Maybe it’s because I am getting older and grumpier, but Christmas is losing its magical hold over me. I love making it special for others, but I like to find the magic in other ways at this time of year. It was a real joy to look for ritual, magic and celebration in different places to create this
issue.
From mermaids to mediaeval monks, in our magical lead feature we explore the mystic in the water. In this month's swimterview I had the pleasure and honour to meet and swim with a real witch, Rebecca Beattie, and learn about the Wheel of the Year.
Elsewhere in the issue, Becca
Harvey shares her tale of wonder at conquering an ice mile and artist Vanessa Daws celebrates long-distance swimming. If you are swimming through winter, you will need a decent flask – check out our favourites. And to help with our 2023 swim-travel dreams, there is a whole section focused on Ireland. All this plus excellent advice, training and inspiration from our regular contributors.
I wish you all a very merry, restful and watery festive period. The new issue is out now – dip your toes in with a single issue or treat yourself to a subscription and save up to 20% on the cover price.
How did humans go from fearing the abyss to meditative bathing? Rowan Clarke goes beyond reason to
find the magic in natural waters.
Witchcraft and water. Meet real-life witch High Priestess Rebecca Beattie and learn about the
Wheel of the Year.
"Take off your clothes!" The magic of cold-water swimming competitions and why you should enter
one this winter.
Harnessing the ‘ice mindset’. Becca Harvey’s high-risk ‘Extreme Ice Mile’.
Shooting the Falls. From serious swimmers and daredevils to a hapless crocodile, the call of Niagara Falls has lured them
all.
On Test: The best flasks for your post-swim hot drink.
Travel Special: Our favourite wild swimming locations in Ireland.
Training: Swimming at night, Move of the Month, pool training session.
Plus all the regulars, including health news, outdoor swimming news, training, swim locations, technique, travel, event listings, gear news and kit reviews.
JOIN REBECCA BEATTIE FOR A LIVE DISCUSSION ON WITCHCRAFT, THE NATURAL WORLD AND WILD SWIMMING
Become an Outdoor Swimmer Patron or Super Patron and unlock a host of benefits – including special discounts and live talks with the swimmers, writers and personalities making the news in the world of outdoor swimming. Our next guest is Rebecca Beattie, author of new book
The Wheel of ther Year. Subscribe to Outdoor Swimmer as a Patron or Super Patron to join us on Thursday evening 8 December for what promises to be a fascinating discussion about the rhythms of nature and our place in the
world.
