FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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How to boost your endurance and swim stronger
Boosting endurance in the pool isn’t just about swimming more laps, says swim coach Nicola Butler. It’s about training smarter,…
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The Thames: London’s wildlife artery
Far from being “biologically dead”, the Thames is a great place for wildlife, says Simon Griffiths
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Sharing the river
Swimmers witness nature like no other outdoor pursuit, says Sophie Etheridge There is a moment that only an outdoor swimmer…
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London to get its first designated bathing area on the River Thames
An idyllic stretch of river at Ham and Kingston could become London's first river bathing site on the Thames, thanks…
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Your next trip: explore, swim, volunteer and change lives
Overseas adventures, discovering new countries, swimming in exciting new places… why not add volunteering to the experience with SwimTayka?
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The open water community has doubled since 2017
A new report highlighting the economic and social benefits of outdoor activity in the UK recognises the continued rise of…
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How to handle wildlife encounters
Swimming near animals and birds can be magical, exciting or scary. We asked wildlife experts how wild swimmers should handle…
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How to keep swimming strong as you age, with World Record Holder Deborah Gardner
How do you keep swimming strong and even improving into your 50s, 60s and beyond? Long distance swimmer Deborah Gardner…
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Sustain your swims: Italian wedding soup with lentils
Chef and food writer Claire Thomson shares healthy meals for longer swims from her new book, One Pan Beans. Try…
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Meet Laura Hall
Laura Hall is an award-winning author, travel writer and journalist based in Copenhagen. Her new book, The Year I Lay…
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Sustain your swims: Split pea and ham soup
Chef and food writer Claire Thomson shares healthy meals for longer swims from her new book, One Pan Beans. Try…
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Winter joy! Your icy swimming pics
Winter sunsets, bobble hats and that bright red post-swim glow - thank you for sharing your winter swimming photos with…
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Freezin’ for a reason every season
Proud stepdad Duncan Baird wonders if his daughter Grace is part mermaid, not just because of the way she glides…
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A democratic activity
When Jharna Kumawat first started outdoor swimming, she didn’t realise access to safe water was such a huge issue but…
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Get faster, slowly
How to make progress in swimming through patience and finding joy in the process
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Flying south to swim
In search of warmer waters, Ben Lane booked a trip to Lanzarote and discovered a treasure trove of stunning coastlines…
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Is teaching swimming one of the happiest jobs in the UK?
Swimming teachers across England have every reason to smile this soggy January according to a new survey by the Institute…
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“What keeps me coming back? Being treated like a queen”
A nurturing yoga and wild swimming retreat, Zest Life is perfectly placed for the recent rise in female solo travelers,…
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A vision for tidal Thames swimming
Could a revived historic swim become a new flagship event for London?
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Boost your strength and mobility for better movement
Make 2026 the year you move better – understanding the link between strength and mobility, says personal trainer Liz Lowe
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Sustainable fitness for 2026
When fitness becomes part of your life rather than something extra you have to “fit in,” you are far more…
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Use the pool to transform your technique
Swim coach Nicola Butler explains how using pool features, from the lane ropes to pool markings, can improve your swim…
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Build your resilience over winter
In her first coaching feature for Outdoor Swimmer, Olympian Alice Dearing explains how resilience in winter is worth it when…
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Weekend swim retreat: Rothay Manor, Ambleside
Ella Foote heads to the Lake District for a weekend swim break just a short distance from Windermere and central…
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Dip for a difference
Join Sub10 Club or Wild Sub10 Club this winter and turn your cold water swims into lasting impact - help…
