
In every stroke, I carry with me the spirit of our Kelowna swimming community—a spirit of perseverance, joy, and unity. I look forward to sharing this adventure, side by side, with everyone willing to take the plunge, celebrating of swimming and the beauty that surrounds us.
Samuel Spinelli
Kelowna, BC Canada
I’m a simple person, just looking to enjoy some coffee, cake, and a grueling few hours of an outdoor challenge. Sam is a husband to an incredible wife and father of two sweet little ladies. He co-owns Thrive Kelowna and Just Peachy in Kelowna. You’ll usually find him either hanging out with his daughters or tackling a crazy endurance or strength challenge.
Tamara Stone
Kelowna, BC Canada
I am a lifelong resident of Kelowna and love playing in the outdoors. I skate ski and hike in the winter then play tennis and run, bike and swim in the summer. I am excited to help get more people to swim across the lake 😀
Amy Tucker
Kamloops & Oliver, BC Canada
Hello there. My name is Amy Tucker, and I am from Kamloops, British Columbia.
I am an enthusiastic swimmer and triathlete who has actively participated in open-water swimming since 2013. I am a dedicated member of the Kamloops Masters Swim Team, Kamloops Tri Club, Kamloops Senior Games (Zone 8), and Team Canada (age group).
You can find me swimming in various places, such as the Kamloops Tournament Capital Swimming Pool, Kamloops Swimming Pool, and open water. My favourite swimming lakes include Paul Lake, Lac Le Jeune, Hefley Lake, Lake Okanagan, Skaha Lake, and Christina Lake.
Besides swimming, I love cycling through beautiful landscapes, running on scenic trails, and teaching as a business instructor at Thompson Rivers University. I am passionate about promoting swimming and building communities throughout the province.
As an active volunteer, I always look forward to inspiring others to dive into the sport. My dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to inclusivity make me a proud SwimSquad Ambassador. I am excited to share my journey and encourage you to join me in making a splash in the swimming world!
