Last hurrah of summer, swimming from Rampion Wind Farm and the Hurly Burly

It is a final hurrah of summer before we start to thrill to the chill of winter swimming. Last weekend contributing editor Alice took on the mighty Hurly Burly – a madcap 10k ride with the tide. Alice completed the challenging swim in skins in water temperatures as low as 11 degrees. “It was awesome – cold, wild and free. I loved it!” says Alice. Look out for her story of the swim in the November issue of Outdoor Swimmer.

Meanwhile OS founder Simon was in Brighton for a pioneer swim from Rampion Wind Farm back to Brighton. The 8-mile swim was organised by SwimTrek and a relay team and three soloists made the crossing – including Simon, who was the first wetsuit swimmer to make the crossing. SwimTrek’s Simon Murie was the first skins swimmer to complete the swim.

This weekend I am in the Lake District to compete in the Breca Coniston swimrun with Runner’s World journalist Rick Pearson – we should be a dream team! Full write-up in the November issue of the magazine.

Our October issue is out now! In the new issue we look at the hot topic of cold water swimming and whether it can help beat depression – and find out how to get back your swim mojo if you need a motivation boost. We meet inspirational swimmers of all kinds – including writer Jessica Hepburn who swam the English Channel after 11 unsuccessful rounds of IVF and Ashley Jenkins who challenges what is possible for disabled swimmers. Plus we test all the latest pool training gear; swim in wild waters in Norway, the Bahamas and Italy; and delve into the swimming history of America’s smallest state. And we share more of your inspiring stories, photos and swimming adventures. You can order your copy directly from us, or subscribe now and save 21% on the October issue’s cover price. Bargain! Or if you just can’t wait, download the digital issue now.

Swim wild and free,

Jonathan Cowie

Editor, Outdoor Swimmer magazine

This week’s pic of the week is of our front cover model for the October issue, writer for Outdoor Swimmer, ambassador for the positive benefits of outdoor swimming and all-round wonderful force of nature Ella Foote.

In each issue of the magazine we publish a selection of your images in our Selkie Reader Photo Contest. To be in with a chance of having your photo featured in the magazine and winning outdoor swimming kit and apparel from Selkie Swim Co enter your best pics now.