FEATURES

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

My baubles got lost in the ocean

A Festive Season Sea Shanty for Outdoor Swimmers
Martyn Webster: How swimming has enriched my life

"Swimming has enriched my life immeasurably in so many ways. I feel that I have gone through many chapters and…
Go Swim Loch Lomond 2023

Simon Griffiths travelled to Scotland for a little dip in a big loch. Here's how he got on at Go…
Should you train in open water or a pool?

Simon Griffiths explores the pros and cons of open water and pool training.
Rising swim stars

Rowan Clarke investigates swimming films, and how open water inspires filmmaking
Swimming goals? Think of the bigger picture

Simon Griffiths suggests reflecting on the bigger picture when setting your swimming goals for the year
Creativity and swimming

Why not think of ways to be more maverick in your swimming, says Jonathan Cowie
Our favourite swim stories and challenges of 2023

From Nordic odysseys to record-smashing channel crossings, it's been a remarkable year for open water swimmers. Here we share some…
When you look back on your year, what do you see? What stands out?

Remember to look back on your swimming adventures as well as forwards, says Simon Griffiths
Top tips for festive dips

Christmas morning dips, New Year's Day swims and loony dooks: a madcap dash into the sea is fast becoming a…
How I train: Hector Pardoe

Olympian swimmer Hector Pardoe gives us an insight into his training regime, including sprint technique and prepping for wetsuit racing.
Gratitude for sea swimming

Founder of Sea Soul Blessings, Pippa Best, shares how sea swimming changed her life, including alleviating her arthritis symptoms and…
Heather Palmer: my first swimrun

For her first ever swimrun event, reader Heather Palmer took on the As Keen As Mustard Grafham Water challenge. Here's…
How to remove your neoprene accessories fast

Check out these tips we’ve curated from the Outdoor Swimmer team and social media to avoid getting colder than necessary…
Swimming to Freedom

In September 2023, Matt Newbury and his friend Queenie Martin attempted to swim from Robben Island to Cape Town, a…
Move of the month: Alternating superman

This is a great core strengthening exercise that involves minimal movement but improves strength in both the lower back and…
Into the wilds of Eryri

Abigail Whyte joined Ray Farr and Jade Evans-Scott for a swimming and Pilates weekend in Eryri (Snowdonia), exploring its rivers,…
Winter freestyle refresher: body position, action and reaction

Here we look at your body position in the water, and how your body responds to various actions.
Announcing The Really Cold Swim Championships

Are you up for some really cold swimming this winter? Check out this new cold water swimming event, a joint…
A Spitsbergen swim

One day, seeking adventure and an icy swim, Jack Bright and his friends decided to take a dip off the…
Ultraswim 33.3 #2 Montenegro 2023

Part race, part holiday, part endurance challenge and one unforgettable adventure. Simon Griffiths reveals what it was like taking part…
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…
What is the bilateral breathing ladder, and is bilateral breathing really necessary?

We share some top tips for improving your bilateral breathing – and even if you can't get it right, it's…
The best long sleeve swimsuits and tops for outdoor swimmers

Whether for warmth, style or modesty, a long sleeve swimming suit or top can be a versatile addition to your…
The Italian job: a swim across the Strait of Messina

This summer, Matt Newbury enjoyed a 'legendary' swim across the Strait of Messina, between the island of Sicily and the…