April 2025 ‘Swim The World’
Outdoor Swimmer Extra: Get the best of Outdoor Swimmer magazine online.
One of the many reasons I love outdoor swimming is the people I get to meet, swim alongside and learn from. Over the years, no matter where I go in the UK or worldwide, there has been a swimmer or swimming group to join in the water. The generosity from swimming strangers, who quickly become friends, always surprises and delights. I have been shown secret swim spots, fed delicious cake and had warming hugs from an abundance of swimming folk and I am grateful to each one of them.
This is why I wanted to pull together an issue that celebrates a world of swimming. While the world we live is messy, turbulent and scary at times, the kindness of strangers always wins and it is a joy to hear from swimmers across continents, finding a common space in the water. This month we hear from swimmers in Hong Kong, Australia, USA, China, Hungry, Chile, Canada and many more beautiful parts of our watery world.
We have also given the magazine a bit of a refresh, updating some of our existing features and introducing new ones. These changes are all a result of our latest trends report, where we asked you what you enjoyed and wanted from us at Outdoor Swimmer. We have an extended training section, a new health section with a new contributor, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi and a new look Gear section. I love to tweak and evolve the magazine, so do let me know what you think or if there is something else you would like from the team. We pride ourselves on being swimmers, creating content for swimmers!
This issue is going to print on the spring equinox, and it just so happens that the sun is shining too. It is feeling spring like and hopeful, so I hope this issue gives you a boost as we head into another season of outdoor swimming. Look out for our April Fool – also hidden in the issue!
Our April issue also comes with a FREE Events Guide 2025. Get out your highlighter pen and start planning your next swim event!
Ella Foote, Editor
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Read the April 2025 issue in full in flipbook format
Read the Events Guide 2025 in flipbook format
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- Read our Events Guide 2025
Pop the kettle on, grab a highlighter pen and get ready to be inspired to set a new challenge or goal with our Events Guide 2025 - Staying safe on swim travels
Swimming in new places may expose you to new and unknown hazards, so take extra care, says Simon Griffiths. - Unlocking cultural significance through adventure swim travel
Adventure swimming is more than just a test of endurance; it is a gateway to deeper connections with the natural world and the diverse cultures, Aaron Davis reports. - Which goggle lens do I need for open water and pool swimming?
Swimming goggles come with a vast array of lens types, all suited to different light conditions. Gear Editor Jo Tinsley explores which lens suits your swim - Best pool and open water goggles
There is plenty of innovation in this year’s goggle round up, from honeycomb technology for a super comfortable fit to an in-goggle digital compass to help you swim straight in open water - Best protein powders for swimmers
Protein is an essential macronutrient for repairing and building muscle after a strenuous swimming session. While you can’t beat animal- or plant-based protein eaten as part of a balanced diet, protein powders are a convenient way to increase your intake - April in the outdoor swimming community
Reviving a tidal pool on Scotland’s rugged shoreline and the joys of volunteering for Mental Health Swims – news from the outdoor swimming community this April - World of water
From the Sea Nomads to ultra-marathon swimmers, Rowan Clarke explores swimming around the world. - Mermaid of the seven seas
Open water swimmers need to be ambassadors for our precious blue spaces, Oceans Seven swimmer Bárbara Hernández tells Abigail Whyte - Ready for departure
Travelling by air can be an daunting prospect for a wheelchair user. Adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge shares her recent experiences. - Spring into the season
Care is still needed for spring swimming as the water is still cold and the weather can be fickle at this time of year - Sensory swimming in April
This is what you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste at the water’s edge this month. - The environment in April
A new alternative to elastane, swimming medals made from drinks cans and a toolkit for protecting your local river – Environment Editor Jo Tinsley reports on the things that matter to us as swimmers. - Challenge sessions for your swim training
A challenge session is one where you go above and beyond what you normally do in your regular training or do something very different. - Kickstart your swim event fitness
Personal trainer Vivienne Rickman outlines how to dryland train for the upcoming season - Beyond borders
What are the universal things that connect us as swimmers, asks marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas - Swimming: a tool for health across cultures
We’re thrilled to introduce new regular contributor, Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi who will be sharing the latest news and views from the medical world. To kick us off this month, Dr Hussain shares how swimming has promoted health across cultures. - Pipsiglass: meaningful keepsakes for the swimming community
Pip Wilson creates figurines and meaningful keepsakes for the swimming community inspired by her love of water - Why I Swim: Emilia Hart
Author Emilia Hart almost drowned as a child yet still loves the water. Her new book, The Sirens, is all about the power of the sea. - Beyond the desert: wild swimming in Morocco’s heartland
Morocco’s outdoor swimming secrets lie inland, where rivers carve through ancient gorges and mountain lakes glisten under the North African sun. Lola Culsán, John Weller and Danny Weller share their favourite wild swimming spots from their new book Wild Guide Morocco. - The diary of a Greek Odyssey
Is there anything more poetic than swimming 100km to save a museum? - Grounded by water
At the launch of his debut novel, Before We Hit the Ground, Rowan Clarke finds out why Selali Fiamanya swims outdoors. - Making a splash in Hong Kong
American Brett Kruse fell in love with city swimming in Hong Kong and last year became the eighth person to swim around Hong Kong Island. - Deep Dive: Swimmer’s Ear
Dr Sarah Law shares her insights on swimmer’s ear, a common ear infection that afflicts outdoor and pool swimmers.
