Dear fellow swimmers,

Last week, DEFRA announced a list of 27 new sites being considered for Bathing Water Status in England. This list is the result of a considerable amount of work of community organisations who submitted applications for their local bathing spots last October. While we are disappointed the Thames near Henley didn’t make the list, it’s great to see Wallingford Beach is there after it was rejected last year. DEFRA is now running a consultation on these sites that closes TOMORROW.

Please have your say. Unfortunately you can only pick one site to support – perhaps choose one closest to you or that you are familiar with (completing the form took me about 10 minutes). You will see the full list of sites when you start the survey.

There's exciting kit news this week, as two leading swimwear brands launch new open water ranges. With pops of neon and comfortable and supportive fits, Speedo’s new Outsiders range of neoprene swimming gear proves to be a stylish and high-performance ensemble of kit for cold-water swimmers. While Zoggs has launched a new wetsuit range featuring Yamomoto neoprene (the highest grade neoprene available made from limestone, an environmentally-friendly alternative to petrochemicals), which guarantees buoyancy and flexibility. Elsewhere, free diver Amber Fillary has broken the world record for the longest distance under ice on a single breath and if that makes you feel chilly just thinking about it, we ask how effective warm drinks really are at rewarming up cold bodies following a swim. 

(Sponsored content)

Open Water Swimming at Keswick Mountain Festival

Keswick Mountain Festival returns to the stunning Derwentwater and Lake District fells on 17 – 19 May!

Take part in one of 16 sporting events – then dance the night away to the live music, listen to great speakers, try taster activities, and shop the expo.

Three Aquasphere open water swims available: 750m, 1.5k and 3.6k. 

Each entry gives access to Big Top live Music, Daytime Speakers, and Activities ALL WEEKEND!
 

GEAR 

New wonders in neoprene

Pops of neon and easy-to-remove gloves and swim socks feature in Speedo’s new range of neoprene swimming kit. 

Read more...

GEAR 

Zoggs launch new wetsuit range

Featuring Yamomoto neoprene and customisable cuff length, Zoggs new range of open water and triathlon wetsuits have hit the market.

Read more... 

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

We shall endure

What does it take to swim 183km? Rowan Clarke gets into the endurance swimming mindset. (Premium content)

Read more... 

(Sponsored content)

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

MAR 2024 - THE ENDURANCE ISSUE

• “A good day is a one swim day, a great day is a two swim day.” Meet sporting hero Duncan Goodhew 
• How do you even contemplate swimming 100 miles? 
• Can I swim in cold water when pregnant? Dr Mark Harper advises
• How to stay fuelled and hydrated on a long-distance swim.

WIN GREAT PRIZES

WIN an Orca neoprene accessories bundle

We’ve teamed up with Orca to give readers a chance of winning one of three neoprene accessories bundles – perfect for keeping you swimming whatever the weather and water temperature.

Enter now... 

(Sponsored content)

EVENTS COMING SOON 

THE COOL MILE (1 mile)
6 April | Tal y Llyn, North Wales
Find out more...  

SWIMATHON 2024 (400m to 30.9km)
26-28 April | various location
Find out more...  

KESWICK MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL (750m, 1.5km, 3.6km)
17-19 May | Derwentwater, Lake District
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... 

BEST Fest 2024 (7 swims over 7 days: 5k, 1.9/3.8k, 1.5k, 2.5k, 3k, 7/10k and 4x500m)
25 May | Colonia Sant Jordi, Mallorca, Spain
Find out more...  

Great North Swim (250m, half male, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5km, 10km)

7-9 June | Windermere, Lake District
Find out more...  

24-hr Swim Relays (24hr challenge)

8 June | Shepperton

15 June | Clevedon

22 June | Bedford
Find out more... 

Browse our full list of events. To promote your event here, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

Last weekend I raced in a masters swimming competition. It was great to see a number of outdoor swimmers in their 40s and 50s taking part in the first ever pool-based event. It was a lot of fun and everyone left smiling. I know we’re an outdoor swimming publication, but I recommend experimenting with as many types of swimming as you can. We’re lucky to do an activity that has so much variety. To get started, seek out your nearest masters swimming club.

Have a great week.

Simon Griffiths

Founder & Publisher, Outdoor Swimmer

MAIN IMAGE: Against the Tides (Oceans 7 Films) follows marathon swimmer Beth French as she sets out to conquer Oceans Seven, a challenge consisting of the seven most dangerous sea-channels in the world.
 

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