About Us
The Outdoors is Our Way of Life
We're a husband and wife team. Ivan and Kate, plus 4 kids!
We've spent our whole lives in the outdoors, from camping at 3 years old, to living in vans touring the world, to teaching climbing in the Alps, and lifeguarding South Devon's most popular beaches. We are passionate about the outdoors, and swimming in particular. We've started Open Water Devon, to bring the magic of outdoor swimming to more people.
Our aim is to offer an exceptional service with your needs being tailored to, in a safe environment.
Our ethos is to leave our swim venues in better condition than when we arrived. We aim to minimise our impact on the outdoors and to use local, small business when possible.
Find out more...
Ivan in front of the sea
Ivan stood watching big waves
Kate surfing a wave
Ivan in front of the sea
Ivan Burton
Owner and Guide
I learned to swim in the river Vyrnwy at the age of three, and was fortunate enough to grow up in the Welsh country side, swimming in lakes, rivers, and quarries . By my teens I was an avid surfer and by my late 20's had travelled the world surfing and swimming in some of the most beautiful spots in our globe's seas and oceans.
In my thirties I discovered the joys (and pains) of triathlon and have several Iron Man and half Iron Man events under my belt. For the last decade I have been working on the beautiful beaches of South Devon for the RNLI, putting fellow lifeguards through their paces, and keeping the public safe.
Through it all, being in the water is what I've loved, and now sharing that passion is what I'd like to offer.
My professional qualifications include:
Surf Science and Technology BSc 1st Class with Honours
RNLI Senior Beach Lifeguard
NARs Beach Lifeguard Certificate
SLS Surf Lifeguard Certificate
STA Pool Lifeguard
RNLI Casualty Care For Lifeguards
RNLI Inshore Rescue Boat Crew, Helm, and Trainer Assessor
RNLI All Terrain Vehicle Trainer Assessor
RNLI 4X4 Trainer Assessor
RNLI Rescue Water Craft Operator
ASI Surf Instructor
RYA Maritime Radio Operator Certificate
STA Open Water Coach Level 2
Powerboating Level 2
Kate Burton
Owner and Guide
I have worked in the outdoor industry my entire life, teaching kayaking, canoeing, climbing, caving, coasteering, mountaineering and more. I have a keen interest in triathlon. I also run a dance company called Ceroc and am a Silversmith for my own company Lib and Leo Jewellery.
I swim regularly in the pool, but prefer open water any day of the week. I regularly train in the sea but also love cold water dips in just skins all through the year!
I love open water swimming for the feeling of absolute freedom in the water. The exploration and excitement, but also the physical challenge whether it be bracing yourself for a skins swim in 5 degrees, or aiming for a 5km swim.
My professional qualifications include:
BC Level 2 Kayak Coach - Level 3 WW trained
BC 4 Star White Water Leader
BC 4 Star Sea Kayak Leader
BC 3 Star Canoe
BC Tidal Planning and Navigation
Foundation Safety Rescue Trained (FSRT)
White Water Safety and Rescue (WWSR)
Advanced WWSR
RYA Seamanship Skills
RYA Level 2 Powerboating
16 hour outdoor first aid
STA Open Water Coach Level 2
Powerboating Level 2
STA Aquatic Tutor
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)