Getting that autumn feeling

I’ve just got back from a week of swimming and sailing with SwimTrek. It was a busman’s holiday I guess, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. We explored the southern coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, swam twice per day and ate a surprisingly large amount of food. We were also lucky enough to see dolphins while sailing back and we encountered seals both in Cornwall and in Scilly.

While I was taking a bit of time out, the rest of the team at Outdoor Swimmer have been cracking on with putting together our October issue, which to me marks the end of the northern hemisphere open water racing season. It’s a time of year that brings mixed emotions at Outdoor Swimmer. We’re disappointed that opportunities for long distance open water swims are disappearing but excited about the fun of winter swimming. Outdoor swimming through the winter is very different to the summer. It’s not just that the water is colder. It’s about a completely different mindset and approach to swimming, and even life. Getting into cold water is rarely pleasant but we force ourselves to do it because we know we feel good afterwards. Also, somehow, winter swimming is even more sociable than summer swimming.

If you are thinking about continuing swimming outside, then please do take a look at our “6-Tips for Cold Water Swimming.”

However, before we give up on the summer, there are still a few events to go. If you want another challenge before things wrap up for winter, check out our event listings. Next weekend, on 22 September, the Outdoor Swimmer team will be at two separate events: Swim Serpentine and Hever Castle. Please come and say hello if you’re at either. If you haven’t yet entered anything, the night swim at Hever looks fun.

Meanwhile, our September issue is available from us directly. Save yourself a trip to the shops by ordering your copy from us, or subscribe now and save 21% on the cover price.

Swim wild and free,

Simon Griffiths

Founder and publisher, Outdoor Swimmer magazine

This week’s pic of the week is one of my own, taken on board the Lady of Avenel last week as we returned from Scilly and spotted dolphins.

In each issue of the magazine we publish a selection of your images in our Selkie Reader Photo Contest. To be in with a chance of having your photo featured in the magazine and winning outdoor swimming kit and apparel from Selkie Swim Co enter your best pics now.