About the Author

Rob Hutchings began training for triathlons in 1989 and marathon swimming in 1993. He competed for the Canadian National Triathlon team in the 20-24 age group in the 1998 World Championships. He earned his chiropractic degree from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in 2002. In 2020, he became the first person to swim the full length of the 256 km Clutha River, from Wanaka to the Pacific Ocean in New Zealand. He works as a chiropractor and lives with his wife in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Reviews

"A fascinating story of perseverance! Come hell or high water, Rob Hutchings keeps going!" - Dean Karnazes, author of Ultramarathon Man and A Runner's High"A lively and captivating journey, proving there is always so much more behind a swimmer than the love of the water. The falling back before diving forward, the uncertainty in our dreams and the essential blind faith in ourselves. Be prepared to hold your breath through the twists and turns of Hutchings' story, as if you are swimming alongside him." - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine"I love this book. Such a deeply personal and poignant story about the power of swimming and its ability to transform our lives for the better. I was hooked from the first page." - Jessica Hepburn, author of 21 Miles"Even in the face of life-changing challenges, Hutchings discovers that endurance sport can be more than an escape; it can help provide the answers. Downriver Nomad explores what happens when you release insecurities, release the stigma of control-in life and in competition-and simply get lost to find yourself. A must-read for anyone with a desire to push the limits of endurance and a wanderlust for adventure." - Donna Phelan, 17 year Professional Triathlete and Triathlon Coach"Rob's story is an honest, easy and emotional read that shows us that swimming is not just a 'thing' we do; it becomes part of our life's journey. Perhaps marathon swimming is an aquatic metaphor for life? Downriver Nomad is a personal account of life and swimming, sharing twists and bends, smooth runs and scary, uncertain rapids.The 'start' of a marathon swim is never as a swimmer enters the water. Rob steps us right back into his childhood, giving a profoundly honest account of his formative years. Experiences, conversations, journeys, adventures and interactions all combine to lead to the 'here and now.' Rob shares the hilarious and heartbreaking moments that set him off on a journey that many years later take him to New Zealand about to jump into the Clutha River to tackle an epic and unprecedented marathon swim." - Dan Abel, New Zealand Open Water Swimming Coach, founder ofFit & Abel and Real Swim Adventures"Rob's dedication and commitment to tackling life's challenges, both sporting and personal, with determination and a never-say-die attitude is prevalent in his book. Rob conveys the perseverance needed to tackle such gruelling and challenging sporting events and life's rapids. - The Team at Rapid Ascent, Australia's premier organisation for Endurance, Mulit-sport and Adventure Races.