Features - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine

World of Water: Meet the swimmers behind our lead feature

The world we live in is messy, turbulent and, at times, downright scary. But around the world, outdoor swimmers, kind,…
Watch our interview with Olympian and Channel Swimmer Dan Wallace

Dan Wallace tells us what he learned on his journey from Olympic swimmer to cold water and the English Channel
Islas Desertas and back again: a 60km swim through the Atlantic Ocean

We spoke with Mayra Santos shortly after she completed an epic marathon swim from Madeira to Islas Desertas and back…
Surfers Against Sewage calls for action after survey finds poor water quality at popular inland bathing sites

Water quality monitoring shows many popular bathing sites would fall short of acceptable pollution limits but there are plenty of…
This little piggy went to Essex

So much more than a bed a breakfast, but not as impersonal as a hotel, Ella Foote heads to Piglets…
Somerset Swim Retreats

Simon Griffiths took a weekend off racing for some welcome rest and recreation in the South West of England… but…
In memory of Naomi Crowder

Just days before she was taken ill, Naomi told a friend that one of the best days of her life…
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,…
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: the rise of natural swimming pools

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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Trash, lice and tankers: a lap around Staten Island

Daniel Shailer shares Leslie Hamilton's story of her record-breaking swim around Staten Island, braving rusting hulks and sea lice.
What about men?

In a woman’s world, Rowan Clarke finds out why it’s important to advocate for male outdoor swimmers.