FEATURES

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

8 things to consider before swimming in cold water

Co-founders of SwimQuest Swimming Holidays, John Coningham-Rolls and Alice Todd share some important tips for what to consider before a…
Understanding the dangers of cold water shock

Our editorial assistant and rookie cold water swimmer experiences cold water shock for the first time If you have ever…
How to acclimatise yourself to cooler water

Before we had swimming pools, everyone one swam outside. After generations of plodding up and down between lane ropes we’ve…
Diary of a wandering swimmer – a bit Wuthering Heights

It feels like ages since I have shared a swim. It’s not that I haven’t been swimming. On the contrary,…
Open water safety tips from the RNLI

We speak to Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner for the RNLI, for advice on how to stay safe in…
Making outdoor swimming more accessible for people with disabilities

Disabled swimmer Sophie Etheridge on her mission to help make open water swimming more accessible for people with disabilities For…
5 reasons why runners should try outdoor swimming

Not only could outdoor swimming help you become a better runner, it also has a lot of other benefits. Here…
What clothing do I need for cold water swimming?

What should you wear on your head? Do you need a changing robe? Outdoor Swimmer’s Jonathan Cowie answers some frequently…
Chilly Challenges

It’s no secret that outdoor swimmers love a swimming badge. Some of us will do anything to earn one, not…
A brief guide to James Clear’s Atomic Habits for outdoor swimmers

How to apply the ideas from Atomic Habits by James Clear to becoming a better swimmer
Six Reasons to Do a Full Moon Swim

Full moon outdoor swimming is a thing, here’s why: 1. Rarity value We only have 12 or 13 full moons…
Should swimmers learn to embrace pain?

Jonathan Cowie chats to writer Linda Rodriquez McRobbie about how changing your relationship with pain can open you up to…
River swimming in winter

First light. The Thames is flowing into London at about 400m3/s. That means nearly 1.5 million tons of water per…
Orca wetsuits: Neoprene isn’t recyclable – but can it be sustainable?

Sponsored by Orca We speak to wetsuit makers Orca about their mission to minimise their impact on the environment As…
How to plan a wild swim

Want to plan your own swim adventure but don't know where to begin? Dip Advisor Ella Foote explains everything you…
The long-term impact of lockdown on pool swimming

Simon Griffiths considers the impact of Covid on the long-term growth of swimming While we’ve been celebrating the increase in…
Keep calm and carry on – and other sea swimming tips

Sea swimming tips aimed at swimmers taking part in near-shore organised swim events or wild swimming rather than long-distance sea…
Would you swim in polluted water?

The more people swim, paddle and play in our rivers, the more urgent cleaning them up becomes, says Simon Griffiths
Locked out of your pool? Are you thinking about starting wild swimming?

In England, we have a new national lockdown. For swimmers, pools (indoors and out) and open water venues have to…
Create your own adventure

Outdoor swimming is the perfect vehicle to unleash your sense of adventure
How wind shapes the sea

Author William Thomson talks us through how wind shapes the sea
The attributes of lifelong swimmers

Simon Griffiths on the attributes of people who become long-term or even lifelong swimmers
Linford Christie OBE on his new interest in outdoor swimming

Linford Christie OBE is one of the most highly decorated British athletes of all-time. In 2019 he joined 10 other…
Is it safe to swim with your dog?

Swimming with your dog is a fun and interactive activity which can benefit you both. However, it is essential to…
What goes through an Olympic swimmer’s mind during the open water marathon?

Watching the men’s marathon swim at the Tokyo Olympics, I wondered what was going through the minds of the swimmers…