Andrew Malinak is thrilled every time he goes to his local Northwest beaches and sees people getting in the chilly Salish Sea. His home waters are not always comfortable, but hold immense beauty and potential.

For over a decade since the founding of the Northwest Open Water Swimming Association, he has worked to promote marathon swimming in a place where swimming had been unthinkable by most. As a licensed captain, he has piloted over 40 marathon swims and pioneered over a dozen new routes. When not at the helm, he is frequently crew, observer, or sometimes even in the water.

Knowing that hypothermia is just around the corner on almost every swim in the Puget Sound, Andrew strongly believes that training, planning, and preparation can turn a dangerous idea into something, safe, fun, and fulfilling. 

Andrew's current swim challenge: mastering the backwards reverse IM (yes, feet-first swimming).