Dear fellow swimmers

You may have seen the alarming news that average sea water surface temperatures hit a new high this week. It’s a good opportunity to remind you of our partnership with ClimateGames. Through ClimateGames we create challenges that enable you to have a positive impact on the climate through swimming. Our current challenges are linked to plastic removal from the ocean. To take part, you just need to download the ClimateGames app, register and sign up to our events. It’s all free. We’ve got two challenges running in August. Why not join both? You can also join other ClimateGames challenges linked to tree planting or CO2 removal.

GEAR

Best changing robes

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EVENTS

How to complete the Great North Swim And Swimrun

Pick the right distance, plan your nutrition, and pace yourself. Simon Griffiths shares his top tips for completing two of the UK’s best open water swimming events.
 

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OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How to use a pull buoy

Pull buoys can help with coordination and arms-only training, and can also make for a very relaxing, even meditative swim. Here’s our guide to using one. (Premium content). 

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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. 

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UltraSwim 33.3 is so much more than just a race. 
 

Outdoor Swimmer is the official media partner of UltraSwim 33.3! We’re excited to share the incredible stories from our epic adventure race with our go-to-source of outdoor swimming inspiration, Outdoor Swimmer. Simon Griffiths, founder and publisher, will be joining us in Montenegro 29 September to 2 October to take on the 33.3km distance, over four days and six swims, in a point-to-point open water swim.
 

EVENTS COMING SOON 

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AUGUST

THAMES MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON (5.5km, 13km)
13 August 2023 | Marlow
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GO SWIM LOCH TAY (250m, 750m, 1.5km, 3km, 5km, 10km)
19 August 2023 | Kenmore, Aberfeldy
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BEAT THE TIDE 4K (4km)

19 August 2023 | Aberdovey
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THE DYFI (13km)
20 August 2023 | Aberdovey
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SEPTEMBER

GO SWIM LOCH LOMOND (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)
2 September | Loch Lomond, Balloch
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GAELFORCE GREAT FJORD SWIM (750m, 2km, 3.9km)
9 September | Connemara, Ireland
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THE BIG BRUTAL SWIM (2.5k, 5k and 10k)
10 September | Llanberis, North Wales
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SWIM WALES CHALLENGE SERIES (500m, 1.5km, 3km, 4x500m relay)
16 September | Llys-y-Frân, Pembrokeshire
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GO SWIM LOCH MORLICH (250m, 750m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m)
16 September | Aviemore
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MARINERS MILE (500m, half mile, 1 mile)
23 September | Cheshunt
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SWIM CASCAIS '23 (1km, 1.9km, 3.8km, 5km, 10km, 20km)
23 September | Cascais, Portugal
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ULTRASWIM 33.3 #2 MONTENEGRO (33km, 6 swims over 4 days)
29 Sep-3 Oct | Herceg Novi, Montenegro
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SWIMTHEISLAND – GOLFO DELL'ISOLA (800m, 1.1km, 1.8km, 3.5km, 6km)
30 Sep-1 Oct | Bergeggi, Italy
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OCTOBER

PROM'SWIM (500m, 1km, 2km, 5km, 10km)

7 October | Nice, France
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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
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Find an event on our website. To promote your event here, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com. 

WIN a free entry to Swimrun Coniston

We've teamed up with Gritty Rascals Events to offer a free entry to Swimrun Coniston (24 Sep). The Short (12.7km) and Sprint (21.1km) courses have generous cut-off times and are accessible to anyone who can swim the minimum distances.
 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

How far do you go to bring swimming into your life? Last weekend I was on a family walking trip in Derbyshire. Alongside my waterproofs, sandwiches and flask, I packed a towel and trunks into my daysack, just in case. Eventually, we found a spot under a bridge on the River Dove where the water was held back by a weir. On one side, the water was still and deep. On the other, a strong current swung around the outside of a bend and swirled into an eddy. It was perfect for a quick dip and a playing in the currents but the water was bone-chilling. I was in for less than five minutes before heading to the pub for a hot drink and some chips. It barely counted as a swim, especially if you compare it with the swims Ger Moore and Andy Donaldson have done but it was a fun and memorable part of the weekend – and it still counted towards my ClimateGames total! My tip for the week then is, carry your swim kit whenever you can, and keep your eyes open for swimming opportunities.

Anyway, whether you’re dipping or doing a long-distance swimming adventure, I wish you a good week.

Swim wild & free
 

Simon Griffiths 

Founder & publisher 

Main photo: Thongweed, by Mark Kirkland