Cold Water Swimming
Brave the chill with tales, tips, and techniques for embracing the exhilarating world of cold water swimming. We recommend beginners read this article on the benefits and risks of cold water swimming.
-
NOWCA launches bright new badges to celebrate your winter swims
This season, NOWCA's popular Sub10 milestone badges have a bright new look
-
Where cold water meets the mind
"Cold water keeps us honest,” says adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge
-
Give your winter a goal
Some winter swimming events are all about simply having fun in cold water, says editor Ella Foote
-
Build cold-water confidence with swimming and sauna
How the swimming pool and sauna can prepare you for the great outdoors, says swimming coach Nicola Butler
-
Static cooling: How to ice bath properly
Fenwick Ridley, aka Ice Viking, is Founder of Northumbrian Sauna, Team GB Ice Swimmer, Sauna Master, and open water trainer.…
-
What cold water mastery really means
Colder, longer, tougher: it’s easy to assume that’s how progress in cold water is measured. Channel and Ice Swimmer Alice…
-
Masters of winter
Is there a secret to mastering winter swimming? Rowan Clarke finds out
-
You don’t have to love cold water swimming to be a ‘proper’ outdoor swimmer
A cold water convert, Simon Griffiths (reluctantly) got into winter swimming during the pandemic
-
Are you a winter swimmer… or just winter swimming curious?
Fancy a challenge that’ll keep you motivated all winter? Polar Bear and Penguin Challenge founder Pauline Barker MBE is celebrating…
-
Winter swimming: Kit up for the cold
You don’t have to retreat to the pool when temperatures drop. With the right kit, you can keep swimming outdoors…
-
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…
-
The new extreme
Cold-water swimming may have gone mainstream, but it remains an extreme activity - one that reveals the limits of human…
-
Myth busting: is cold water immersion bad for women?
Recently there have been suggestions across social media about how cold water immersion is “bad for women”. It sounds authoritative,…
-
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…
-
New cold-water competition at Brockwell Lido
Brockwell FreezeFest, the first-ever cold-water swimming championship at Brockwell Lido in London takes place on Saturday 24 January 2026
-
Warm boots for outdoor swimmers
Insulating, easy to slip on and grippy on muddy riverbanks: keep your feet toasty in our pick of the best…
-
Ice swimming with Stephen Gould: expert guidance, inspiration and practical tips
Watch our webinar with ice swimming expert Stephen Gould – we cover preparation and safety, training and what to expect…
-
Top tips for festive dips
Christmas morning dips, New Year's Day swims and loony dooks: are you joining a madcap dash into the sea this…
-
The Festive Dip List 2025
What better way to clear your head after Christmas than to run full pelt into the sea? Plan your swim…
-
Best neoprene accessories for open water swimmers
Swim socks, fleece-lined caps and baselayers: as temperatures drop, we review some of the best neoprene accessories (and natural rubber…
-
Does my age affect how I acclimatise to cold water?
Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi answers this reader question about cold-water swimming
-
From first dip to ice mile
Finding your 'why' in winter waters, by psychologist Lexi Tinkler
-
Swim your own swim this winter
When it comes to winter swimming, remember ‘you do you’, advises editor Ella Foote
-
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…
-
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…
