FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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Spring forward, fall back, swim all year
Ella Foote chats to Welsh swimmer Tom Boswell about his ambition to swim 365 days consecutively to raise money for…
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Blind wild swimming: Melanie Barratt’s new passion for the open water
Paralympic champion Melanie Barratt is hoping to become the first blind woman to swim across the English Channel solo. Here…
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How swimming events shape the world of outdoor swimming
Open water challenges shape outdoor swimming more than you realise. Rowan Clarke investigates.
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Embrace all the challenges
Whether it's a short sprint or a monster challenge, for marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas all swimming challenges are an opportunity…
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Books, films and podcasts for swimmers
A forage's calendar, tree spotting guide and lyrical insight into ancestral landscapes: what to read, watch and listen to this…
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The National Park Print Shop
Jonathan Cowie takes a dip with artist Ian Battersby of the National Park Print Shop.
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H2O to Hollywood: swimmers turned movie stars
Swimmers have lit up the silver screen right from the early days of Hollywood. Michael Renouf shines the spotlight on…
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Paradise in Penzance
Cool harbour dips and geothermal waters: Ella Foote explores this arty Cornish town.
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Swimming spot: Stickle Tarn
This out-and-back walk follows Stickle Ghyll to Stickle Tarn, where you will be rewarded not only with stunning views of…
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Body positivity and swimsuit making workshop
What is it about swimwear that often sends us spiralling? And why is body positivity such an important topic for…
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How hard is it to make your own swimsuit?
Editor Ella Foote embarks on a two-day course with The Swimming Seamstress, Amanda Bowden, to learn how to make your…
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Water wildlife: Native Oyster
A feast for the Romans and a Victorian staple, the once humble oyster (Ostrea edulis) has had a long and…
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Retaining the joy of swim training
Simon Griffiths on prioritising the process of swim training, rather than the end goal of completing a challenge.
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How to host a swimmers’ swish
Exchange your barely worn booties and ill-fitting goggles for a kit bag or second hand changing robe – all without spending…
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Water wildlife: thick-lipped grey mullet
What’s that flash of silver-grey in the water? Susanne Masters has your guide to the thick-lipped grey mullet (chelon labrosus),…
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Reflecting and planning: how to adapt your swim training in January
January is a difficult month to adopt and stick with new habits, says Simon Griffiths. Instead, use January to sharpen…
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River swimming guide
Rivers can be wonderful places to swim but can be hazardous. Our guide shows you how to stay safe to…
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Healing waters: a new wave of social prescribing
Last summer, a pioneering social prescribing project in South Wales saw a group of young people, diagnosed with a first…
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Training for a winter swimming event
Jonathan Cowie shares guidance for how to prepare for a winter swimming event, including cold-water acclimatization and stroke technique.
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Giving up social media
Would you benefit from a digital detox? Contributing editor Jonathan Cowie reflects on six months of being completely social media…
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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.
