FEATURES

In-depth features that celebrate the vibrant outdoor swimming community, spotlighting extraordinary individuals and their stories.

So you want to swim backstroke outdoors?

Backstroke is perfect for relaxing and admiring the sky, whether it’s clouds, a full moon or a sunrise. It’s also…
Finding a zest for life in the Lake District

Digital editor Abi Whyte unwinds and recharges on a spring yoga and swimming retreat on the shores of Windermere
Embracing the challenges

"What if I'm too slow?" "What if I hate it?" Adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge explores the self doubts we all…
Rediscovering joy in swim challenges

Lifelong swimmer Hazel spent years focusing on her speed, technique and achievement in swimming. But now it's all about slowing…
How to prevent and treat Swimmer’s Ear: top tips from the swimming community

Swimmer's Ear is a common ear infection that afflicts wild swimmers and pool swimmers. In our recent survey we asked…
Fall in love with urban rivers at London Rivers Week

From litter picks to tree planting and wetland conservation to river-dipping, it's nearly time for a weeklong celebration of London's…
Remember to warm up, even when it’s not ‘cold’

There are benefits to warming up before any swim, even a wild or recreational swim, says Simon Griffiths.
Top 6 wild swimming walks in West Wales

Nia Lloyd Knott, author of two Wild Swimming Walks books, including the brand new book for West Wales, shares six…
How to get over your fear of the deep

Plenty of swimmers fear what's underneath them when they're swimming. Jane learned how to rationalise her fear.
Deep Dive: Swimmer’s Skin

Cancer Research UK reports that melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for five…
Weekend swim retreat: Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Rowan Clarke heads to Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel for seafront luxury, hiking and dipping
Big swim, big feelings

Mental Health Swims Community Engagement Manager Sarah Groves updates us on her training and plans to swim the length of…
Yoga has your back

Building back strength, while working on mobility and flexibility, will help us to feel strong in the water says personal…
Outdoor swimmers wanted for a new psychology study

Psychology researchers from the University of Derby are inviting open water swimmers who have experienced a challenging life event in…
Why you need to think beyond the thermometer

As outdoor water temperatures rise, it’s tempting to swim further and stay in longer. Simon shares his recent experience that…
On the Wilda side: a Q&A with founder Caitlin Paton

While many open water wetsuits are muted blacks and greys, Wilda has created a suit that embraces the joy, vibrancy…
Thirty swims before 30!

Sometimes the best swimming challenges are those we dream up for ourselves. Jodie Hoskin tells us her story
Live well, swim well – a holistic approach

Fuelling your workouts, balancing your hormones and getting good quality sleep with all improve your performance, says personal trainer Vivienne…
WIN the new Speedo x DMC Super Fins

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Learn how to test water quality with STA’s new online course

STA has launched a new open water testing programme in collaboration with the 'Wild Woman of the Wye' Angela Jones
Boost your speed and power in the water

Our new contributing coach Nicola Butler has passion for the pool and a lifetime of sporting prowess and experience. This…
Sensory swimming in May

This is what you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste at the water’s edge this month.
Get into the flow

Editor Ella Foote is also an open water swim coach, outdoor swim guide and teacher. This month she encourages us…
Is outdoor swimming a hobby? Therapy? Treatment? Or is it a lifestyle?

For adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge, outdoor swimming is the gift that just keeps on giving
Why take part in a swim event?

How would you feel about swimming non-stop for an hour? Debs has misgivings, but she puts them aside to start…