Downriver Nomad

"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 of

Fit & 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.