View from the Water

Gain a fresh perspective as swimmers share their unique viewpoints and reflections on the world from the water's edge.

How has the pandemic affected open water swimming venues?

The combination of pool closures and a hot summer has seen demand boom for swimming at safe, supervised venues The combination…
Why I’m not swimming right now: the temptation is real, but the risk is as well

“Hi. My name is Elaine, and it’s been 66 days since my last swim.” That last swim was a 25…
Should swimming be given special treatment in lockdown 2?

There’s a petition going around asking the government to: “Allow open-air swimming pools, lidos & lakes to open in a…
The Joy of Thames Swimming – and some safety tips

I’ve lived close to the Thames, near Teddington Lock, for 20 years, but – until this summer – I’ve always…
Simon Griffiths shares an open letter to Jeremy Clarkson

Dear Jeremy, Your article in the Sunday times about wild swimming was recently brought to my attention. It was entertaining.…
How to get started in stand up paddle boarding

With people now looking towards socially-distanced sports to occupy their time, paddle boarding could be a great option and partner…
Eight tips to help you develop a life-long swimming habit

If you’re a life-long swimmer – and I know there are lots of you out there – you won’t need…
I’m a pool swimmer and I want to start swimming outdoors while pools are closed: what should I do?

The letter below, is an example of many similar letters we’re receiving at the moment, so we thought we’d share…
A tale of two swimruns

At the end of November, I took part in Ötillö Swimrun Malta. We’ll be publishing an event report in Outdoor…
Training sessions 1st to 15th January 2019

In August 2019, I’m aiming to swim 21km (plus potentially a little more) at Vidösternsimmet, which is billed as Sweden’s…
Why is an 800m race in the pool harder than the same distance in open water?

Image: The pools at Ponds Forge during the National Masters Swimming Championships My favourite distances to race in open water…
Chilly willy combobulators, leaping off waterfalls and our pick of the best swimming events of 2019

Hello 2019! The January issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine is out now 😁Make sure your new year starts swimmingly and…
Spring swimming

This bank holiday saw many open water venues open to the public for the first time this year as swimmers…
What I learnt from Vidösternsimmet 2019

Billed as Sweden’s longest and toughest open water race, Vidösternsimmet is a 21km (plus a bit) end-to-end swim of a…
Can you do it all in swimming?

Image: if racing in the pool tempts you (especially during the colder months) then give it a go. Well, that…
Don’t panic… but take action

On Saturday 3 August, the main story on the frontpage of The Times ran under the headline: “No river safe…
Trends in outdoor swimming in 2019

Simon Griffiths looks at trends in outdoor swimming in 2019 At the end of April, we invited people from across…
The Ponds – a delightful film packed full of swimmers’ humour

I’m just back from watching “The Ponds”, a film by Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith that documents a year in…
The act of doing inspires others

Ella Foote meets Martin Dorey, founder of the #2minutebeachclean movement “We might as well go and sit on the beach…
Why some swimmers are wary of SH2OUT

Swim wild and free. It’s something we love to do, and we don’t like anyone else telling us when, where…
Unleashing your inner superhero

Image: Team Outdoor Swimmer at the Cold Water Swimming Championships There is something about putting on a superhero cape that…
Outdoor Swimmer’s Joanne Jones tackles Red Bull’s Neptune Steps

At Maryhill Locks, Glasgow, for a few days each year, a stretch of the Forth and Clyde canal is transformed…
Training sessions 1 to 14 February 2019

In August 2019, I’m aiming to swim 21km (plus potentially a little more) at Vidöstern Simmet, which is billed as…
Training sessions July 2019

In August 2019, I’m aiming to swim 21km (plus potentially a little more) at Vidöstern Simmet, which is billed as…
Training session June 2019

In August 2019, I’m aiming to swim 21km (plus potentially a little more) at Vidöstern Simmet, which is billed as…