FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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Swimming watercolours in County Mayo, Ireland
From golden lough swims and yellow flat periwinkles to pale turquoise seas and grey skies, County Mayo’s swims are drawn…
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Is pollution in rivers getting worse? And what can you do about it?
Campaigners have elevated awareness of sewage pollution to the point that has become an important political issue. But how bad…
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ReWild Swim Club, Gloucestershire
Nestled in rewilding land, tucked into the meandering course of the River Severn, is a hidden space where you will…
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Unsinkable: Alan Corcoran’s swim of the length of Ireland
Alan Corcoran swam the length of Ireland in memory of his father. He spoke to Jonathan Cowie about his experience.
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Is cold water harder to swim in because it’s ‘thicker’?
As water cools, it becomes both more dense and more viscous but are those the reasons it's harder to swim…
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La’al Sauna – a horse box sauna roaming the Lake District
We spoke to Debbie Noble about her converted horse box sauna that frequents Cumbrian swimming spots, and how saunas enhance…
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What does it take to swim an ice mile?
If you’ve ever seen a swimmer at the end of their ice mile, you’ll appreciate what an incredible feat of…
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Leszek Naziemiec’s Yukon Odyssey
After conquering the 1,000km Vistula River in his native Poland, adventure swimmer Leszek Naziemiec turned his attention to the far…
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Cold water swimming: a healthy habit
Dipping and swimming in cold water is increasingly being touted as good for health. But what does the science say?
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The benefits of ice baths
Rowan Clarke finds out why so many swimmers sit in backyard baths, barrels and tubs full of icy water
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Capturing and swimming New York City’s waters
Photography led Paul Frangipane to reconnect to his home city of New York and rediscover his love of swimming
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Lido love
When Jonathan Cowie lived in London, it was Tooting Bec Lido that first kindled his love for open air pools.…
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Life in the slow fast lane: how to train in a public pool session
“I’m struggling with pool swimming in public sessions: how can I get a proper swim done?” Simon Griffiths has advice…
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“I learnt to swim from scratch then took on an English Channel relay”
Hafsa Mughal went from complete beginner to English Channel relay swimmer, all in the space of five months. Now an…
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How to ditch your wetsuit for winter swimming
"For a 10-minute winter swim, I'm not sure wearing a wetsuit is worth it. What do you think?" Simon Griffiths…
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Swim support you can trust
Are they qualified? What experience do they have? In this growing world of outdoor swimming, we share some advice for…
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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…
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Will you Awaken Your Blue Mind this winter?
The Awaken Your Blue Mind challenge is to complete 21 water-based activities over the winter months, from when the clocks…
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Somerset Swim Retreats
Simon Griffiths took a weekend off racing for some welcome rest and recreation in the South West of England… but…
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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…
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Warm boots for outdoor swimmers
Insulating, easy to slip on and grippy on muddy riverbanks: keep your feet toasty in our pick of the best…
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Go to gear: outdoor swimming kit we simply couldn’t be without
The Outdoor Swimmer team shares the gear that keeps on giving – their ‘go to’ clothing and accessories that are…
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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…
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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…
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Swimming in Zürich
The most obvious appeal for swimmers in Zürich is the lake: 40kms long and just 3kms at its widest point,…
