Richard Waters

A DAILY MAIL BEST HEALTH BOOK 2025  ‘A beautifully written book full of life lessons by an inspiring human being.’ – Christian Lewis.  'A stirring story of one man's attempts through cold swimming to stand up to Parkinson’s Disease, an illness that also has its teeth in me. And as he plunged into each freezing loch and burr, I was right there with him.' – Sir Ranulph Fiennes Discover one man’s journey to cold water swimming, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.   When Rich Waters was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s and soon after learned his young daughter faced a devastating neurological condition, his world narrowed overnight. Searching for something that could steady him, he found himself drawn to the raw landscape and icy pools of the Isle of Skye, where cold water offered a rare kind of quiet.   What began as a desperate attempt to cope grew into a vital source of meaning. Each plunge helped Rich feel present again, opening a connection to the natural world that softened fear and brought him moments of clarity. The water didn’t erase the challenges he faced, but it gave him a place where his mind could settle and his spirit could rise.  With the guidance of Matt Rhodes, the ‘Viking of Skye’, Rich discovered a rhythm that helped him navigate the uncertainty of illness. Swimming with the Viking of Skye follows his journey through these wild places and the steadying effect they had on his life.  This memoir captures the story of a man learning to live within a changed reality, a father devoted to his daughter and the quiet power of nature to help us endure what once felt impossible – offering us a vital reminder that strength and hope can still be found, even in the hardest moments.

Discover one man’s journey to cold water swimming, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.At the age of 41, Rich Waters received a diagnosis that sent shockwaves through his world: early-onset Parkinson''s disease. But fate had more in store for him; shortly after this revelation, he learned that his young daughter, too, was grappling with a degenerative condition.Life, once familiar and predictable, had been upended, and Rich was forced to confront the fragility of existence in a way he had never imagined. Yet, it was in this moment of crisis that he discovered an unyielding resolve to find purpose and meaning. But Rich chose to defy the limitations of his diagnosis. Determined to make every second count, he began a courageous journey that would lead him to the unlikeliest of places: the icy, unforgiving waters of the Isle of Skye.Cold water swimming became his lifeline—a radical source of fulfilment and a wellspring of resilience. Plunging into the frigid depths, Rich found a deep connection with the natural world. The sensation of icy waters on his skin mirrored the challenges he faced in his life, and each swim was a testament to his indomitable spirit.Guided by Matt Rhodes, The Viking of Skye, Rich discovered that the biting cold, the relentless waves, and the untamed currents were more than just physical challenges: they were a metaphor for the unpredictability of life itself. In those waters, he learned to surrender control, to accept the ebb and flow of existence, and to find beauty in the chaos.Swimming with the Viking of Skye is a memoir that takes you on an inspiring journey through Rich Waters'' transformation. It is a story of one man''s battle against the relentless march of disease, a father''s unwavering commitment to his daughter, and a testament to the healing power of nature.This touching memoir covers:  Chapter one: The benefits and science behind cold water immersionChapter two: Glenbrittle Beach – finding for your inner VikingChapter three: The Climb to Coire Lagan – reconnecting with YourselfChapter four: The Healing Pools – if you don’t learn to like yourself no one else willChapter five: The Marble Pool Echo Chamber – how to stop repeating the pastChapter six: Kilt Falls – building resilienceChapter seven: Torrin Pools – stepping out of your comfort zoneChapter eight: Sea cave of Flodigarry – facing your fearChapter nine: Sligachan River – wake up! you’ll be dead soonThrough the pages of this moving memoir, you will find inspiration to confront your own challenges, a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, and a profound belief in the resilience of the human heart and the transformative power of courage, love and the unyielding spirit that resides within us all.