🇲🇾 Put this Swimming Event on your Bucket List! Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Oct 9, 2025

Join Paul as he recounts an unforgettable swimming adventure in Malaysia's stunning Perhentian Islands, alongside his son, Jackson. Overcoming hurdles like heat, illness, and cramps, they navigate the challenges of a demanding 10km race. With an inspiring focus on resilience and camaraderie, Paul highlights the welcoming open water community led by Coach Amir. Ultimately, this heartfelt journey showcases the bond between father and son while celebrating the thrill of competition in paradise.

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ANECDOTE

A Friendship That Built A Swim Movement

Paul recounts meeting Amir in 2012 and watching him build an open-water movement in Southeast Asia.
He accepted an invite to swim the Perhentian Islands event with his 16-year-old son Jackson as a father–son trip.

ANECDOTE

Three Pre-Race Setbacks

Paul lists three major pre-race setbacks: overheating concerns, gastroenteritis in Europe, and lost fitness after a cancellation.
He stresses these not as excuses but to give context to how tough the event became.

INSIGHT

Community Makes An Event Extraordinary

The location's beauty mattered less than the community and hospitality that made the event special.
Amir transformed a one-man effort into a welcoming, high-quality open-water event in Southeast Asia.

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🏊‍♂️ In This Episode

From Perth to the Perhentians:Paul recounts how his connection with Coach Amir began back in 2012 when Amir reached out to join the Swim Smooth community. Fast forward to today, Amir has built an incredible open water movement in Southeast Asia — and invited Paul to be part of it.

A Father–Son Adventure:Joined by his 16-year-old son Jackson, Paul accepted the invitation to swim “competitively” (of course!) while soaking up the vibrant culture and hospitality of Malaysia’s swimming community.

Setbacks Before the Start:Despite coming off peak form earlier in the season, Paul faced three major hurdles: recovering from gastroenteritis in Europe, losing fitness after the Dart 10k cancellation, and bracing for 30ºC tropical water temperatures — every swimmer’s nightmare!

Race Day Reality:The plan was simple: start steady. For 10km, Paul held pace with world-class swimmer José Luis Larrosa Chorro, until heat stress and full-body cramps hit hard. What followed was a battle of resilience, grit, and father–son teamwork — Jackson keeping him cooled with icy feeds as Paul willed himself to the finish line.

Lessons in Resilience:Finishing second overall behind José, Paul reflects on the balance between perseverance and safety, and on showing his son the power of pushing through discomfort without losing perspective.

Community & Camaraderie:More than the race, it was the people who made the event unforgettable — from the swimmers at @myswimcoaching to the humble leadership of Amir Ishak. From one coach with a dream to a thriving open water community, the Pehrentian Islands Swim is now firmly on Paul’s bucket list.

🧡 Highlights

13 years of friendship and coaching connection come full circle

Racing in 30°C tropical waters — a test of endurance and heat management

The value of community, hospitality, and father–son moments

Reflections on humility, gratitude, and perseverance

Massive thanks to:Amir Ishak and the SwimOn team, the Malaysian Tourism Board, and everyone who made this trip one to remember.

Follow the event:[SwimOn Malaysia – Perhentian Islands Marathon Swim 2026]

Your Coach,Paul Newsome

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