Join our end of year ClimateGames challenge

At Outdoor Swimmer, we're committed to doing our bit for the environment. Outdoor Swimmer magazine is printed on carbon balanced paper from sustainable sources and posted in recyclable paper envelopes. Our printer has a zero to landfill policy. 

In addition, we work with ClimateGames, which links your swimming with removing plastic from the ocean.

We're inviting you to join our Finish the Year Strong challenge, and swim the distance of the English Channel - 33.3km - in both November and December (we're inspired by the distance after taking part in Ultraswim33.3). 

ClimateGames will remove 666g of plastic from the ocean for every swimmer who takes part.

All you need to do is download the ClimateGames app, join our Finish the Year Strong challenge, and record your swims. All swims count, pool or open water. However, we do not recommend attempting long swims in cold water.

According to ClimateGames, a least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Plastic debris is currently the most abundant type of litter in the ocean, making up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Plastic is found on the shorelines of every continent, with more plastic waste found near popular tourist destinations and densely populated areas. 

The main sources of plastic debris found in the ocean are land-based, coming from urban and stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, littering, inadequate waste disposal and management, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction and illegal dumping. Ocean-based plastic pollution originates primarily from the fishing industry, nautical activities and aquaculture.