Adam Comfort tells us about the exciting new chapter in his swimming career

Swimming has always been part of who I am. From my early days as a competitive swimmer to coaching young athletes to school championships, my journey has been about sharing the water and helping others grow. That’s why I’m proud to announce a new chapter – Comfort Academy is officially partnering with NOWCA to deliver the STA Level 2 Open Water Coaching qualification.

My relationship with NOWCA began at Thorpe Lake as a swim coach. Since then, I’ve coached at the Royal Docks, led national swim programmes, and earned qualifications including British Triathlon Level 2 and STA Level 2 Open Water Coaching.

Inspired? Read our Swim Careers issue!

In 2018, I became NOWCA’s Head Coach, a role that allowed me to work closely with swimmers of all abilities – helping them overcome fears, improve technique, and achieve personal bests.

Over the years, I’ve received incredible feedback from swimmers who’ve said I helped them feel more confident, more capable, and even fall in love with open water swimming. Now, I want to pass that on. Through Comfort Academy and in partnership with NOWCA and Love Open Water, I’m delivering training that empowers future coaches to do the same.

For more information about the STA Level 2 Open Water Coaching qualification, upcoming courses dates and to register your interest: nowca.org

The post My NOWCA journey from Swim Coach to Course Leader appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Does your expectation of flailing limbs and being kicked in the face put you off swim events? Former competitive swimmer Naj Ellwood shares with us that this isn’t the reality. She signed up to join our Shep Shifters team at the Level Water 24-hour swim. Did it meet her expectations?

I learned to swim when I was 4. It was something we all did growing up in a small town in New Zealand – an essential life skill that I believe everyone should have access to.

My swimming ‘career’ spanned just over a decade. It largely consisted of jumping the fence and splashing about in the school pool, as well as many early mornings of training at the local pool and most weekends travelling all over the country to compete. I had incredibly supportive parents, who drove me around the country and shared the 5am starts every morning, and I became a decent swimmer, reaching a national level.

Swimming competitively taught me discipline, perseverance, and stamina. However, try as I might, my performance peaked in my late teens, and I wondered if life out of the pool was more ‘enticing’.

Swimming for fitness

Swimming remained in my life over the years – but more to keep fit, manage stress and to ‘keep me out of trouble’. My open water experience was jumping into the sea at my local beach!

My competitive streak remained firmly in its box until a chance trip to Mallorca in 2014, when I supported a friend racing an Ironman. I had that feeling in my tummy again, and I really wanted to race. But outdoors, in the sea, surrounded by giant buff athletes!?

That first race was an intense sea swim where I was kicked in the face, making my goggles leak, the harsh realisation that I really should’ve practised ‘sighting’ A LOT more! Plus, all those neoprene-covered arms and legs thrashing about – my god! At times, I thought I might well pickle my insides with the amount of salt water I drank! But I made it and hadn’t completely embarrassed myself…. and so began my love affair with swimming open water.

Racing in open water

Over the years, I entered more open water races – in lakes, rivers, sea swims – I really embraced the balance between the challenge of the elements whilst also satisfying my competitive streak. Last year I decided to train as hard as my daily life would allow it to see how well I could do in some of these races. Turns out I did pretty well, but ultimately, I missed the camaraderie and team support that I craved from my swimming club days as a kid.

That’s when an ‘extra’ email from the team at ‘my swimming magazine’ (as it’s affectionately named in my house) landed in my inbox most serendipitously. That was it – I was meant to apply for this team.

After I applied for Outdoor Swimmer’s Wild Swim Relay team, all the usual doubts and questions set in. Was my application compelling enough? What were they looking for? Was I quick enough? Was I too quick? Was I the right fit!? You get the jist… So, when I had a message from Rowan saying I’d made the first cut, I thought yes – it’s on! Oh, hang on… this was my chance to pull out on my own accord, could I commit to this after years of swimming on my own!? … Ah yep, I’m jumping in with two feet was my response, which shortly followed up with a very welcome ‘welcome to the team’ message.

Then reality hit…

Managing expectations

I was a mixed bag of emotions on the 6-week run-up to the event. I was nervous and excited, constantly asking myself ‘what about this’ and ‘what happens here’, ‘what will I eat!?’ (I’m the sort of person who likes to know what’s for dinner before I’ve even had breakfast) and holy shit – how am I going to cope with swimming at night!? Then… don’t get me started on the camping logistics – will I be able to sleep, where will I sleep?

I didn’t have many answers, but I thought, it’ll all be ok – it’s swimming, that’s always great, and everything else will fall into place.

After the chat began on our WhatsApp group, I was dazzled at the diverse swimming experience within this group – aptly named ‘The Shep Shifters’ – from channel swimmers to some seriously adventurous dippers. I was excited to see all the wonderful places that the ladies were swimming – I felt I was beginning to get to know everyone through their swimming spots, and not long after through their tastes in music with our collective playlist. And I couldn’t wait to meet them all.

Living in London means I can usually only swim in pools, and I wondered if this would be enough. I knew I was more than capable of swimming in open water, but could I swim for an hour on repeat? I knew I wouldn’t be able to practice night swimming, so I accepted that and focused on what I could control. Swimming for an hour is still a challenge, even though I’ve been in the water my whole life. I felt that I really needed to work on my pace and endurance, so I didn’t run out of steam.

So, I set about creating a rudimentary system of swimming: an hour in the morning before work, then about 10 hours later, another hour after work, and then again in the morning for the third hour. I did all my training at Parliament Hill Lido in Hampstead – a beautiful pool that’s almost on my way to work. I also managed a few swims at West Reservoir – a true swimming haven in the city that provided me with some lake exposure. So, with a few of those routines in the bag, along with some extra weight sessions and spin classes at the gym, I was as ready as I could be. No, I hadn’t prepared for the lack of sleep, but I figured the event atmosphere and adrenaline would help with any fatigue that would come.

The reality

When I arrived at Shepperton Lake, I was anxious. I had baked some cakes the night before, which usually settles my nerves, but I’d done a panicked re-pack due to the weather and really wasn’t sure where anything was. Had I packed the right swimsuits? I’m a little particular when it comes to swimsuits. I have a large (some would say unhealthy!) collection, but you know we all have our favourites, right?

I arrived tent-less due to the space and began to worry whether this was going to work out ok.

As soon as I got to our camping spot, the worry was over! It was a hectic swirl of ladies busy putting up tents, unpacking, offering homemade delights, and chatting, getting acquainted. I’d forgotten how refreshing it was to meet new people, it had been some time since I’d been in this sort of situation, so many people to get to know and stories to share – it was also satisfyingly exhausting!

Then came the generous goody bags. Zone3 spoiled us with brilliant swim essentials – caps, goggles and a fab swimsuit each! Plus, the team from Wilda, who have designed the most gorgeous wetsuits, generously gifted us with some awesome hats and long-sleeved tees. How spoilt were we?

It was obviously the perfect time for our first photoshoot in our new cossies! And the first of many stripping off and getting changed in front of everyone – of course with just the right amount of decency – side boob acceptable but keep the rest to the imagination – ha!

The swimming

And so the swimming began – on the hour, every hour – simple right? Ashleigh was first up, kicking us off nicely. I was last in the group, which meant I had some time to kill, but could also take bits of advice from the team about their experience and build myself some solid preparation.

As a team, we had agreed to ‘watch’ the swimmer who was in the water two hours before we were – a job I took very seriously, especially at 1am! It was a nice way to ensure there was always someone there for you, looking out for you, and a friendly face at the end of the hour in the water. Debbie – thank you for watching me; I greatly appreciated it!

Then there was the rain. And the lack of sleep. We all had varying abilities in this area – some of us being able to power nap at any time of the day or night. And others who couldn’t, and simply embraced the ethereal atmosphere of the event in the small hours. I just about snuck in two 45-minute naps, which left me feeling recharged enough for my final swim but also with dazed memories of the feeling I had at Glastonbury some years back!

The gorgeous lake had beautifully clear water, and the passionate Level Water team, who literally had smiles on their faces the entire weekend, were amazing organisers. I loved the fellow swimmers, the random chats in the water (most memorably my night swim where the banter was based around a flamingo dressed in Christmas lights and a floating unicorn!) and our team – supporting each other in many ways – from a well-timed cuppa and some energy-boosting rocky road or flapjacks to a delirious sleep deprived chat to a silent helping hand when you were too chilly to ask – we were bloody brilliant!

I also loved the final lap – as the final swimmer, I had the honour of closing the swim, and lucky for me, Debs, Hazel, and Rowan joined me in the water on my final lap. As the rest of the swim was obviously done in isolation, it was such a joy to lap up (great pun!) the atmosphere one last time together.

Reflecting

The event gave me a well-needed reminder as to why I swim. I swim because I always have, I swim because I’m good at it, and I swim because it’s the thing I enjoy doing the most. But mainly, I swim because wherever or whenever I swim, it quite simply makes everything else better.

The days after the relay swim, I felt a little lost and rather lonely. It was a strange mix of smug accomplishment and missing the team and the fun new chats that were there in abundance. But I was also super proud of us all. We’d done something amazing and helped an awesome charity continue to give the gift of swimming to those in need.

So, whatever the next journey is I’m about to embark on – either in swimming or in life – I shall forever hold a special place for the Shep Shifters in my heart. So, thank you, Ashleigh, Debbie, Debs, Ella, Hazel, Jane, Lisa and Rowan – you’ve certainly all left a mark on me, and I can’t wait for our next adventure!

The post Event swimming: Expectation vs reality appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Environmentalist Oly Rush has three big swims under his belt – a 100-mile Jurassic Coast swim, a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight and the fastest circumnavigation of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, all raising awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans

In 2022, Dorset swimmer Oly Rush became the first person to swim non-stop around Grand Cayman in the Caribbean, setting a world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the island in 36 hours 59 minutes. “It began as a ‘I wonder if it’s possible’, and I think my naivety and childish enthusiasm ended up making it a reality,” says Oly, whose feat was captured in documentary film, The Grand Swim.  

A passionate environmentalist, Oly has a long-standing love affair with the sea. This was the third in a series of ‘big’ swims (which included a 100-mile, 10-day staged swim of the Jurassic Coast and circumnavigating the Isle of Wight), all aimed at raising awareness of ocean plastics and inspiring others to take action. “The impact we’re having on the ocean is something I have dedicated much of my time to fighting,” he told us. 

Before his Grand Cayman swim, Oly had been training as an endurance swimmer for three years, but it was still a big step up. In the run up, he was swimming 70km per week, putting in time at the gym, working on his mobility and tucking into a healthy diet. “That was just a physical side,” he says. “I was also still out on the beaches clearing plastics, reminding myself exactly why I was taking on the challenge.” 

Keeping one foot grounded in his motivation is central to completing the swims. “I think we all thrive when we have a purpose. And I can think of no better purpose than protecting something you love,” he says.  

After a quiet couple of years, Oly is gearing up to attempt the world’s longest non-tidal assisted open water swim – but making sure his swim will have an impact will be one of the deciding factors. “For me to even attempt to swim of that magnitude, there would need to be a real measurable environmental outcome in order to fuel a swim like that.” 

Watch ‘The Grand Swim’ for free on the Water Bear platform, waterbear.com. Follow Oly’s adventures at projectplanet.earth and on Instagram @projectplanet.earth.  

The post Champion of the waterways: endurance swimmer Oly Rush appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Matt Dawson plans to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight as part of an island triathlon. He tells us about his training and preparation, and what this epic swim will involve.

English Channel swimmer Matt Dawson plans to join a small but elite group of swimmers who have circuited the Isle of Wight. It’s part of a challenge he’s called the Tr’Isle of Wight. He wants to do three consecutive laps of the Isle of Wight, each around 100km: 1 lap swimming, 1 lap cycling and 1 lap running. 

As well as crossing the Channel, Matt has past swimming form for epic challenges. In 2023, he swam the length of all the swimmable lakes in the Lake District. Non-stop.

When we caught up with Matt, he was just returning from a 55km training swim in the Solent.

1. What do you see as the main challenges with the Isle of Wight swim?

There’s a reason fewer than ten people have swum around the Isle of Wight. It’s a complex and demanding challenge. Compared to this, the logistics of swimming the English Channel almost seem straightforward, and that’s saying something.

The distance alone is daunting: roughly 64 miles (100km). Crucially, the success of the swim depends on getting tidal assistance, which helps to reduce the physical demand but makes the planning far more intricate. I’ve had a steep learning curve when it comes to tides and the nuances of tidal flow.

At the time of writing (two months before the attempt), I plan to leave from Seaview on the northeast corner of the island and swim anticlockwise, following in the strokes of those who’ve done it before. There are three critical tidal “gates” to hit at the right time — The Needles, St Catherine’s Point, and Bembridge — or I risk swimming on the spot, or worse, being swept backwards.

The Needles is the most crucial of the three. If I don’t reach it before the tide turns, I’ll be pushed back the way I came. I’d assumed tidal charts would make it easy to predict where I should be and when. But a recent training swim taught me otherwise. I was too close to shore, missed the main flow, and got caught in an eddy that pushed me backwards. My crew had no clear reference points, so we struggled to find the right line. The same precision will be needed at St Catherine’s and Bembridge.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a core crew of friends supporting me.  We’ve been through quite a few adventures together, including helping me set a new World Record (unofficial) for a 70Km Lake District Swim in 2023. They’re resourceful, reliable, and up for a challenge, but none of us are experts in navigating this specific coastline.

The people are only part of the equation. We’ll also need multiple support vessels: kayakers to guide and feed me, a powerboat for safety and supplies, and a mothership to monitor the route and keep us clear of busy marine traffic, including the large ferries that cross to the mainland. Fortunately, friends Nick and Trish, both keen sailors, have generously offered their boat and time to support the swim, and our local Scout group (Batchworth Sea Scouts) the use of their power boat.

Weather and wind will also play a big role. It’s not just about when the tides line up; it’s about hoping conditions are safe and swimmable on those days. Ideally, I want to make it round in two tides, fast enough to get on the bike leg as soon as possible after. But the reality is, it’s going to take everything coming together, and it’s still unlikely that I’ll make it in that window. If not, what happens next is still a bit of an unknown.  Actually, if I do make it, it’s also unknown!

2. How are you finding the information needed?

I’ve been amazed by the support I’ve received. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been enthusiastic and eager to help.  

There’s not much published information about swimming around the Isle of Wight; sailing, yes, but not swimming. Luckily, both the open water and sailing communities have been generous with their knowledge.

I started by speaking with Olly Rush, who holds the current wetsuit record (a staggering 15 hours, 9 minutes). He shared his experience and connected me with his crew, who provided insight into route planning, tidal timing, and safety logistics.

Understanding the tides has been the biggest challenge. I initially reached out to friends with sailing connections, but their experience didn’t align with what I needed. Eventually, after trying various options I got lucky: I contacted the author of a blog post about yacht racing around the island, who then put me in touch with Jules, a professional sailing navigator. Using sophisticated sailing software, Jules helped plot my ideal position at three-minute intervals for one of the training swims.

However, inshore waters where I’ll be doing some of the swimming aren’t covered by the software because sailing boats typically avoid them. That means my crew will have to make real-time adjustments on the day, which we’ve already learned in training is not an easy thing for the untrained eye.  We’re still on the hunt for an experience navigator to give us the best chance of success.

Another key resource has been Winning Tides by Graham Sunderland, often referred to as the “bible” for yacht racing around the island. When I contacted Graham, he confirmed what Jules had told me, that inshore water flow remains something of an unknown. He then kindly set up a WhatsApp group with experienced sailors to see if they can help work this out.

Safety is a major concern, particularly in the busy northern waters of the Solent. We’ve liaised with local harbour masters, all of whom have been constructive, practical, and positive. Cowes Harbour will be the trickiest to navigate due to its constant boat traffic. Since I won’t be able to stop or tread water in the 3-knot tide, the Harbour Master has agreed to temporarily close the harbour entrance for the five minutes it should take me to pass, which is humbling and pretty cool.

3. What have you learned from your training swims so far?

The biggest takeaway? This is going to be anything but straightforward.

After our first training swim in April, from Egypt Point to Yarmouth (about 14km), my friend and crew member, Russ joked, “All you have to do is float and let the tide do the work.”

And at first, it felt that way. Despite the 10°C water, I didn’t even need to stop for my third feed. We’d covered the distance in under 1 hour 45 minutes, about 48 seconds per 100m. I’m getting nowhere near that pace in the pool, let alone the open water.  It just goes to show how powerful the tides are when you get it right.

The next day’s swim, a return trip from Ryde to East Cowes (14.6km), was closer to a typical pace at 3 hours 13 minutes, but I still got a big benefit from the tide picking up speed on the way back.

Buoyed by those swims and confident in my tidal plan, I approached the next test in June: Totland Bay to Seaview, aiming to get around the key tidal gates on one tide. But I underestimated the conditions. On the sail over the day before, we battled strong wind-over-tide waves, and the crew almost called it off because it was getting too dangerous. By the next morning, the wind had dropped and things looked more promising.

Unfortunately, I had plotted our start too close to shore and got caught in a back-eddy, rather than the main flow of the outgoing tide. After 45 minutes, it became clear we wouldn’t make it to The Needles before the tide turned. I had to jump into the powerboat to be ferried closer. Even then, I felt like I was swimming on the spot, but eventually managed to get through, with the help of Rich on the Kayak picking a safe route through.  A side note, ‘threading The Needles’ has to be one of my top swimming moments; a bucket list swim.

On the other side of The Needles, I faced rough seas and winds that pushed me toward shore. I couldn’t get into a rhythm with my stroke and was constantly veering off course.  Progress was slow going as the waves continued to build. St Catherine’s (also known as the “washing machine”) was brutal. Rich had already had a tough few hours in the kayak, but at this point was constantly swamped by waves and had to paddle away so that he could stay upright. The powerboat stayed close and helped guide me, but conditions worsened. On feed stops, the crew also had to contend with helping to bail water from the kayak, which slowed us down further.  After 8 hours and roughly 35km, the crew decided to abort the swim.  Bizarrely, I was probably the safest of the lot of us.

It was disappointing not to finish, but we achieved the key purpose: to learn valuable lessons.  We now know the conditions we can’t swim in. I’ve also gained confidence: I’ve seen The Needles and St Catherine’s in worse conditions than I’ll be doing the main event, and I feel better prepared.

One unexpected lesson? Mouthwash is amazing!  At the end of my Channel swim, I discovered my uvula (dangly bit at the back of the throat) had swollen to the point that it was touching my tongue at the back of my throat, which was unpleasant to say the least.  I want to avoid this happening again, especially with my plan to cycle and run directly after the swim.  I thought mouthwash might be the answer and it made my mouth taste amazing for five glorious minutes. But, once wasn’t enough to stop my uvula swelling up again on my last training swim. I’ll up the frequency next time. If anyone has any known tricks to combat this, I’d love to hear them.

4. What have you learned from others who have done the swim?

From what I’ve found, only six people have successfully completed solo circumnavigation swims of the Isle of Wight.

Four have done it without wetsuits — Kevin Murphy (1971), Mike Read (1976), Alison Streeter (1984), and Anna Wardley (2013). Two have completed it in wetsuits; Scott Dawson (no relation, 2016) and Olly Rush (2021).

I’ve been fortunate to speak with Olly, Scott, and Anna – all of whom have been generous with their time and advice. Olly and Scott have been especially relevant to my planning since I’m attempting the swim in a wetsuit.

As a Channel solo swimmer myself, I recognise the ongoing debate about wetsuit vs. non-wetsuit swims. I know the wetsuit provides a significant advantage, and so the two types of swims should be viewed separately, but still have their merits.

For this challenge, I chose the wetsuit because the swim is just one part of a larger goal: to be the first person to consecutively swim, cycle, and run a full lap of the island, which I’m calling the Tr’Isle of Wight.

Scott was the first to complete all three disciplines over about 13 months. I’m hoping to do them back-to-back.

Matthew is raising funds for Access Sport CIO. Please support him here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-dawson-9

For updates on Matthew’s journey, follow him on Instagram: @mattendures

The post Swimming around the Isle of Wight appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

From sinking to swimming, reader Luke Richards learns how to go the distance

I sink. I don’t mean I can’t swim; I can rescue myself when I get into trouble. I mean I literally sink. My legs just want to pull me to the centre of the earth.

The first time I got into a river with my partner, Rachel, she didn’t believe me. “Everyone can float,” she said as we prepared to swoosh. After five minutes, she was aghast that I did indeed sink. I struggled my way for a kilometre down the river, using her tow float as a flotation device, but it was a kind of an awakening. It was June, the river was chilly (to me) but I remembered my love of being in the water, despite my lack of buoyancy.

This was the start of my coldwater journey. It was from this point I ended up in a body of water every week that I could. I would plunge into lakes, the sea, lidos, and Rachel said I would sometimes eye up a large puddle. I was brute forcing my buoyancy. I work at a desk in cyber security, so the idea of just attacking the problem until it worked was what I was aiming for. But I still wasn’t a strong swimmer. I was doing 80s breaststroke, never got my head in the water and basically just kept myself afloat. I figured maybe just being in the water, I would improve, and I sort of did. I was getting better at being used to lower temperatures. I did my Christmas dips, my New Year’s swim and by March I had a Penguin award. I was definitely an open water swimmer now…

Rachel suggested I enter the Bournemouth Pier-to- Pier swim event, which is a 1.4-mile (2.45km) swim from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier in Dorset. It sounded like a fun challenge and something I could achieve. I signed up for a local pool membership, then worked out how many lengths I would have to be able to swim the distance, which was 90 lengths! In my first week I did six and I felt like I was dead. I could barely lift my arms after that first swim. I remember looking at the task ahead of me, the monumental distance I had to cover, it seemed insurmountable. I had a training plan; it added six lengths per week. But that second week felt even worse than my first. I had to do 12 lengths, that was twice as much! Surely, I couldn’t do that?! But I got in, and with a few stops I did it, I pushed myself and I kept going.

I went to Portishead Lido and I practiced in the cold, which takes your energy fast! But I kept persisting. I got some new goggles, and I was shocked at how much they helped. I could properly get my head under when I was on the glide part of my stroke. I improved so much after that. I remember being in the pool, and one of the ladies there (who are incredible, honestly, they put me to shame) commented on seeing me swim at the beginning of my journey, and she said: “You look like a swimmer now”. It was such a huge compliment that I am taking that with me to the sea.

I have now hit my donation target of £500, thanks to friends, family, and a community of people online. I’ve also gotten close to the 2.45km needed in the pool. In fact, in the next few days I should be up to 90 lengths. I am getting more confident day by day and now believe that I can not only do this swim, but in general, I CAN swim. I’m now getting to the point where I am trying to take my distance technique to the sea, to work out how well I can transfer that skill. It’s a process, but with the help of my partner I know I can do this. Rachel has been my champion, my advocate, and my coach; I couldn’t ask for better. I still sink, it’s like a party trick to show swimmers: “Oh hey, you know Luke? Legs denser than a dying star, that’s him.” But now I count myself amongst the swimmers of the world. I am not winning any medals for speed, but I will get one for going the distance.

Luke will be tackling his first swim event this July. You can show your support by sponsoring him: justgiving.com/page/lukepier2pier-25

The post My swim story: Luke Richards appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Team swim challenges are more than the sum of their parts, as Ashleigh Bulcraig knows. Here, she shares her experience of swimming with a team of strangers – or soon to be friends – at the Level Water Wild Swim Relay in Shepperton.

The experience of participating in the 24-hour swimming relay last weekend is one that I will cherish forever. It was an event that not only tested our physical limits but also highlighted the power of camaraderie and shared goals.

The journey to this remarkable event began with a simple act of spontaneity: I submitted a picture of my Aspire Alpaca teammates and me, celebrating our recent completion of the English Channel. With big grins and a large bottle of champagne, we were filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Little did I know that this spontaneous act would lead to my selection for Outdoor Swimmer Magazine’s 24-hour Wild Swim Relay swim team in Shepperton Lake for Level Water.

At the time of my submission, I also shared a bit about myself. I am a 44-year-old pelvic health physiotherapist, a wife, and a mother of three children. I was searching for another challenge that would give me a goal, focus, and time to do something for myself. The relay presented itself as the perfect opportunity to achieve this. The thought of swimming for an extended period while being part of a team was incredibly appealing.

Team connection

What drew me to this event was the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team. During my training for the English Channel, I experienced the profound connection that develops among teammates. Each member shared a deep love for swimming, and we all worked towards a common goal. Our team was a beautiful mix of ages and swimming abilities, yet we supported one another through the challenges we faced. This sense of unity was palpable, especially when the going got tough. The bonds formed during those training sessions were invaluable, and I was eager to experience that again in the relay.

When I received the news that I had been selected for the relay team, I was overjoyed. However, I quickly realised that I had only six weeks to prepare. A WhatsApp group was created for our team, and I was thrilled to discover that I was part of an all-female team. This made the experience even more special, as I felt a sense of solidarity and empowerment among my teammates.

In the lead-up to the relay, I must admit that my training was not as rigorous as it could have been. Instead, I focused on enjoying the simple pleasure of swimming in the sea with my local friends whenever possible. I relished the conversations with my regular swimming companions at the local pool, a stark contrast to the intense training I had undergone for the Channel swim the previous year. This more relaxed approach allowed me to reconnect with my love for swimming, free from the pressure of strict training schedules.

United by swimming

As the day of the relay approached, excitement and anticipation filled the air. The event was set to take place at Shepperton Lake, a picturesque location that provided the perfect backdrop for our challenge.

The atmosphere was electric as teams gathered, each with their own stories and motivations for participating. It was inspiring to see so many individuals united by a shared passion for swimming and a desire to push their limits.

The event was filled with joy and laughter, despite the cold and wet conditions. As we took our turns in the water, the camaraderie among our team was evident. We cheered each other on, offering words of encouragement and support with every stroke.

The night brought its own set of challenges, as the temperature dropped and fatigue began to set in. However, the spirit of the event kept us energised. I managed to get only an hour of sleep, yet the laughter and chatter among teammates kept my spirits high.

Night swimming

Swimming in the dark was a unique experience. The water felt different, and the sounds of splashing echoed in the stillness of the night. Each time I entered the water, I was reminded of the beauty of swimming and the freedom it brings. The rhythmic motion of my arms and legs, combined with the cool water enveloping me, created a sense of tranquillity that was both refreshing and invigorating.

As the hours passed, our team continued to support one another. We shared stories, laughter, and even moments of vulnerability. There were times when fatigue threatened to overwhelm us, but we found strength in each other. The bonds we formed during those long hours in the water were unbreakable. We were not just individuals swimming for a cause; we were a team, united by our shared experiences and the challenges we faced together.

The relay was not just about swimming; it was about friendship, teamwork, and the shared joy of pursuing a common passion. Each member of our team brought something unique to the table, whether it was a sense of humour, a motivational spirit, or simply a willingness to lend a helping hand. This divergence enriched our experience and made the event even more memorable.

Elation and cake

As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the lake, we felt a renewed sense of energy. The final hours of the relay were filled with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. We knew we were nearing the finish line, and the thought of completing this challenge together fueled our determination. The cheers from our fellow participants and supporters created an atmosphere of celebration, reminding us of the significance of our efforts.

When the relay finally came to an end, we gathered together, exhausted yet elated. We had accomplished something remarkable, not just as individuals but as a team. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, and we celebrated our success with laughter, hugs, and, of course, a cake. The experience had brought us closer together, and I knew that the memories we created would last a lifetime.

Participating in the Wild Swim Relay was more than just a physical challenge; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the joy of pursuing a shared passion. It reminded me of the beauty of swimming and the bonds it can create among people from all walks of life. As I reflect on this incredible experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a remarkable event and for the friendships that blossomed along the way.

Enjoyed Ashleigh’s blog? Read team member Jane’s blog about swimming in deep water, Hazel’s words about finding joy in challenges and Debs’ brilliant words about why participating in an event helps build her swim confidence. The Shep Shifters team is kindly supported by Zone3.

The post The Wild Swim Relay: a celebration of teamwork and resilience appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Mental Health Swims Community Engagement Manager Sarah Groves updates us as she finishes week 12 of training in preparation for end-to-end Windermere swim

As I write this, it’s a Sunday evening and I’ve just finished week 12 of my training plan. I’m now heading into a wonderful rest week while I go on holiday to Portugal and there are no training swims on the agenda. Thinking about it, it’s actually going to be pretty strange not doing any swimming, seeing as I’ve been swimming 3-4 times a week since February! Who am I kidding, I’m definitely going to find somewhere to dip at least, and before I go away I’m heading to the Hampstead Heath mixed ponds for the first time for a special one-off Mental Health Swims dip.

After my trip, the training plan starts getting more serious and, with open water season well and truly here, it’s time to grab my tow float, my snacks and my goggles, leave all dignity at the shore and get swimming.

I feel nervous if I’m honest. Every season fears of monsters and unknown depths kicks in and I feel panic rising in my chest. The first few moments when I put my head under often results in me coming straight back up and gasping for air. It’s something I have to work through and I try not to give myself a hard time about it as it’s quite a normal reflex, but it takes a lot to calm down and focus.

Sometimes the change in sunlight in the water below spooks me too. It can go from fairly bright with beautiful bubbles all around and the illusion of sparkling rays rising up from below, to deep dark green with limited visibility. It’s like someone has turned the lights off and left me in the dark.

Meanwhile, the pool sessions aren’t completely done. I’m still going twice a week to work on speed sets and I’ve grown to love them: arms turning fast, legs kicking hard and finishing in a breathless heap as I cling to the side of the pool. I’ve really enjoyed having a focus in the pool and breaking swims up into sets of varying speeds and distances. I have also been fortunate enough to train in two wonderful pools so far: the 50m pool at UB Sport and Fitness in Birmingham and the pool at Bro Ddyfi leisure centre in Machynlleth, which has friendly and welcoming staff and a lovely community of swimmers.

With a number of 5kms under my belt, my shoulders are sore and I know it’s only going to get harder from here on in. Bring it on!

Found out more about Sarah’s Windermere swim at instagram/adventure_sair and givewheel.com/fundraising/6312/sarah-swims-windermere/

The post Monsters and the unknown appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

The funny thing about outdoor swimming is that what starts out as a hobby can take over and become, become part of your lifestyle. Rowan Clarke speaks to Claudia Bradby about how outdoor swimming is part of her identity.

To celebrate pearls being the birthstone of June, Claudia is kindly offering readers a 20% discount on her whole collection. Scroll to the bottom of this interview to find the discount code.

How much is swimming a part of your lifestyle at the moment?

I’ve just recently returned from a week working from home in Malta, where we chose our Airbnb based on its proximity to the best sea swimming spots, so that may give you a clue. My husband, our three adult kids, and I based ourselves there for the filming of a TV series based on one of my husband’s books – he writes thrillers, which I help with, particularly character development. Our kids always tease us mercilessly because our luggage is so heavy with all our swim kit. It’s ridiculous, but it’s a big part of where I orient myself to. And it’s a real joy that my husband loves swimming too.

I’m having some life coaching at the moment. One of the things it has clarified is that I need to be by the sea more regularly. Being able to work from home, I have pledged to base myself near the sea every 6-8 weeks, and see if this is something I could make a more permanent part of life.

Have you always needed a bit of blue in your life?

Swimming’s always been a part of my life. My mum was pregnant with me when she lived in Australia with my dad, who worked for the Australian Navy for a year. They literally lived on the beach. I’m pretty sure that’s why I love the sea so much.

We’re grown in a bag of water, aren’t we? And 70% of the world is covered by water. So I think we have a basic, prehistoric footing in water.

My mum’s parents were from Cornwall, so we took our holidays there. I loved bodyboarding and being in and out of the sea. I did a bit of competitive swimming at school in an outdoor swimming pool. And then I swam with my husband when we were first married. We lived in Belfast, and it was something we’d do every morning. Once I had my first child, I stopped until I turned 50, when, and this is going to sound a bit weird, as a treat to myself, I did my first ever triathlon.

What made you sign up for a triathlon?

I’d always wanted to do one, but the timing was never quite right. Actually, I signed up just after my husband had had a nervous breakdown. A friend, from when our kids were at school together, asked me round for a cup of tea to check in on me, which was really lovely. She told me that she’d signed up to do the Blenheim triathlon, and I told her that I’d always wanted to do one – so the long and short of it was she invited me to join her and another friend, Deborah. I quite like training for things, but I had been so intimidated by all the kit, swimming for more than 2 lengths in one go, and the transitions. Weird, looking back now.

About a month before the event, she urged me to join her and Deborah for a swim at the lake, explaining that swimming outdoors was completely different to swimming in a pool, and that I’d probably hold my breath and come up spluttering after about 100 metres, which I duly did.

What made you stick with outdoor swimming?

But after doing the triathlon, the thing that stayed with me, that I really loved, was swimming outside and the whole immersion in nature. I found it very meditative. My two friends went on to really go for it competitively with the triathlons, but I worked out that it wasn’t the competition element that I loved, it was the community, the nature and the connection with water that really got under my skin. And it is this that has brought so much to my life/ It is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Did that connection surprise you?

It was quite a revelation to me to not only rediscover swimming, but also to rediscover it in a way that fitted my life at that stage. I feel really lucky to have forged these strong bonds with the two women whom I started swimming with. And one other who joined us, plus a few extras along the way… We swim every Friday, and have done so since 2019. All of life has been chatted about, and the water has been our backdrop and catalyst.

You still do swim events and challenges – does that change the connection you feel?

No, it doesn’t change it at all because I retain the essentials that are really important to me about swimming – swimming in beautiful places, in places that perhaps I would never have visited otherwise, and sharing this with friends.

You did the Scilly Swim Challenge last year with Lorraine Candy. How was that?

My friendship with Lorraine, which again has been forged through this connection with the sea (sharing Daymer Bay as our go-to favourite place to swim), brought about the Scilly challenge. She messaged me the December before asking if I’d like to join her, to which the answer was “No! Horrible idea! But now you’ve asked me, I can’t not do it!”. And, wow, am I glad I said yes? It was epic! Honestly, the whole thing was just a joy. Doing the training alongside Lorraine and the great experts we were lucky enough to meet, you realise that so much of your doubt is in your head and isn’t real. And learning how to break down a huge task into manageable chunks is quite satisfying.

The water was so beautiful, the islands are magical, and despite the bad weather on the first day, we swam in sunshine, mostly. When I need to meditate, I go back to the long swim, the swell of the water behind me, swimming in a pod safely guarded by kayaks, but out in the clear deep water. Something I would never have been able to do two years ago. It was amazing. The jellyfish that came out of nowhere were a bit of a blow, but it’s a really well-organised, incredibly friendly event, and everyone seems to find their rhythm.

I loved the challenge of training for something – I like thinking about it, and I enjoy the discipline of a schedule. But more specifically, I have found in my 50s that I really enjoy learning new things and finding experts to help. And, of course, finding new friends in mid-life through events like this is an unexpected and joyous bonus. I honestly never thought I could swim 15km in 2 days. But I did.

We’ve talked a bit about your work. Can you tell us more about how you started making pearl jewellery?

25 years ago, I guess I helped pioneer a fresh approach to this oldest of gemstones at a time when there was little else beyond the tired twin set and pearl clichés. It all started when we were living in Hong Kong and my husband gave me a bit of jewellery for our wedding anniversary – the design was rather generic, and on taking it back to the shop, I really couldn’t find anything that resonated.

I’m quite curious, and I loved exploring the pearl and jade markets in Hong Kong, discovering all these different-shaped pearls that were unlike the traditional ones I’d come across before. Shortly after the anniversary debacle, I had a necklace made up for a friend of mine – a leather knotted necklace with some really lovely, organic-shaped pearls I had chosen, which she loved. This got me thinking… So when I came back to the UK later that summer, I spent a day researching pearls in London, but there was nothing beyond the generic twin set and pearls.

The penny dropped that there was scope to reinvent this most ancient of gemstones. It was shortly after the birth of our youngest child, and I had a real burst of energy – something to do with living abroad, with new horizons and help with the kids! So I started designing, and did private house sales in Hong Kong where I really learnt what worked and what didn’t. On returning to the UK in 2001, I managed to get taken on by Liberty, which was the start of the business proper. I remember photocopying the jewellery onto photographic paper – no digital cameras in those days!

What makes your jewellery so different from the traditional designs?

There wasn’t even the idea of a pearl hoop back in 2000, so from simple pearl hoops to more elevated designs that you will see in our latest Reykjavik Collection, my mission is to bring a fresh perspective to this most ancient of gemstones. Now, as a pearl jewellery expert (every design features freshwater pearls, precious silver, and gold metals), I like to think that we offer the best modern pearl edit, with something for everyone, at a great variety of price points.

All my designs are inspired by the world around us, from nature to water, from swimming to bees, which in turn has inspired our sustainability work. As members of 1% for the Planet, we donate 1% of all our sales to bee conservation. You can learn more about our sustainability here.

How does the ocean inspire your work?

I have a collection named Meditative Pearls, which was completely inspired by my swimming both in the sea and freshwater. I find the rhythm and breath work of front crawl very meditative, and swimming outside, all year round has really helped me get through the menopause. There is also a grounding connection with nature and the wider environment. I love that every time you take a breath, you might catch a glimpse of a dragonfly, or a beautiful flock of swans flying over the river beside the chalk-bottomed lake I mostly swim in.

I have tried to capture some of the spirit I feel when I am in the water in these designs – all of the designs are inspired by different elements I treasure. The Thalassa designs are lightly hand hammered to give a feel of light reflecting off the water, and they have a pearl cocooned in the middle; the chakra bar necklace alludes to the balance I find in the water, and our hero meditative pearl spinner, inspired by the Tibetan monks’ use spinning items to calm their minds, I find grounds and calms me in the way that swimming does.

Our most recent range, the Reykjavik Collection, was inspired by a trip to Iceland and the raw energy of nature in the landscape and the sea that I felt there. And Iceland is a land of water; swimming in the thermal pools, enjoying swimming outside while people hung out in the hot tubs alongside the pools was just incredible.

Added to this, the pearls I choose for each design are grown in freshwater mussels, so there’s also that lovely link back to water. Ironically, you shouldn’t wear your pearls in water – chlorine and sea salt can damage them because they’re quite porous, as well as being corrosive to the glue that fits each pearl onto its post.

You’re offering Outdoor Swimmer readers 20% off your jewellery for June – thank you!

Did you know that June has the pearl as its birthstone? Discover beautiful pearl silver and gold designs inspired by the raw power of nature and a love of swimming. Use our exclusive code OUTDOOR20 for your 20% off all our designs. Valid until July 1st 2025.

The post Pearls of swimming wisdom with Claudia Bradby appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Jharna Kumawat’s first event was a mile in the Serpentine and she’s now training for Ullswater end to end. This month she shares her events story.

Five years back, when I started my open water swimming journey, I didn’t have the slightest clue about swim events, what they entail or how to prepare for one.

The post <i class="fa fa-lock"></i> It starts with a mile appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Lidos are magical and we want in. Rowan Clarke chats to Jem Collins to find out how we can collect them all

Take the lid off a swimming pool, and the magic pours in.

The post <i class="fa fa-lock"></i> All the lidos appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.