March 2025 ‘Swim Politics’
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This month’s theme is all about swimming politics, which may surprise some of you as you like to swim to escape that sort of thing! While we don’t often wade into political conversations here at Outdoor Swimmer, politics do influence our swimming!
In some cases, swim politics are obvious, the current state of our waterways is a great example of where government organisations and water businesses are letting us down. But in other areas it isn’t so clear. In this month’s issue we highlight, explore, question and share corners of our watery world that are being impacted by global unrest and political issues.
Rowan Clarke has spoken to some brilliant organisations who are working hard despite political challenges, like Reclaim the Sea and the River’s Trust, and shares what she learnt in our lead feature. She also writes about neoprene and its toxic impact on both people and planet, which is highlighted in the film, The Big Sea.
Abigail Whyte meets Green MP Ellie Chowns for a swimterview and quizzes her about the progress being made to clean up the River Wye. Contributing writer Eugene Gerden shares what is happening with the swimming community in Russia and Simon Griffiths helps us tackle lane rage in the pool.
I hope the issue makes you think but also gives you optimism as there are some incredible people doing wonderful things for our community, which brings me onto the front cover. I really struggled to pick a front cover image this month, I didn’t want sewage on the front page! I saw this beautiful photo by Ana Elisa Sotelo and it says so much to me, but most of all it says unity and shows beauty.
Of course, we also have all the usual favourites, including tried and tested swimwear, training advice and cold-water swimming event reviews!
By the time you are all reading this we will be swimming into spring in the Northern Hemisphere and I am really looking forward to another year of amazing swims!.
Ella Foote, Editor
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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 - Here for the swimming
In open water swimming you see all different kinds of body types and sizes – everyone is welcome. However, swimming as a whole isn’t always like that, as Sophie Etheridge explains. - Politics of swimming
Can swimming outdoors be an escape from politics? Rowan Clarke finds out. - 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 on the Welsh border. - Can you tame lane rage?
Simon Griffiths plunges into a controversial topic… can you tame lane rage? - 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. - Best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers
Whether you’re after a flexible fit for training, thermal fabric for core warmth or a lightweight hybrid short for impromptu dips, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers. - Is all neoprene harmful?
Rowan Clarke explores how toxic neoprene is responsible for a health crisis, and why the appetite for truly sustainable wetsuits is growing. - From Russia with love
The popularity of outdoor swimming in Russia is steadily growing these days, Eugene Gerden reports. - Springboard diplomacy
Elaine K Howley investigates how a small group of American swimmers and divers helped open China to westerners. - March in the swim community
NOWCA shares an inspiring young swimmer’s story, and Mental Health Swims wants to hear from participants. - The importance of rest intervals
Jason Tait explores the importance of rest – an often neglected but vital part of a swim training session. - Open water swimsuits for all bodies
Whether you’re looking for spaghetti strap training suits or more modest coverage, body positive styles or longer body lengths, we have found your next swimsuit! - Don’t let someone else kill your vibe!
Do you find yourself reeling from unsolicited opinions about your training plan? Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas shares her advice on how to stay focused on your goals, and how to tailor your training plan to your own needs. - How to prepare for the transition to outdoor swimming
With the first open water events not long away, now is a good time to refresh your open water skills, which you can do in a pool. - Move of the month: Single arm kettlebell press
This exercise strengthens the shoulders and arms for extra power and improves shoulder stability. - Why warming up your joints before a swim matters
Do we need to warm up even before a quick swim? The short answer: yes! Preparing the body for exercise is always beneficial. - Sea of tears
Rowan Clarke meets Emma Simpson to talk about her new book Breaking Waves. - IISA World Swimming Championships 2025, Molveno, Italy
It wasn’t just ice that was broken at the sixth IISA World Championships in Molveno, Italy, many ice swimming records were broken too, with British swimmers bringing home 96 medals. - Outdoor swimming kit we love this spring
Tiny Pace Clock that attaches to your water bottle: read on for our round up of the best pieces of outdoor swimming kit we’ve tried, tested and loved this spring - More cohesion for a holistic approach
We desperately need to have conversations at the top of politics that embrace a holistic approach to managing land, water, and communities, says the Rivers Trust - UK Cold Water Swimming Championships 2025
More than 700 swimmers from across the world gathered at the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships at Tooting Bec Lido to celebrate the return of the popular swim gala. - Trentino beyond the snow
Northern Italy is famous for its snowy mountain range and ski resorts, but there is much more on offer at water-level. Ella Foote plunges into cool Italian lakes to find out more. - Healthy swimmers’ skin with Neve’s Bees
We meet the founders of Neve’s Bees, a natural skincare brand that harnesses the healing powers of beeswax for healthy, hydrated skin.
