FEATURES
In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.
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How do I prepare myself mentally and physically for my first open water event?
Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a frequently asked query about how to prepare for your first ever outdoor swimming event.
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Can you tame lane rage?
Simon Griffiths plunges into a controversial topic… can you tame lane rage?
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A green vision for our blue spaces
Abigail Whyte met Green MP and river activist Ellie Chowns for a swim and sauna at a new swimming lake…
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Politics of swimming
Can swimming outdoors be an escape from politics? Rowan Clarke finds out.
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Here for the swimming
In open water swimming you see all different kinds of body types and sizes – everyone is welcome. However, swimming…
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Is swimming a political act?
Wild swimming is quietly rebellious, an act of advocacy for public rights to natural spaces, says Simon Griffiths
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Yes! You can swim in rivers
With headlines like ‘What’s the most polluted place to swim in the UK?’ news coverage coverage is enough to put…
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We want you to join our Wild Swim Relay!
Do you fancy taking part in a unique event? We’re picking a team of subscribers and contributors to get a free…
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River heroes’ film at a cinema near you
The joyful film about a community’s fight for its river Rave On For The Avon is now in cinemas. Following…
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Charity places up for grabs at Swim Serpentine
General entries have sold out for this popular event but don't worry – you can still secure a charity spot…
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Roger Deakin’s memory lives on
A walnut tree sapling from Roger Deakin’s Suffolk home, Walnut Tree Farm, has been planted at John’s Water on the…
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Move of the month: Camel Pose
This is a great spinal exercise for those of us sitting for long hours at desks and computers.
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Beta Cottage, Suffolk: a place to swim, rest and create
Planning swim holidays and trips yourself can be tricky when there are so many wonderful places to stay in the…
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New 84km distance confirmed for Sweden’s longest swim race
This August, swimming buddies Helén Runger and Niclas Renman will swim the length of Lake Vidöstern (21.5km) four times in…
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How to stay swim fit without an event
Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome shares how to build a flexible training plan for when you don't have an event…
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Men’s swimming costumes: what to wear, where and when
We polled our readers to find out what men prefer to wear in six scenarios ranging from wild swimming, open…
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Stellar lineup of WOWSA nominees
Melanie Barratt, Andy Donaldson, Neil Agius and Caitlin O’Reilly among an inspiring array of open water swimmers shortlisted for this…
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Get involved: The Big Swim 2025
It’s not just about plunging into cold water – The Big Swim is about connection, courage, empowerment and community. Here’s…
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Weekend swim break: Cedar Manor, Lake District
Ella Foote heads to Cedar Manor, Windermere, for an indulgent afternoon tea, fell walks and cool dips in lakeland tarns.
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A unique vision for a community pool
Health worker Amy Morris wishes to create geothermal swimming pools in the middle of the Cotswolds, allowing swimmers to take…
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Portishead Popsicle Party
Portishead Popsicle is a highlight in many swimmers’ calendars and for the second time Ella Foote plunged into Portishead Open…
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Asking the right questions about your swimming
Wherever you’re at on your swimming journey, it’s always important to take a few moments to reflect on the swimming…
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The Rivers Trust: reflecting and looking ahead
Environment charity The Rivers Trust shares their hopes and goals for the year ahead, striving for "a proactive approach to…
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Caitlin O’Reilly: word’s youngest Ocean Seven swimmer
An ultra-marathon swimmer from New Zealand has got herself in the Guinness World Records after becoming the world’s youngest person…
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Swim away the blues: the mental health benefits of cold water swimming
We’ve all heard the stories about how cold-water swimming helps promote good mental health. Rowan Clarke asks why icy dips…
