Ryan Stramrood is a powerful storyteller whose journey from “average Joe” to one of South Africa’s most extreme adventurers illuminates the hidden power of mindset. Based in Cape Town, Ryan runs a successful sales business, is a devoted single father, and juggles the demands of everyday life—all while pursuing ultra-extreme open water and ice swimming challenges in some of the planet’s harshest environments. ... Read more
Ryan Stramrood is a powerful storyteller and one of South Africa’s most extraordinary endurance adventurers. Based in Cape Town, he runs a successful sales business, raises his daughter as a devoted single father, and still finds time to pursue ultra-extreme open water and ice swimming challenges in some of the world’s harshest environments.
From more than 143 Robben Island-to-mainland crossings to a solo swim across the English Channel and ice swims in the −1°C waters of Antarctica, Ryan has redefined the limits of human endurance. His feats have earned him multiple Guinness World Records and global recognition within the extreme swimming community.
Through these experiences, Ryan has developed a deep understanding of how the mind and body perform under extreme stress—and how ordinary people can unlock extraordinary resilience. His keynotes go far beyond inspiration: combining gripping storytelling, powerful visuals, and tangible tools for mastering mindset, resilience, accountability, and performance under pressure.
Ryan’s signature themes include Push Past Impossible™, Failing Forward, and Sink or Swim, which he tailors for organisations seeking transformation—whether in leadership, culture, or personal growth. Grounded, relatable, and often humorous, his sessions bridge the gap between extreme adventure and everyday life, showing how small shifts in mindset can lead to monumental results.
What makes Ryan distinctive is his authenticity: he’s not a full-time athlete, but a businessman and father who chose to embrace discomfort, face fear, and push beyond perceived limits. His message is clear—greatness isn’t reserved for the chosen few; it’s within reach of anyone willing to dive in.
Discover hidden reserve in mindset, break out of comfort zones
Embracing setbacks as springboards to growth.
Performing in high-stakes, uncertain or hostile environments.