Learning a few open water skills can help you get more enjoyment your swims. In the Back to School issue of Outdoor Swimmer, Olympic medallist Cassie Patten explains the art of sighting and how to keep in a straight line when swimming front crawl. Elsewhere in the Health and Coach sections: learn how to master an efficient buoy turn; tackle open water butterfly; find out everything you need to know about Weils disease; and we put tow floats, swim shampoos and conditioners to the test. Plus, Viv Rickman keeps us limber with some post-training stretches and Anna Southwell cooks up another delicious post-swim treat.

Start your outdoor swimming education by ordering your copy of the new issue. Subscribe and save up to 20% on the Back to School issue cover price – or dip your toes in the water and try a one-off purchase.