About Us
We met in the sea… and somehow turned it into a business.
We met in the sea over six years ago, both coming from very different swimming backgrounds but sharing the same passion for open water, adventure and helping others enjoy it too. Since starting Coastal, we’ve poured everything into building a safe, inclusive and supportive community, continually developing our skills, knowledge and coaching so we can help every swimmer feel confident, capable and reach their own potential in the water.
Meet Terri
Meet Terri – Co-Founder and Open Water Swim Coach of Coastal Swim Coaching & Founder of Hele Bay Merbabes
Terri’s Qualifications:
STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach
Swim Coach Rescuer, and Risk Assessor with Surf Life Saving GB
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
RYA Power boat Level 2
RYA VHF Radio
Terri moved from Portsmouth to Devon in 2017 in search of adventure with her husband — and they’ve certainly found it! Since settling by the coast, Terri has been swimming in the sea almost every day since August 2019. Her love of open water has taken her through countless challenges and triathlons, and all the way across (well, nearly!) the English Channel.
With a lifelong background in teaching, Terri has a natural passion for helping others grow in confidence and reach their potential. She believes everyone has the ability to enjoy the water — whether that means taking their first strokes in the sea or pushing for new personal goals. Her warmth, patience, and teaching experience shine through in every session, helping swimmers feel supported, safe, and inspired.
Terri holds an STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach qualification and she also has a specialist qualification in Sporting Activities for Mental Health, giving her a deeper understanding of how swimming can support wellbeing and emotional balance.
As the founder of Hele Bay Merbabes, a thriving community of over 1.7K members, and a volunteer with Mental Health Swims, Terri is dedicated to making swimming accessible, empowering, and full of joy.
Whether she’s guiding others along North Devon’s beautiful coastline or taking on her next big challenge, Terri is never happier than when she’s in the sea — sharing her love of swimming and helping others discover their own confidence and calm in the water.
Meet Allie
Meet Allie – Co-Founder and Open Water Swim Coach of Coastal Swim Coaching
Allie’s Qualifications:
STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach
National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)
Swim Coach Rescuer, and Risk Assessor with Surf Life Saving GB
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Level 1 Paddlesport Instructor Award
National Coasteering Charter (NCC) Coasteering Guide Award
British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety and Rescue
RYA Power boat Level 2
RYA VHF Radio
Allie moved to Devon five years ago and quickly found her place in the water. A former competitive pool swimmer, she’s now a qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach with a lifelong love for swimming, adventure, and helping others feel confident in the sea.
A proud member of both the RLSS and STA, Allie places water safety and education at the heart of everything she does. She’s taken on three triathlons, countless open water swims across rivers and coastlines, and recently swam as part of a four-person relay team across the English Channel (coming within sight of French shores!).
Allie has a passion for the finer details that make people better, more accomplished swimmers. Her background as a video editor adds an extra dimension to her coaching — using filmed sessions to analyse stroke technique and identify opportunities for improvement. She’s equally passionate about expanding her own knowledge to provide the highest possible standard of coaching, whether you’re a beginner taking your first strokes or an experienced swimmer chasing new goals.
Dedicated, observant, and endlessly enthusiastic, Allie loves nothing more than sharing her expertise and helping others get the most out of every swim, every adventure, and every moment by the sea.
Her extensive experience and qualifications in and around the water give her a deep understanding of local tides, currents, and conditions, and how to enjoy them safely.
What Sets Us Apart
People-First Approach
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Long-Term Relationships
We’re not just here for the now. We love creating lasting relationships with our swimmers and growing with them over time.
Proven Process, Flexible Execution
We bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Our methods are clear, but always responsive.