FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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How to layer up after a cold swim
With numb fingers, damp skin and scant shelter, it can be hard to get dressed and warm after a cold…
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Behind the scenes: How we perfected post-swim layering
What's the ideal clothing for outdoor swimmers post wild swim? Ask our Gear Editor, Jo who designed our new clothing…
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Mayor Khan commits to clean our rivers as London joins Swimmable Cities alliance
London joins cities including Paris, Rotterdam and Budapest in the global drive to restore urban waterways and make them safe,…
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Swim your own swim this winter
When it comes to winter swimming, remember ‘you do you’, advises editor Ella Foote
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Build your aerobic fitness over winter
Cardio training in winter could see you return to open water stronger, more efficient and better conditioned for swimming, says…
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Sub10 Club has started!
As the water cools and the mornings turn crisp, it’s time to gear up for another exhilarating winter swim season…
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Shop our new Outdoor Swimmer collection
Introducing the first drop of our Outdoor Swimmer sustainable clothing collection, a limited edition range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and…
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Beyond the Breakers: bringing the Marathon Swimming community together
Outdoor Swimmer speaks with Craig Lewin, marathon swimmer, coach and organiser of the Beyond the Breakers conference
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Plunge into ice swimming competition
Ice swimming is no longer a niche pursuit reserved for polar adventurers. Across the UK, swimmers are bridging the gap…
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Meet Libby Delana, author of Cold Joy
Libby DeLana illuminates the many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of cold water in her new book, Cold Joy
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Refuge in the cold
Filmmaker Judy Irving tells Rowan Clarke how cold water provides refuge from life’s biggest challenges
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Beyond the chill
Rowan Clarke takes a deep dive into the little-known facts about wild winter swimming
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Fast, exhilarating and a little scary: a winter swoosh
Simon Griffiths explores how winter puts the wild into river swimming
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How to set a world swimming record
In September 2025, George Taplin smashed the record for a wetsuit swim of the length of Windermere. We asked him…
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Pizza, pasta and plunges
According to Harper’s Bazaar, Lake Orta is the new Lake Como for those who want a taste of the Italian…
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Lake Windermere complete!
Mental Health Swims Community Engagement Manager Sarah Groves has conquered the length of Lake Windermere. She shares her final report.
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Want a healthy brain? Develop your swim skills!
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi reveals how developing new skills in swimming does wonders for your mental health, memory and your brain's…
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Ankle mobility for swimmers
Building ankle strength and flexibility can literally propel your swimming technique, supporting a more effective kick, says personal trainer Liz…
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No comparisons
While Jharna Kumawat’s love of cold water swimming grew organically, her swim development only really began after her Channel relay…
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A deep dive into menopause
Did you know October is Menopause Awareness Month? Wondering why we need such an event? Swimmer and holistic practitioner Louise…
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Manacled men
A recent record event builds on the lengthy history of swimming while handcuffed.
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Urban crawl: going the distance at Dock2Dock
Rowan Clarke and Ella Foote took to London’s historic docks for an epic swim
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Gym swim training: a beginner’s guide
When starting out, the goal is less about heavy lifting or complicated exercises and more about building a solid base…
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October in the open water community
Mental Health Swims announces new Swim Together partnerships and NOWCA reveals how anyone can start their open water journey at…
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Building skills for long-distance swimming
Simon Griffiths suggests skills to master at each stage of your swimming journey
