The December Gift of Swimming issue is out now and available to order.

But if you want to receive it before Christmas, you need to order by Monday 18 December.

As well as helping you to swim better, one of our goals at Outdoor Swimmer is to help you unlock all the gifts and benefits that swimming brings us: friendship, challenge, joy, health and fitness. Our December issue is a deeper exploration of that theme and a look at how to make the most of and fully appreciate these gifts. Things to look out for include:

• Discover how to share the multiple gifts swimming has given you – and get even more out of the sport you love with Rowan Clarke
• Learn a simple technique to calm your nervous system, create inner space and connect with the sea by Pippa Best
• How swimming adventures gift you so much more than swimming, by Elaine Howley

In Gear, we test long sleeve swimwear; in Travel, Abigail Whyte heads to Snowdonia for a swimming and pilates weekend. There is also some great technique and training content to see you through the winter season, including a look at why body position is so important in swimming (and how to improve yours) and how to work your way up the bilateral breathing ladder.