Fun fact - my name is actually Chloe! Since we had two Chloes on our team already, to avoid confusion, I assumed a new identity at Swoop, using my middle names: Louisa Jane (‘LJ’)!
Life Before Swoop
Travel is in my blood. My father ran a travel company, so I was lucky enough to spend my childhood exploring the globe. However, it was a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Sport & Performance Psychology that truly shaped my perspective. I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour and how physical challenges and wild experiences can transform our mindset.
Before my two boys (now 4 and 6) arrived, I tested my own limits by living on a remote island in the heart of the Coral Triangle in Indonesia. With no electricity or running water, I dived several times a day restoring coral reefs and monitoring shark and manta ray populations. While finishing my Master’s, I "stumbled" into a temporary role as the Founder’s Assistant at Swoop, which happily developed into a career-defining passion for designing transformative adventures to Patagonia! I have since trained as a transformative coach, which adds another layer of depth to my capacity to listen and respond to customers’ needs.
My Patagonia Experience
I've spent months deep in the heart of Patagonia, from the granite peaks of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares to the wild coastlines of the Valdés Peninsula, and the "end of the world" at Cape Horn in Tierra del Fuego.
I am wildlife and volcano obsessed, and try to squeeze an element of both into every Patagonia adventure! Patagonia highlights so far include spotting five pumas in a single day in Torres del Paine, summiting volcanoes in the Lake District, waking up to a stunning purple/ pink sunrise over Fitzroy, and a 7-day wild camping/kayaking adventure around the Valdés Peninsula. The latter being a particularly special experience: kayaking alongside Southern Right Whales by day and falling asleep in our tents on the beach to the sound of them tail-slapping and "singing" in the dark. It is those raw, unscripted encounters that humble and shape my mindset and keep me going back for more!
Funny (ish) story - I once was so in awe of the scenery and physical challenge of summiting Calbuco Volcano in the Lake District that I forgot to put my sunglasses back on. I woke up that night alone in my hotel unable to see anything due to snow blindness! Fortunately, the effects were temporary, and a great conversation starter when meeting with colleagues and travellers the following day with eyes like big red golf balls! A valuable lesson that whilst being fully immersed in the moment is priceless - so is appreciating the power of the Patagonian sun on fresh powder at altitude (and a pair of good sunnies…that you remember to wear!).
Protecting the Wild
I am deeply passionate about protecting our wild places and the creatures that call them home. My background in environmental work and conservation has taught me that we only protect what we love—and we only love what we truly experience. This is why I am so proud to be part of the Swoop team; I love how the company has embraced the vital work of conservation in Patagonia, and is certified as a B-Corp. By helping people connect with this landscape in a meaningful, responsible way, we are ensuring these extraordinary places remain wild for generations to come.
Why I Love Patagonia
Patagonia is the ultimate antidote to the "treadmill" of modern life. Having lived entirely off-grid in the past, I love the way this region humbles you; the sheer scale makes you realise how insignificant your daily stresses truly are. It’s a place where you can physically challenge yourself and see what you can live without, yet also a place where you can simply relax, unwind, and take in the sights from comfort. Either way, you will encounter mind blowing sights and magical creatures that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. For me, Patagonia isn't just a destination; it’s a place that transforms your mindset.
Day to Day at Swoop
Working from our Bristol HQ, I help all sorts of customers, specialising particularly in trekking and wildlife-focussed adventures and unique wilderness experiences. I love the "puzzle" of crafting a personalised itinerary, but my real goal is to understand the why behind your trip. By combining my coaching background with my regional expertise, I love to hear the details of what motivates and inspires you personally, and help craft a journey that allows you to achieve your own transformative experience in nature, whatever that may be. My goal is for you to return home feeling genuinely impacted and inspired by the landscapes and experiences you’ve moved through.
My Next Adventure
When I'm not planning Patagonia adventures, I’m usually outdoors in all weathers with my two high-energy boys; running by the coast; wild swimming in the ocean (ideally followed by a sauna) with friends, or escaping to a favourite hideaway at a remote off-grid cabin in Devon overlooking the sea.
I'm currently training to run the Bath Half Marathon in March in support of the charity Next Link, followed by a trip to Marrakech with friends for our 40th birthdays. After that, I'm training for a HYROX in June!
Once the spring races are over, I’ll be heading back to Patagonia in the autumn. The itinerary is still TBC.... I’m hungry for more wildlife encounters and remote wilderness challenges and am ready to push my comfort zones once again and see what the "end of the world" has in store for me this time.
