The future of Ice Swimming | Initial findings from our survey

The future of Ice Swimming | Initial findings from our survey | Cold water rituals

Published: Sat, 02/04/23

YOUR ESSENTIAL WEEKLY EDIT OF OUTDOOR SWIMMING

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Dear fellow swimmers

Thank you to everyone who completed our Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming Survey. We had a fantastic response and we’re currently working on a detailed report. Earlier this week we released some of the headline findings, which we’re sure you’ll find interesting.

We are frequently approached by other media organisations, governing bodies and politicians with questions about outdoor swimming. Having the data from our survey means we can report on what you say is important to you, not what we think is important – although often the two align. As an example, on Monday this week both Ella (our editor) and I attended the All Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming to discuss the feasibility of widening access to outdoor swimming through social prescribing. We’re part of a swimming ‘collaboratorium’ involving Sport England, Swim England, the OSS, the Black Swimming Association and leisure operators looking at how to tackle issues facing the swimming world.

We’re also talking with Surfers Against Sewage and joining their meetings with groups campaigning for the recognition of more inland bathing waters, which should put pressure on polluters to improve water quality. It’s a busy agenda but it reflects growing recognition of the importance of swimming. Anyway, we will have more findings from the survey to share with you soon!

In the meantime, please sit back and enjoy this week’s newsletter. Photographer Jack Dunne explores the potential for outdoor swimming to merge mental health solutions into everyday life with his project ‘Faces and Spaces’, captured at Highgate Men’s Pond in Hampstead Heath. We examine pre- and post-swim rituals for cold water dippers. And Ram Barkai, IISA Founder and Chair, looks back on the successes of the Fifth World Championship held in Samoëns, France this January and shares his vision for the future of Ice Swimming over the coming years. Could you be tempted to join them?

Warm wishes

Simon Griffiths

Founder & Publisher

FEATURES

HIGHGATE MEN’S POND: “A SPACE TO OPEN UP”

Jack Dunne’s photography series ‘Faces and Spaces’ explores communities and the individuals who are part of them. We spoke to Jack about ‘Project 1’ of the series, which focuses on the community of Highgate Men’s Pond in Hampstead Heath.

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NEWS

TRENDS IN OUTDOOR SWIMMING 2023: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Do people change their swimming habits in winter? What is the most common motivation for swimming outdoors? And is our interest in dipping in rivers, lakes and the sea growing or waning? We share preliminary findings from our recent Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming Survey.

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COLD WATER SWIMMING

PRE- AND POST-SWIM RITUALS FOR COLD WATER DIPPERS

For a safe and enjoyable cold water swimming experience, it’s helpful to establish some pre- and post-swim rituals. Jonathan Cowie shares his top tips.

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NEWS

THE FUTURE OF ICE SWIMMING – A LETTER FROM RAM BARKAI, IISA FOUNDER AND CHAIR

IISA Founder and Chair, Ram Barkai looks back on the successes of the Fifth World Championship held in Samoëns, France this January and shares his vision for Ice Swimming over the coming years.

READ MORE →

NEWS

RNLI ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW LIFEGUARDS

The RNLI is on the hunt for budding lifeguards to launch their life saving careers on the UK’s most popular beaches.

EXPLORE
SWIMMING SPOT: HURST POINT LIGHTHOUSE

Enjoy a sea swim with a picture-postcard view along the Hampshire coast. Angus Mcchesney of iconic swims is your guide.

BODY CARE
SKIN PROTECTION CREAMS

Being outdoors in the colder months can be tough on our skin. Try these skin protection creams and repair balms to soothe skin after chilly dips. Editor Ella Foote tries and tests the best skin protection creams and repair balms to soothe skin after cold-water dips.

HEALTH
A GUIDE TO CANDLELIGHT MEDITATION

New to meditation? This candlelight meditation by Liz Lowe is a lovely practice to bring calm and clarity, and is ideal for beginners.

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