
November 2024 ‘Hot & Cold’
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With our changing climate and seemingly now very wet autumn and winters, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be guaranteed some serious winter swimming in the UK. As I write this in mid-October the air temperature outside is currently 22ºC and I am wondering why I recently bothered digging out my winter jumpers and boots. This isn’t that unusual; I have enjoyed many warm sunny days into November and they seem like little gifts, sun on your face while the water is cooler is a pleasure only outdoor swimmers understand. But equally, if you are a cold-water junkie, these warm days will be frustrating if you are wanting water with a zing at this time of year.
This month’s issue is all about hot and cold. Looking at the winter forecasts and trends it appears the season ahead will be a mix of warmer, wet weather and occasional cold spells. For those hoping for snow and ice-breaking swims, you may need to travel to our Nordic neighbours. But if we do experience some serious cool weather, here in the UK there are now more than 120 outdoor, waterside saunas to slip into. My local lake has just opened a new and huge sauna for the season and during the first week has had to increase the days and times it will open to meet demand! It appears our love of cold water is now being met with a hot trend from those Nordic nations!
In this issue we celebrate sauna culture and learn about the power of hot and cold from our Finnish friends. Rowan Clarke gives us a round-up of winter events we can dip into and I meet DJ Rob da Bank to hear how he is hoping to bring contrast therapy to our high streets.
As well as all this our Gear Editor, Jo Tinsley, puts neoprene accessories to the test, we taste the best hot chocolate and coffee for after swim warming and in our supplement this month we inspire you with swim-gifts for this year’s festivities!
Enjoy the issue!
Ella Foote, Editor

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- Thank you, Jonny!Last month, Contributing Editor Jonathan Cowie wrote his last column for the magazine after over a decade dedicated to Outdoor Swimmer. Founder and Publisher Simon Griffiths and Editor Ella Foote are grateful for all Jonathan has done for swimming and for the magazine. Here we say thank you…
- Risk and reward in winter swimming“There is no space for either bravado or cold-shaming in winter swimming,” says Simon Griffiths.
- Chilly challengesRowan Clarke takes a tour of this year’s winter swimming events, competitions and challenges.
- Sauna culture in the UKWith a nod to sweat house history, Rowan Clarke discovers how the UK is embracing sauna culture.
- Some like it hotBest known as a noughties BBC1 Radio DJ and cofounder of music festival Bestival, Rob da Bank has recently swapped spinning discs for steam and plunge pools. Ella Foote dips into Dorset to visit his new SLOMO (Slow Motion) venture in Christchurch.
- Improve your swimming technique for next yearPaul Newsome explains why stroke technique matters and how to improve it for next year’s open water swimming season.
- November in the swim communityNOWCA’s Sub10 Club is back this winter and Mental Health Swims shares one of their inspiring volunteer swim host stories. Stay up to date with our outdoor swimming community news for November 2024.
- Best neoprene accessories for open water swimmersSwim socks, fleece-lined caps and baselayers: as temperatures drop, we review some of the best neoprene accessories (and natural rubber alternatives) for keeping you warm while you swim this winter.
- Weekend swim retreat: Creeside, Dumfries & GallowayAbi Whyte heads to an overlooked part of Scotland to explore its rivers, lochs and coast, and for a much needed digital detox.
- The power of hot and cold: from sauna to seaFinnish author Katja Pantzar shares the benefits of contrast therapy for helping you glow inside and out.
- Why I swim: Seana SmithFrom the thrill of Scottish dips to a deep love of ocean swimming, author Seana Smith shares her connection with water.
- Step out of your comfort zone this winterEnvironment charity The Rivers Trust reminds us of the empowering nature of outdoor swimming in the colder months, and how this can lead to positive changes for our blue spaces.
- The Arun: a perfect open water challenge for first timersIn September, digital editor Abi Whyte swam four miles in the River Arun with spinal cord charity Aspire. A newbie to front crawl, here’s how she got on on this beautiful swim through rural West Sussex.
- Hot drinks for outdoor swimmersCold water swimming calls for hot drinks for warming up after, but what should you pop in your flask this winter?
- How to train for winter swimming eventsRacing in cold water is very different to dipping, says Simon Griffiths
- Outdoor swimming kit we love this winterA Yulex jacket that fits like a second skin, a performance swimsuit with exceptional support and a lightweight robe that’s ideal for travelling: read on for our round up of the best pieces of outdoor swimming kit we’ve tried, tested, and loved in the run up to winter.
- Neck stretches after a swimLiz Lowe is your guide to these quick neck stretches – perfect after a chilly swim!