Dear fellow swimmers,

Last Saturday Aspire, the spinal injuries charity, invited me to observe their assessment day for people who want to join one of their English Channel Relay teams in 2024. We first heard from previous relay participants how taking part had changed their lives and how they had gone on to become boat leaders for future teams. We also heard from people who had benefited from Aspire’s support and learned more about the ways Aspire helps people with spinal injuries.

Prospective swimmers then did a trial swim of 400m before being interviewed about their fundraising plans and ideas. Finally, Aspire told us more about both the training support they provide, including three weekends in Dover, where swimmers will need to complete their qualification swim, and their expectations from swimmers. It was an inspiring day and if taking part in an English Channel Relay is on your bucket list, then please consider doing it with Aspire.

On a related note, we found out this week that DryRobe has launched a new changing robe specifically for wheelchair users. Also in this week’s newsletter, you can read about my attempt to cover the distance of the English Channel in four days, with UltraSwim 33.3 and whether remote physiotherapy can be effective for open water swimmers (I tried it recently to treat a shoulder injury). We also found out about a new cold water event taking place in Sheffield this February. Read on for more news, training advice and incredible readers' swims. 
 

COLD WATER SWIMMING

What does hypothermia look like?
 

We spoke to the experts to prepare this best-practice guide to spotting hypothermia and rewarming cold swimmers when swimming in cool water.

Read more...

GEAR

dryrobe® launches Adapt

Leading outdoor change robe brand dryrobe® launches world’s first adaptive robe at the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championships in California, USA. 

Read more... 

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How do I motivate myself to train through winter?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten believes the winter months are prime time for focusing on technique and maintaining fitness levels
 (Premium content)

Read more... 

Sponsored content

Join us at our Go Swim events – Scotland's most thrilling open water swimming experience!

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, our events promise an exhilarating blend of nature, challenge, and camaraderie.
 

Whether you're a seasoned open water enthusiast or a first-time swimmer, our events cater to all levels of expertise. Choose from a variety of distances, from the invigorating short courses of 250 metres to the ultimate long-distance challenge of a 10k swim.
 

Save the Dates: 
Loch Tay | 17th August 
Loch Lomond | 31st August 
Loch Morlich | 14th September

Early bird registrations are now open at www.go-swim.uk – secure your spot and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

DEC 2023 - THE GIFT OF SWIMMING 

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.

EVENTS COMING SOON 
(Sponsored content)

NEW YEAR’S DAY SWIM (Dip)

1 January 2024 | Dock 9, Salford Quays
Find out more...

ULTRASWIM 33.3 #3 CROATIA (33.3km over 4 days)
17-20 May | Stari Grad, Croatia
Find out more...  

GAELFORCE GREAT RIVER SWIM (5.8km, 3.1km, 800m)

18 May | Lanesborough, Co. Longford, Ireland
Find out more...  

GREATER MANCHESTER SWIM! (500m, 1 mile, 3 miles)

18 May | Dock 9, Salford Quays
Find out more... 

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

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

As you will have seen above, the relentless bad news about water quality continues. We know it makes many of you think twice before swimming outdoors. But please remember that we’re not in the wrong, nor foolish, nor eccentric, for wanting to swim. Connecting with blue and green spaces is essential for our wellbeing and polluters need to stop. Sign the petitions, write to your MPs, support campaigns for new designated bathing waters, and, most of all, keep on swimming. The more of us who do it, the better chance we’ve got of making a difference.
 

Simon Griffiths
Founder & Publisher, Outdoor Swimmer magazine 

PS. Friends and family already checking in with you about what you'd like for Christmas? Let them know about our Christmas gift subscription, starting from £19.99. 

Main photo: Mark Lloyd/UltraSwim 33.3