ABOUT US

WE ARE QUALIFIED, INSURED & EXPERIENCED

OPEN WATER SWIMMING COACHES

Terri & Allie – Founders of Coastal Swim Coaching

Having swum together nearly every day for over five years, Terri and Allie realised that their shared passion for open water was inspiring others to take the plunge too. Often asked for advice and guidance by fellow swimmers — and those curious about trying the sea for the first time — they decided to turn that enthusiasm into something bigger.

Now both qualified and insured STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coaches, they founded Coastal Swim Coaching in the chilled surroundings of Hele Bay, just outside Ilfracombe in North Devon.

Their coaching philosophy is simple: open water swimming is about more than fitness — it’s about confidence, connection, and the incredible health and wellbeing benefits that cold water immersion brings. Through Coastal Swim Coaching, they’ve created a welcoming, inclusive space where swimmers of all levels can learn, grow, and find joy in the water.

In recognition of their work bringing people together through swimming and connecting communities with nature, Coastal Swim Coaching were proud winners of the Flourishing Culture Awards 2024.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting North Devon’s stunning coastline, Terri and Allie would love to welcome you for a session — to help you discover your confidence, calm, and strength in the sea.

YOUR COACHES:

TERRI

Meet Terri – Co-Founder and Open Water Swim Coach of Coastal Swim Coaching & Founder of Hele Bay Merbabes

Terri moved from Portsmouth to Devon in 2017 in search of adventure with her husband — and they’ve certainly found it! Since settling by the coast, Terri has been swimming in the sea almost every day since August 2019. Her love of open water has taken her through countless challenges and triathlons, and all the way across (well, nearly!) the English Channel.

With a lifelong background in teaching, Terri has a natural passion for helping others grow in confidence and reach their potential. She believes everyone has the ability to enjoy the water — whether that means taking their first strokes in the sea or pushing for new personal goals. Her warmth, patience, and teaching experience shine through in every session, helping swimmers feel supported, safe, and inspired.

Terri holds an STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach qualification and is also a qualified Pool Lifeguard, Swim Coach Rescuer, and Risk Assessor with Surf Life Saving GB. She also has a specialist qualification in Sporting Activities for Mental Health, giving her a deeper understanding of how swimming can support wellbeing and emotional balance.

As the founder of Hele Bay Merbabes, a thriving community of over 1.7K members, and a volunteer with Mental Health Swims, Terri is dedicated to making swimming accessible, empowering, and full of joy.

Whether she’s guiding others along North Devon’s beautiful coastline or taking on her next big challenge, Terri is never happier than when she’s in the sea — sharing her love of swimming and helping others discover their own confidence and calm in the water.

ALLIE

Meet Allie – Co-Founder and Open Water Swim Coach of Coastal Swim Coaching

Allie moved to Devon five years ago and quickly found her place in the water. A former competitive pool swimmer, she’s now a qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach with a lifelong love for swimming, adventure, and helping others feel confident in the sea.

Her extensive experience in and around the water includes the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC), British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Level 1 Paddlesport Instructor Award, and Coasteering Instructor accreditation. Combined, these skills give her a deep understanding of local tides, currents, and conditions — and how to enjoy them safely.

A proud member of both the RLSS and STA, Allie places water safety and education at the heart of everything she does. She’s taken on three triathlons, countless open water swims across rivers and coastlines, and recently swam as part of a four-person relay team across the English Channel (coming within sight of French shores!).

Allie has a passion for the finer details that make people better, more accomplished swimmers. Her background as a video editor adds an extra dimension to her coaching — using filmed sessions to analyse stroke technique and identify opportunities for improvement. She’s equally passionate about expanding her own knowledge to provide the highest possible standard of coaching, whether you’re a beginner taking your first strokes or an experienced swimmer chasing new goals.

Dedicated, observant, and endlessly enthusiastic, Allie loves nothing more than sharing her expertise and helping others get the most out of every swim, every adventure, and every moment by the sea