FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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Pools in peril
Simon Griffiths looks at why pools are in peril and what the consequences might be.
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New year, new plans for Sophie Etheridge
Adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge reflects on 2024 and reveals her exciting plans for the year ahead, including her first ever…
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Swim walks in Pembrokeshire
Endurance swimmer Rowan Clarke tells us why this area of South Wales is her little piece of heaven for going…
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Cove hopping in Devon
Endurance swimmer Rowan Clarke shares one of her favourite activities she like to do when exploring the Devon coast
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Our New Year swimming intentions
Mastering all four main swimming strokes, improving catch and pull, and practising underwater dolphin kick: the Outdoor Swimmer team share…
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Take part in our Outdoor Swimming Survey 2024
How do you swim? Where? Who with? To build a picture of Outdoor Swimming in 2024, we're asking swimmers everywhere…
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Can we make London’s rivers swimmable?
The London Assembly Environment Committee is investigating the question of how to make London's rivers swimmable through a series of…
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“Wool socks, onesie, tea!”: What are your winter swimming rituals?
From star jumps to car saunas, the winter swimming community has a variety of ingenious ways to warm up after…
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The Festive Dip List 2024
What better way to clear your head after Christmas than to run full pelt into the sea? Plan your swim…
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Winter swimming: how to make the most of cold dips and hot saunas
How does hot and cold affect the body? What's the proper way to use a sauna? Why is contrast therapy…
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Best books for wild swimmers
Whether you want to discover new wild swimming locations, pore over nature writing at its most lyrical, lose yourself in…
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Vote Ella for ‘Outdoor Personality of the Year’!
We're so proud of editor Ella Foote for being nominated 'Outdoor Personality of the Year' for The Great Outdoors Reader…
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The Fell Foodie’s fondue au chocolat recipe
Harrison Ward shows you how to have the perfect, warming chocolatey treat after a cold swim.
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The Flushed Dippers: the effects of cold water and menopause
Open water swim coach Marianne Johnson has recently launched a weekly open water swimming group for peri- and post-menopausal women.…
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Winter swimming: embrace the chill, but stay safe
Why you need to consider the whole experience, not just your time in the water
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Move of the month: Kettlebell Good Morning
This kettlebell exercise primarily works the hamstrings on the back of the legs giving us improved strength and flexibility in…
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Plymouth swimmers making waves
Close encounters with seals, dolphins and the Royal Navy: Jason Mann shares the story of an adventurous band of Plymouth…
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Simple and life changing
"Without technology I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I do," says adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge.
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Neck stretches after a swim
Liz Lowe is your guide to these quick neck stretches – perfect after a chilly swim!
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Don’t underestimate the pace clock
Technology is fun, but sometimes it’s old-fashioned equipment that makes an impact, says marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas
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Finding joy after heartbreak
If we were guaranteed to always be successful, what would be the point in even trying, asks Elaine K Howley
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December in the swim community
NOWCA Wild explores a magical swimming spot on the Isle of Skye, and Mental Health Swims reflects on a challenging…
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How to manage your swim training over Christmas
As December approaches, many swimmers start wondering how to juggle Christmas indulgences with training. Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome shares…
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How to elevate your swimming next year
Dream big and slightly scary when planning next year's swimming goals. You'll thank yourself for it at the end of…
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Basic swim training: a quick guide for beginners
Pool-based training sessions can be confusing and intimidating if you’ve never swum in a club environment. Here’s a short introduction…
