FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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Does swearing help in cold water?
Do you turn the air blue when you swim in cold water? Studies reveal that swearing can actually help relieve…
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Swimming to sanctuary: the story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini
Elaine K Howley tells the extraordinary story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, who escaped war-torn Syria to compete at…
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Forest bathing: immerse yourself in nature
Rowan Clarke investigates the physiological and psychological benefits of forest bathing.
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Caro Giles on her love of the moon and the sea
Author Caro Giles' new book tells her tale of life in wild Northumberland with her four daughters. Ella Foote finds…
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Swim to clear plastic from the ocean
Outdoor Swimmer is working with Climategames to remove 12,500 plastic bottles from the ocean.
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London Calling
John Weller and Lola Culsán, passionate swimmers and authors of new guidebook Outdoor Swimming London, share ten of their favourite…
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Swimming spot: Three Shires Head, Peak District
Suzie Wheway of Peak Swims is your guide to a lesser-trodden walk to Three Shires Head, where you can enjoy…
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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…
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Swimming spot: O’Sullivan’s Cascade, Kerry, Ireland
The Salty Sisters share one their favourite places for a waterfall walk and dip, backdropped by lush forest in the…
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This is my Alaska
Inspired by a dream holiday in Alaska and a jubilant dip in Ullswater, reader Magdalena Maklakiewicz-Evans decided to start her…
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An evening with Jasmine Harrison
Last summer, Jasmine Harrison became the first woman to swim the entire length of the UK from Land's End to…
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How can I train for speed when cold water swimming?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten has advice for cold water swimmers who want to continue their sprint training through the winter.
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Swim from Sealand
Embark on a unique swim from Sealand, the world’s smallest nation some seven miles off the coast of Suffolk, back…
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Frostbite Challenge: 12 outdoor swims over winter
School Chaplain Sami Watts shares her journey to open water swimming and her experience of taking on the Frostbite Challenge:…
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Swimming spot: Afon Llugwy and Llynnau Mymbyr in Snowdonia
Swim guide Vivienne Rickman chooses two glorious places to swim in Snowdonia: Llynnau Mymbyr and a delicious pool in the…
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IISA 5th World Championships: Team Ireland report
Team Ireland sent 34 swimmers to the fifth edition of the International Ice Swimming Association World Championships.
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IISA 5th World Championships: Team GB Report
The fifth world championships of the International Ice Swimming Association took place in Samoëns, France, between 12 and 15 January…
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A letter from Ram Barkai, IISA Founder and Chair
IISA Founder and Chair, Ram Barkai looks back on the successes of the Fifth World Championship held in Samoëns, France…
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Highgate Men’s Pond: “A space to open up”
Jack Dunne's photography series Faces and Spaces explores communities and the individuals who are part of them. We spoke to…
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Trends in Outdoor Swimming 2023
Do people change their swimming habits in winter? What is the most common motivation for swimming outdoors? And is our…
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A guide to candlelight meditation
This candlelight meditation by Liz Lowe is a lovely practice to bring calm and clarity.
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Pre- and post-swim rituals for cold-water swimming
For a safe and enjoyable cold water swimming experience, it's helpful to establish some pre- and post-swim rituals. Jonathan Cowie…
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Swimming spot: Hurst Point Lighthouse, Hampshire
Enjoy a sea swim with a picture-postcard view of Hurst Point Lighthouse on the Hampshire Coast.
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Open water skill: Night swimming
Exploring the world by night is a sensory overload. Robbed of sight, our other senses come to the fore: the…
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Mamma Swim: “It ignites a sense of bravery”
From its fruition as a group of friends taking it in turns to look after each other's babies while they…
