You Ask, We Answer

Get answers to your most pressing outdoor swimming questions. Learn how to overcome challenges with technique, fitness, health conditions, and more. Top coaches and medical experts address common concerns like injury prevention, open water anxiety, nutrition needs, and staying safe in cold water. Ask anything and get knowledgeable advice tailored to your unique swimming journey.

What is the bilateral breathing ladder, and is bilateral breathing really necessary?

We share some top tips for improving your bilateral breathing – and even if you can't get it right, it's…
How do I motivate myself to train through winter?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten believes the winter months are prime time for focusing on technique and maintaining fitness levels.
Life in the slow fast lane: how to train in a public pool session

“I’m struggling with pool swimming in public sessions: how can I get a proper swim done?” Simon Griffiths has advice…
How to ditch your wetsuit for winter swimming

"For a 10-minute winter swim, I'm not sure wearing a wetsuit is worth it. What do you think?" Simon Griffiths…
How do I improve my technique to avoid Swimmer’s Shoulder?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about how to improve their swim technique to avoid further shoulder pain.
How to master bilateral breathing

"I’ve been told I need to do bilateral breathing for open water swimming but I can’t! What should I do?"
What’s the cause of my hip pain while swimming?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten troubleshoots a reader's hip pain, and shares some tips for preventing further discomfort.
How do I avoid back pain in breaststroke?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about how to improve their breaststroke so it relieves pressure on their…
Why do an open water event?

Do I have to be a fast swimmer? Do I need to swim front crawl? Will I get pushed under…
“Am I too old to start open water swimming?”

Swimming coach and Olympic marathon swimmer Cassie Patten has advice for a 71-year-old reader who’s considering trying open water swimming…
How do I overcome my self-consciousness to enter a swimming event?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a reader question about to feel less self-conscious when outdoor swimming, and how to be…
How do I transition from a swimsuit to a wetsuit?

Reader Jenny Knights is new to outdoor swimming and has her first open water next month. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…
What should I eat during a marathon swim?

Jelly Babies, caffeine gels or peanut butter sandwiches? Swimming coach Cassie Patten and veteran long distance swimmer Colin Hill are…
Returning to long-distance swimming after a break

After a period of time swimming simply for pleasure, Editor Ella Foote has decided it’s time to take on some…
How to avoid neck pain in head-up breaststroke

Swimming coach Cassie Patten shares her tips for avoiding neck pain during head-up breaststroke.
Myth busting: will I get Weil’s disease from open water swimming?

Is Weil’s disease a risk when swimming in open water? Simon Griffiths unpacks the fact from the fiction, and advises…
Why is early morning swim training so hard?

Morning training is a fact of life for many swimmers. There are ways to make them easier.
How can I keep my fitness levels in open water?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten shares her advice for how to maintain fitness levels in open water.
How do I stop myself swimming too fast?

Part of our “You Asked, We Answered” series You asked One thing I have noticed about my swimming training: I…
How to swim safely with weeds

“You will get dragged down by weeds!” Just one of many anxious thoughts that might go through a swimmer's mind…
Can I train for a long distance swim outdoors in winter?

We received the following question from Ian in Northern Ireland: I’ve entered a long swim in 2022 and I’m wondering…
How can I prepare for a long swim when I can’t do long training sessions?

Another entry for our occasional “You Asked, We Answered” series This summer, I have a series of long swims planned,…
Does outdoor swimming make Raynaud’s worse?

Raynaud’s symptoms generally disappear when you warm up, but many swimmers are concerned that a repeated triggering of symptoms could…
How to tell if you’re hypothermic when swimming in cold water

You asked I am a fairly experienced winer swimmer and recently converted to wetsuits in order to get more swimming…
How can I control my asthma in cold water?

We asked three expert swimmers for their advice on managing asthma when open water swimming. “My question concerns outdoor swimming…