Ian

Life before Swoop:

Before joining Swoop I travelled all over the world, visiting six of the seven continents. I travelled the USA, Europe, Peru, Brazil, Indochina, China, Australia and Africa while working along the way. After nearly five years living and working in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, I spent some time in the French and Swiss mountains before settling in England and working in tailormade South American travel for over five years. You can find me exploring the national parks of North-West England and Scotland and I love giving back as part of the Mountain Rescue volunteer community. 

Why I love travelling:

I was from a young age blown away by mountains and endless skies, the vistas that cannot quite be captured on film, however hard you try. Mountains run in my blood and I have spent a lifetime trying to hike as many trails and climb as many peaks as I can at home and abroad.

Travel expands perspective, changes lives and helps people relate to one another, even once they return home. It is a wonderful medicine for the body and mind. Although my heart is always in the mountains, the food, beaches, seaviews, wildlife and cultures of the whole world are a rich tapestry of experience which I have an immense passion for.

My Antarctica Experience:

Antarctica is one of a kind; nowhere else does the landscape echo in silence so much, nowhere else can glaciers be seen in every direction you look.  The scale is vast and the shades of blue seem almost impossible for nature to create. I have travelled the Drake Passage in a storm, landed south of the Antarctic Circle, witnessed orcas hunting humpback whales and dived into the freezing waters myself. Despite feeling like each day could not be surpassed, Antarctica never fails to present yet another experience that will leave you reeling, from atmospheric polar storms to a close encounter with a leopard seal.  It is a wonderful place teeming with wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history, providing endless scope for debate over Antarctica’s future. 

Day to Day at Swoop:

As an Antarctica Specialist I love speaking about the continent with those that have yet to experience the wonder of Antarctica. Fitting the perfect ship and itinerary to a customer’s expectations is something both I and Swoop as a company take great pride and passion in, as well as providing an unparalleled world-class service and experience.