Opinion

Thought-provoking perspectives and viewpoints on various swimming-related subjects, igniting conversations within the swim community.

Why it isn’t necessarily a failure if you don’t complete your swim

We should be more thoughtful and less judgemental about failure in open water swimming. We need to consider the long-term…
A swimmer’s perspective of the city

City swimming can be a thrilling experience, as demonstrated by the epic swims in the Seine in Paris this summer.
Swim safe, swim without your ego

Often the most dangerous thing about our swimming is ourselves. Ella Foote changes her approach to long-distance swimming.
How do I decide if I should swim in the Thames?

Simon Griffiths explains how he looks at pollution risk before swimming
Why swimming faster might not make you happier

Focusing purely on speed can sap the joy from your swimming. To ensure swimming continues to make you happy, embrace…
Why I swim at Shepperton Open Water Swimming

Shepperton Open Water Swimming is a precious jewel but it’s under threat of closure. We’re working hard to preserve it.
How to fall in love with swimming

If you want to be a lifelong swimmer, it’s a big help if you love swimming. That might sound obvious,…
Lido guide: Stand up and be counted

Despite the positive impact a local lido can have on its wider community, outdoor pools continue to struggle due to…
A year without social media

Jonathan Cowie reflects on his year of giving up social media, and how it has simplified yet enriched his life.
Don’t miss out on the joys of outdoor swimming because of sewage pollution

Sewage pollution is a scandal but it doesn’t mean the end of wild swimming
Interview with Olympic swimmer Hector Pardoe

Olympic Marathon Swimmer Hector Pardoe tells us what happened in Tokyo and how elite open water swimming could be made…
Beaches need to be more accessible

Adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge explains why everyone needs a dose of Vitamin Sea, but this isn't always easy for wheelchair…
Unexpected conflicts over water water use

Simon Griffiths reflects on how water projects can have unintended consequences.
Retaining the joy of swim training

Simon Griffiths on prioritising the process of swim training, rather than the end goal of completing a challenge.
Giving up social media

Would you benefit from a digital detox? Contributing editor Jonathan Cowie reflects on six months of being completely social media…
How the cost of living crisis has affected your swimming

In our Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming survey, almost one in three swimmers say the cost of the living crisis has…
The “bash-wild-swimming” genre is already getting boring

Wild swimming has become a target of those who make a living mocking people and topics they know little about.…
Ice swimmer beaten by a flight of stairs

In the morning, adaptive athlete Sophie Etheridge took her first ever ice swim, posing with the obligatory ‘holding a piece…
No one’s impressed by your abuse of swimmers

Giles Coren and the Times have stooped too low in their search for eyeballs Initially, I was going to ignore…
Are you a strong enough swimmer to do an event?

For your sake, and that of your fellow swimmers, take a moment to consider if you're ready for that event…
Campaigning for Designated Bathing Water areas

Simon Griffiths asks if 200 designated inland bathing water areas by 2030 is feasible.
A swimmer’s perspective on the City of London Corporation’s proposals for Hampstead Heath ponds

Nicola Mayhew, Co-chair of the Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond, gives her opinion on the City of London’s proposals to adopt…