Dear fellow swimmers

Weather is a critical factor in outdoor swimming. Last week I was looking forward to swimming around Brownsea Island for the first time since the pandemic. A forecast of strong winds meant the swim had to be cancelled. It’s understandable but disappointing. This Saturday, I’m scheduled to take part in the Wales Swimrun. I’m watching the weather forecast with trepidation as again strong winds are forecast. I’m still hopeful the event will go ahead but it’s common in these scenarios that the swim sections often get shortened while the runs get lengthened. As a stronger swimmer than runner, I’m disadvantaged by this. But there’s little point complaining. One of the joys of outdoor swimming is being in the natural environment and its variability. If you want consistency and certainty, then stick to pool swimming – although I’ve experienced cancelled pool events previously too.

Earlier this week I was reminded how lucky I am to be able to swim and be able to take part in events. I went to the launch event for the latest research from the Black Swimming Association (BSA). We already know there are significant disparities in access to aquatic activities between ethnic groups. The BSA’s research explored the reasons behind this and recommended ways these inequalities can be reduced. You can read the story here, which links to the report. 

Also in this week’s newsletter, see our highlights from this year’s Ocean Film Festival, including a heartwarming film about from the Bluetits (pictured above), we review beach bags for swimmers and share tips on how to adapt your stroke for swimming in waves and chop in the sea.

VIEW FROM THE WATER

Restore playfulness to your outdoor swimming

Swimming has the capacity to bring out our playful side, says Simon Griffiths. An extract from the August issue of Outdoor Swimmer, arriving with subscribers next week. 
 

Read more... 

NEWS

Ocean Film Festival Anniversary Tour 

A heartwarming celebration of the Bluetits, mesmerising marine life and the people restoring their local waters, one seagrass bed at a time: our top tales from the Ocean Film Festival’s impressive line up for 2023.

Read more... 

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Sea pool sanctuaries

Take a look at mesmerising tidal pools in a new book Sea Pools: 66 Saltwater Sanctuaries from Around the World, by architect and urban swimming expert Chris Romer Lee. (Premium content). 

Read more... 

SPONSORED CONTENT

Want to swim the Channel?
 

Thinking of swimming the Channel? Swim charity SwimTayka is recruiting its relay teams for summer 2024 and beyond. If you’re tempted to sign up, or are just curious about Channel swimming, SwimTayka is running live webinars.

• 28 July, 6pm – SwimTayka’s Bryan Avery will be talking about how fundraising from Channel swims enables them to run essential swim programmes for children living in far-flung communities. Join here.
• 8 August, 6pm – SwimTayka’s coaches explore the benefits of open water swimming and how the Channel challenge is a truly lifechanging event. Join here.

Why not log in and find out more? 
 

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

AUGUST 2023 - PLAY

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams. Read Outdoor Swimmer on digital or in print from anywhere in the world. Purchase a single issue or subscribe to a monthly magazine and save up to 20% each month. 

PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT

PRODUCED WITH SUPPORT FROM

Swim across Scotland's most beautiful lochs
 

Join us in Scotland’s most beautiful lochs for a memorable day out at one of our swims. From a family friendly 250 metre swim to a 10km marathon swim, there’s something for everyone. 

We aim to provide swimmers with challenging, enjoyable, safe and professionally organised swim events. So, whether it is your first time, or you are seeking your next adventure, take the plunge with Go Swim!

EVENTS COMING SOON 

(sponsored content)

AUGUST

LA TRAVERSEE DU LAC TREMBLANT (1km, 2km, 3km, 5km, 10km, 15km)

3-8 August 2023 | Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Find out more... 

THAMES MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON (5.5km, 13km)
13 August 2023 | Marlow
Find out more...  

GO SWIM LOCH TAY (250m, 750m, 1.5km, 3km, 5km, 10km)
19 August 2023 | Kenmore, Aberfeldy
Find out more...  

BEAT THE TIDE 4K (4km)

19 August 2023 | Aberdovey
Find out more... 

THE DYFI (13km)
20 August 2023 | Aberdovey
Find out more...  

SEPTEMBER

GO SWIM LOCH LOMOND (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)
2 September | Loch Lomond, Balloch
Find out more...  

GAELFORCE GREAT FJORD SWIM (750m, 2km, 3.9km)
9 September | Connemara, Ireland
Find out more...  

THE BIG BRUTAL SWIM (2.5k, 5k and 10k)
10 September | Llanberis, North Wales
Find out more...  

SWIM WALES CHALLENGE SERIES (500m, 1.5km, 3km, 4x500m relay)
16 September | Llys-y-Frân, Pembrokeshire
Find out more...  

GO SWIM LOCH MORLICH (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)
16 September | Aviemore
Find out more...  

MARINERS MILE (500m, half mile, 1 mile)
23 September | Cheshunt
Find out more...  

SWIM CASCAIS '23 (1km, 1.9km, 3.8km, 5km, 10km, 20km)
23 September | Cascais, Portugal
Find out more...  

ULTRASWIM 33.3 #2 MONTENEGRO (33km, 6 swims over 4 days)
29 Sep-3 Oct | Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Find out more...  

SWIMTHEISLAND – GOLFO DELL'ISOLA (800m, 1.1km, 1.8km, 3.5km, 6km)
30 Sep-1 Oct | Bergeggi, Italy
Find out more...  

OCTOBER

GREAT BARRIER REEF OCEAN SWIM SERIES (1km, 3km, 5km)

21 October | Port Douglas, North Queensland
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COOL MILE, TAL Y LLYN (1 mile)
28 October | Gwynedd, North Wales
Find out more...  

Find an event on our website. To promote your event here, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

Thanks again for reading The Dip, our weekly update for outdoor swimmers. You may have noticed that some of the links now lead to pay-walled content. These are all stories that have featured in a print edition of Outdoor Swimmer. You can currently view these stories for free by signing up for a three-day trial of Outdoor Swimmer Extra. Please take a look.

Happy swimming

Simon Griffiths 

Founder & publisher