FEATURES

In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.

Go to gear: outdoor swimming kit we can’t do without

The Outdoor Swimmer team shares the gear that keeps on giving – their ‘go to’ clothing and accessories that are…
Two modes swim training

Simon Griffiths explains why it's beneficial to have two modes for your swimming training, which can sometimes mean leaving the…
Watch our Q&A with English Channel swimmer Sophie Etheridge

For our recent subscriber and patron event, adaptive athlete Sophie Etheridge shared her experience of completing the longest ever one-way…
Swimming in Zürich

The most obvious appeal for swimmers in Zürich is the lake: 40kms long and just 3kms at its widest point,…
Body care: skin protection creams

Being outdoors in the colder months can be tough on our skin. Try these skin protection creams and repair balms…
How to maintain swim fitness without pool training

No pool? No problem. Jonathan Cowie explains how you can maintain your swim fitness with some dry land training, including…
Intuitive swimming: the power of the present

Have you trained for hours without seeing results? Brian Holliday wants you to move with the water rather than fight…
Poison in the pool: a history of chlorine

How a deadly chemical became the world’s preferred means of keeping swimming pools clean and tidy. Elaine K Howley investigates.
Andy Donaldson: Oceans Seven Record Holder and Mental Health Advocate

A passionate representative for mental health, Andy Donaldson spoke openly with writer Amy Monkman about his past struggles and the…
A pool of one’s own

With an increased interest in outdoor swimming there is a new demand for privately-owned natural swimming ponds. Ella Foote takes…
Save our pools

Rowan Clarke investigates why it’s more important than ever to fight for your local swimming pool.
Best outdoor blankets for post-swim warmth

From wearable blankets to fleece-lined quilts that roll up into a pillow, we've tested the best outdoor blankets for winter…
Watch our Q&A with urban swimming expert Chris Romer-Lee

For our recent subscriber and patron event, architect, urban swimming expert and author Chris Romer-Lee shared stories of sea pools…
A record-setting relay in Windermere

Niamh Lewis reports on a Windermere relay beset by challenges, including a broken down support boat.
Swim hikes in South Wales

Nia Lloyd Knott shares a small selection of her favourite swim hikes in the Brecon Beacons and Gower from her…
My Dart 10K swim

Carine Evans shares her experience of taking part in an iconic swimming event, the Dart 10K in beautiful Devon.
A wild swimming adventure in the Hebrides

Ella Foote travels to the Isle of Mull for a summer swim adventure with Wild Hebridean Swimming.
Help keep Mental Health Swims afloat

After a 50% drop in donations over the past year, mental health peer support community Mental Health Swims has launched…
Join in the first ever Big River Watch

The Rivers Trust is calling on outdoor swimmers and nature lovers to join the Big River Watch, the first ever…
The Black Tri Tribe: an environment to thrive

Ahead of their London Triathlon on Sunday 10 September, we spoke to the Black Tri Tribe's founder Kelly Smith about…
Outdoor swimming Safety and Risk Assessment

What you need to know before you swim outdoors
Starting out – basic guide to outdoor swimming

Getting started with anything new is often the hardest part but with little kit and some basic knowledge you can…
Wayne Singleton’s Solway to Silverdale swim

What do you do if you can’t get a slot to swim the English Channel? Rather than sit on a…
Queer swim groups: We are family

A new wave of queer swim groups are embracing the benefits of cold water and community.
A guide to water temperature

Swimmers have widely differing opinions about comfortable water temperatures and people’s bodies respond differently