Duncan Kinnear: Extreme Environments, Cold Water and Racing Beyond Completion

From Rottnest to Celtman—adapting to cold water, managing effort, and learning to race in extreme conditions.

In this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Kinnear, an endurance athlete whose journey spans the Rottnest Channel Swim, Ironman racing, and the unique demands of Celtman in Scotland.

We explore how different environments fundamentally change the experience of open water swimming—from warm, long-duration swims to short, intense exposure in cold water. Duncan shares his insights on managing cold shock, pacing under stress, and the realities of moving from simply completing events to racing them effectively.

We also discuss wetsuit choices, perception of effort in extreme conditions, and the lessons learned from competing at the pointy end of one of the world’s most iconic extreme triathlons.

Beyond performance, this conversation touches on balancing training with work and family life, and how perspectives on endurance sport can evolve over time.

Links & Resources

• 🌊 Celtman Extreme Triathlon https://cxtri.com/

• 🎧 Podcast mentioned: Triathlon Mockery (Tom Oosterdijk and guests)

• 📱 Follow the podcast:

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  This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.