FEATURES

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

Wild swim retreat: Elmley Nature Reserve

Ella Foote discovers unexpected beauty and wild adventure on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.
Open water swimming goggles vs open water swimming masks – which should I choose?

While open water swimming goggles are lightweight, adjustable and streamlined, open water masks can offer a better fit, a curved…
Swims that shaped me: Ella Foote

Much like books we've read, places we've visited and people we've met, our swim experiences shape us. In this new…
The Fell Foodie’s energy balls recipe

These energy balls are the perfect carbohydrate hit for long-distance and endurance swimming – and with no foil sachets left…
Meet outdoor cook Harrison Ward, AKA Fell Foodie

Harrison Ward, known as the Fell Foodie, is an outdoor cook who loves to recreate restaurant-style meals in remote locations.
New wonders in neoprene

Pops of neon and easy-to-remove gloves and swim socks feature in Speedo’s new range of neoprene swimming kit.
Weekend swim retreat: The Good Hotel, London

Looking for a London weekend break with a swim in the Thames? Ella heads to The Good Hotel in the…
How to swim a marathon (in 12 weeks): Preparation and motivation

Gear editor Jo Tinsley is taking on the WaterAid Swim Marathon – swimming 26 miles (42.2km) in 12 weeks –…
How I train: Andy Donaldson

Andy is a Scottish-Australian marathon swimmer and a three-time world record holder with records including the fastest time to complete…
Going long distance

Paul Newsome, Head Coach at Swim Smooth, shares his smarter approach to training for long-distance swims.
Watch our webinar about open water swimming events: all you need to know

Am I a strong enough swimmer to enter an open water swimming event? How do I train? Are events only…
Choosing an open water wetsuit: thermal or non-thermal?

Digital journalist Abi Whyte explores the differences between thermal and non-thermal wetsuits from Orca, and the benefits they offer open…
New Spring yoga and wild swimming retreat in the Lake District

The Zest Life Yoga and Wild Swimming Retreat promises guided swims in amazing swimming locations in the Lake District as…
Is it safe to swim in cold water when pregnant?

Can colder temperatures of open water have a negative impact on pregnancy? Cold water experts Dr Mark Harper and Dr…
Win an incredible Keswick Mountain Festival / Aquasphere prize bundle worth over £750!

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Winter freestyle refresher, part 5: putting it all together

Reflecting on the various components covered in his front crawl refresher series – body position and balance, breathing arms and…
Treading water pt2: mastering front crawl breathing

Now into her second month of training for her first open water event, digital journalist and beginner swimmer Abi Whyte…
March in the swim community

NOWCA and Mental Health Swims give us the lowdown on what they’re up to this month, from creating a natural…
Gifting swimming forward

Olympian, cold water swimmer and British sporting hero. Jonathan Cowie speaks to Swimathon President Duncan Goodhew.
Mother courage: the story behind new film Vindication Swim

Swimming legend Mercedes Gleitze was the first British woman to swim the English Channel. She was also a pioneer in…
Move of the month: arm external rotation

A great move to train for swimming longer distances, this exercise will develop the range of motion of the shoulder…
Jessica Hepburn: Why I swim

Jessica became the first woman in the world to achieve ‘The Sea, Street, Summit Challenge’ – swim the English Channel,…
A mile to a marathon

Have you swum in mass participation events but feel ready to take your swimming to the next level? Coach Kate…
Vindication Swim: new film celebrates Mercedes Gleitze

In cinemas from 8 March, the Vindication Swim is a beautiful celebration of overcoming the odds
We shall endure

What does it take to swim 183km? Rowan Clarke gets into the endurance swimming mindset.