July 2024 ‘Complementary sports’
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One of my most favourite feelings is swimming out into open water, leaving everything behind on land. Immersed in the water, face in, all I can hear is the trickle and bubbling of water around my head, looking into the depths or out ahead, nothing else in that moment matters. Those first strokes might feel clunky or sticky, but I feel free.
However, like many of you, I may have left someone behind. The non-swimming pal, the dedicated partner, the whole family! The stuff-watchers, the safety spotter, the one with a camera, the one with the picnic or the one who is more interested in the birds flying above us. Even though we love to outdoor swim, there are plenty of people out there who can’t understand why we plunge into murky water, in all weather, with ducks, muddy feet or until we can’t feel our fingers and toes. We may encourage, coach and hope to inspire them to dip with us, but if it isn’t their idea of fun, it is unlikely they will take the plunge.
I have been lucky to have grown up in a water-loving family, which is how I started outdoor swimming to begin with. I am also fortunate to have a partner who trusts me enough to plunge into water with me and give it a go, even in winter! But there are plenty of times when the love for a dip is lost on others and I have swum alone. I often enjoy the solitary experience but have at times felt guilty on longer swims knowing there is someone waiting at the end.
So, what to do if you are always leaving someone with the towel? Well, that is what this month’s magazine is all about. It is for our land-lovers, or for those who would rather be on the water than in it. We test some alternative water gear – Seabike anyone? We chat to paddleboard pros and hear from mudlarks. Scientifically, we can all benefit from being beside water, which is why we are often drawn to the sea, riverbanks and lapping lakes. A lot of fun can be had at the water’s edge, and you might find an alternative hobby for when you don’t fancy a dip yourself. I have a renewed interest in kayaking and learnt that paddleboarding isn’t really for me!
Ella Foote, Editor
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- Try other water sports to improve your swimming
Simon Griffiths shares how varying up your aquatic activities can bring many benefits your swimming, including how you read the water and boosting your core strength. - How to swim a marathon (in 12 weeks)
In the run up to this summer’s WaterAid Swim Marathon, Gear Editor Jo Tinsley took on the challenge of swimming 26 miles (42.2km) in 12 weeks - The art and science of tapering
Swim coach Paul Newsome explains the science of tapering – and how to arrive in peak condition for your next swim challenge - For our towel holders
There’s a beauty in finding alternative ways to enjoy water, says Rowan Clark. Why not show your towel holder some love and try something new? - How being a multisport athlete can enliven your swimming
Athlete Jennifer Strong McConachie shares why being a multisport athlete has improved her strength and stamina in the water, and helped her discover new wild swims. - The Fell Foodie’s Moules Mariniére recipe
Mussels are the perfect food to enjoy outdoors while overlooking open water. The Fell Foodie Harrison Ward shares his recipe for Moules Mariniére. - Getting back on track with swim training
Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas has advice on getting back on track after an unplanned break from swim training. - What are swimming drills?
“What are swimming drills? I have heard lots about them and there’s hundreds of YouTube videos about them, but I have no idea where to start.” British freestyle swimmer and Head Coach at Wavecrest Swimming, Cassie Pattern has your guide - 10 SUP and wild swimming adventures in Wales
Lisa Drewe, author of ‘Paddle Boarding Wales’, chooses her favourite places to SUP in Wales – all great for wild swimming, too! - The best water sports equipment for outdoor swimmers
Fancy bringing a new water sports element into your outdoor swimmer adventures? We test the best water sports equipment and clothing for open water swimmers. - July in the swim community
NOWCA introduces outdoor swimming to Blenheim Palace, and a Mental Health Swims host shares his inspiring story. - A life-affirming and life-changing adventure in Croatia with Ultraswim33.3 #3
Mariana Santos shares her experience of this beautiful but challenging event on the Croatian coast. - Swims that shaped me: Jonathan Cowie
Contributing editor Jonathan Cowie shares the swims that have shaped his life over the years, from his first ever open water event in his 30s, to his life-changing move to the Lake District. - Embracing Slow Swimming
Writer Georgie Duckworth dips her toe into a swimming event designed for those who like to take it slow - Water shoes: what footwear do you need for wild swimming?
Lightweight, insulated or easy to slip on pre- or post-swim – read our guide to water shoes and neoprene socks for outdoor swimmers - Guardian angel on a SUP
Lucy Young supports her friends’ swimming and gets a core workout from her stand-up paddle board. - The best sunscreen for swimming
What’s the best sunscreen for outdoor swimmers? We put nine sun lotions, mineral sunscreens and zinc sun sticks to the test - How I train: Team Mermaids
Open water swimmers Katie Kenny and Manda Read juggle jobs, families and busy lives but still manage to fit in training for their epic swims. - Stretches using a towel
Try these simple stretches before and after a swim, with the aid of something you’re always guaranteed to have in your kit bag: a towel!
