Swimming with the Viking of Skye : A true story of overcoming fear and finding hope for the future

A Daily Mail Best Health Book of 2025

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 learnt 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.

Determined to make every second count, Rich 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. 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 learnt to surrender control, to accept the ebb and flow of existence, and to find beauty in the chaos.

This inspiring memoir takes you on a transformative journey through nine unforgettable experiences—from the science behind cold water immersion to facing fears in the sea cave of Flodigarry, and building resilience at Kilt Falls. 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. Through these moving pages, 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 transformative power of courage, love and the unyielding human spirit.