“I don’t make fitness goals or weight loss plans at the New Year because I know if I’m taking the correct small steps every day toward something I actually want, I’ll get what I need along the way. With a purpose, the end result matters far less than the journey getting there.” Sarah Thomas, the only person to have completed four consecutive crossings of the English Channel

We’re not big on ‘new year, new you’ at Outdoor Swimmer magazine. I believe that making small but positive steps towards changes you want to make in your life, towards swims or goals you want to achieve, is more likely to succeed than a big, shouty resolution. So we’re not going to give you ten tips on how to quickly lose weight through swimming, or easy ways to train to swim the English Channel. Instead, I have gathered together quotes from contributors to the January issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine that I feel sum up not only the wonderful and diverse outdoor swimming community but also what Outdoor Swimmer stands for as a magazine. I wish you a happy and healthy 2022 and hope that you achieve whatever you want to achieve in the next 12 months. We would love to help inspire you to achieve your goals through Outdoor Swimmer magazine – find out more about the January issue and order a copy or subscribe here.

Happy New Year!

Jonathan Cowie, editor

“No two swims here are ever the same. Everything is shifting, all of the time. And being here, in this salty water, whatever the time of year, reminds me of the ephemeral nature of it all. It forces me to stay present. To be thankful. To be the best I can for those that I love.” Joe Minihane, author of Floating: A Life Regained

“I have realised that what I really need from my winter swimming is community and the enveloping love from my swim tribe. Hugs, smiles, laughter: the reason why we all swim.” Caroline Saxon, GB ice swimmer

“It’s a bunch of guys, that have got absolutely nothing in common, all different ages, walks of life. But then you dip your balls in the water and you’ve got everything in common. You feel so much empathy. And then when everyone’s coming out of the water, they’re laughing and then people contact each other. No one’s jobs are important. People are just asking about their well-being.” Marc Millar, Edinburgh Blue Balls swim group

“Focus on what you want your body to do. You want to go for a swim? This is your priority. It is about owning your body and realising that everybody else in the pool probably feels the same as you do and if you are in open water just be free, mother nature created your body to get in that water and connect with her!” Jules Von Hep, body confidence campaigner

“Open water swimming had become a sanctuary. It’s a very meditative experience. I love the freedom that it brings.” Rob Hutchings, marathon swimmer and triathlete

“Never in my life have I felt or been a part of something as incredible as this. Not a day goes by down on our beach where someone doesn’t reference how finding this group has completely changed their life and their outlook.” Esther Osborne, 10am Tits

“Immersing in icy water is an incredibly intense experience and your whole being is overtaken with the cold. You have to focus on the moment and concentrate on breathing. Everything else disappears. A perfect mindful moment in a busy life.” Alice Goodridge, SwimWild

“I think that any exercise is good for people’s well-being and their mental health. It’s easy to stop and not make the effort, it’s easy to find an excuse not to get out of bed when it’s dark, cold, wet. The best thing you can do, make that extra effort and go out and you will feel better afterwards for that.” Kate Steels, Ice Sevens swimmer