The story behind the 'Magic & Ritual' cover

Stillness, silence and being let into a moment that belongs to one person only. Vivienne Rickman shares the grace and wonder of her underwater photography. 

What's in the new issue?

• How did humans go from fearing the abyss to meditative bathing? We go 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.
• Harnessing the ‘ice mindset’. Becca Harvey’s high-risk ‘Extreme Ice Mile’.
• On Test: The best flasks for post-swim hot drinks.
• "Take off your clothes!" The magic of cold-water swimming competitions and why you should enter one this winter.
• Training: Enter the magical realm of night swimming, Move of the Month, pool training session.
• Shooting the Falls. From serious swimmers and daredevils to a hapless crocodile, the call of Niagara Falls has lured them all.

Plus all the regulars, including health news, outdoor swimming news, training, swim locations, technique, travel, event listings, gear news and kit reviews.

Give the gift that keeps giving! With 3, 6 or 12 month gift subscriptions to choose from, there are options to suit every pocket. As well as a magazine full of swimspiration to enjoy every month, each gift subscription also includes a greetings card and an Outdoor Swimmer fabric sew-on badge for your robe or kit bag!