THE DIP | What have you discovered in 2023? | Does swearing help with cold water? | 2024 ocean saving trends

Published: Sat, 12/23/23

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers,

I had a meeting with WaterAid earlier this week. It’s a charity I’ve admired since I spent three years in Africa in the 1990s building water supply systems. Despite our complaints about the water industry in the UK, the fact that we can fill swimming pools with clean water is an incredible privilege when people in some countries – usually girls and women – have to walk hours just to collect enough water for drinking and cooking. This December, WaterAid is running a fundraising Winter Dip challenge. I’d like to take the opportunity in our final newsletter before Christmas to encourage you to sign up (or make a direct donation) and help bring the gift of water or better sanitation to communities that currently struggle without.

TAKE THE WATERAID WATER DIP CHALLENGE

CHECK OUT OUR FESTIVE DIP LIST 2023

The January issue of Outdoor Swimmer magazine has been posted, but we don’t expect it to arrive with subscribers until after Christmas. Instead, if you can’t wait, you can read it in one of our two digital formats. Our theme for January is creativity and how swimming can unleash it. My favourite quote from the issue is: “Let the sea speak to you, and then write it down.”

If you prefer to read online, head to Outdoor Swimmer Extra.
Alternatively, read the magazine on our app, via PocketMags

Meanwhile, in our newsletter this week, we ask “What have you discovered in 2023?”, we explore trends for 2024 that could save our seas and we ask whether swearing can help you get into cold water.

FEATURE

What have you discovered in 2023?

As the year draws to a close, we asked the Outdoor Swimmer team, readers and followers to reflect on what they have discovered in 2023.

NEWS

2024 trends that are helping to save our seas

From sustainable tinned fish to on-trend jellyfish, the Marine Conservation Society rounds up some of the best ocean trends for 2024 that are helping to save our seas

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Back to basics: how do I get my face in the water?

“I’m struggling to get my face in the water when swimming at my local lake.” Simon Griffiths has advice for relieving anxiety in open water. (Premium content)

SUBSCRIBE TO OUTDOOR SWIMMER

The best stories from Outdoor Swimmer magazine are available on our website. Read the current issue or dive into all of our 2023 back issues for just £3.99 per month or sign up for a print plus Extra subscription from £5.95 per month.

There are now four ways to subscribe to the best of Outdoor Swimmer. As well as premium print and digital editions of Outdoor Swimmer magazine with a host of special perks, you can now read exclusive magazine articles online with Outdoor Swimmer Extra for just £3.99 per month – including instant access to the new Creativity edition.

Find out more and choose which subscription option is best for you.

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STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

COLD WATER SWIMMING

Do you turn the air blue when you swim in cold water? Studies reveal that swearing can actually help relieve the discomfort!

TOP TIPS

Should you accessorise for cold water swimming? Actually, there are a few reasons why you might be better off without.

TRAINING & TECHNIQUE

Should you train in open water or a pool? The pros and cons of open water and pool training.

EVENT REVIEWS

Go Swim Loch Lomond 2023: Simon Griffiths travelled to Scotland for a little dip in a big loch. Here’s how he got on.

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

JAN 2024 - CREATIVITY & SWIMMING

Why outdoor swimming is so compelling for film makers
How outdoor swimming can unleash your creativity
"Let the sea speak to you, then write it down."
Plus, how to return to swimming after an illness and how to really use your arms in front crawl.

GET THE JAN ISSUE

WIN GREAT PRIZES

Two lucky readers can win a White Water Robe

To celebrate the launch of their latest, most innovative designs last month, we are giving away a White Water Robe of your choice to two lucky readers!

Enter now...

WIN a Great North Swim Weekend Break

Win one of two weekends away, staying in the luxury Classic Lodges of the Lakeside Hotel & Spa – and taking part in a distance of your choice at the Great North Swim.

Enter now...

EVENTS COMING SOON

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...

Look out for next Saturday’s email from us, in which we will take you back over a year of inspiring swims. In the meantime, have a fabulous festive break, however you celebrate it (or even if you choose not to). Please swim safely and save alcohol for after your festive dips – and after you have warmed up again too.

Finally, for some festive fun, check out this Christmas-themed swimmer’s sea shanty sent in by a reader in Florida.

Happy swimming!

Simon Griffiths and the Outdoor Swimmer team

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