THE DIP | Goggles vs masks | "Swims that shaped me" | How to train like Andy Donaldson

Published: Sat, 03/23/24

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

Much like books we’ve read, places we’ve visited and people we’ve met, our swim experiences shape us. In The Dip this week, we launch a new series called 'Swims that changed me', where we share a list of swims that have changed our lives in some way. Editor Ella Foote kicks off the series. Fancy sharing swims that shaped you? We would love to hear from you! We also ask goggles vs masks – which is better for open water? We share a simple recipe for delicious energy balls and have your guide to completing the Great North Swim.

Scroll to the end for our new ‘Tip of the week’, exploring why water temperatures are slower to warm up than the air, plus you chance to enter four fantastic competitions!

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FEATURES

Swims that shaped me: Ella Foote

Brownsea Island, the English Channel and the Gulf of Corryvreckan: Editor Ella Foote shares the swims that have changed her life in some way.

GEAR

Goggles vs masks

While goggles are lightweight, adjustable and streamlined, masks can offer a better fit, panoramic views and protection from the elements. We weigh up the pros and cons and put the new Zoggs Horizon Flex Mask to the test. (Sponsored content)

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How I train: Andy Donaldson

Andy is a Scottish-Australian marathon swimmer and a three-time world record holder with records including the fastest time to complete the Oceans Seven and the fastest swim across the Cook Strait. (Premium content)

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

ENERGY BALLS RECIPE

These energy balls by the Fell Foodie are the perfect carbohydrate hit for long-distance and endurance swimming – and with no foil sachets left over.

GUIDE TO THE GREAT NORTH SWIM

Pick the right distance, plan your nutrition, be confident in your kit and pace yourself. Simon Griffiths shares insight from last year’s events and top tips for completing.

BSA ANNOUNCES EXPANSION

The Black Swimming Association launches new CIC to continue its mission raising awareness of water safety and drowning prevention in the UK.

THE GOOD HOTEL, LONDON

Looking for a London weekend break with a swim in the Thames? Ella heads to The Good Hotel in the Big Smoke, where you can swim in the Royal Victoria Dock.

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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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.

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WIN a Deakin & Blue bundle

To celebrate the launch of Deakin & Blue’s beautiful new Deadstock collection, we are offering readers a chance to win a fantastic prize bundle comprising a £100 D&B gift voucher, Keep It Dry Bag and D&B Tote.

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WIN a Keswick Mountain Festival X Aquasphere bundle

Win an Aquasphere Racer V3 wetsuit, Kayenne Pro goggles, two Keswick Mountain Festival tickets and a night’s B&B for two at Lane Head Farm Country Guest House with this fantastic prize bundle.

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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.

TIP OF THE WEEK: IT'S STILL JOLLY COLD IN THERE

In the northern hemisphere, it’s officially spring and outdoor water temperatures will soon be warming. If you’re taking to open water for the first time or coming back after a break please remember that water takes longer to warm up than the air, and sea typically takes longer to warm up than inland water. Depending on where you are, you may find water temperatures still challenging.

Be kind to yourself and take time to adapt. If you find putting your face in the water difficult because of the cold, try doing it in stages. For example, do five strokes then take a break, then try 10 strokes, and then 20. Also, pull your swimming cap on as far as you can so it covers your forehead and ears. Some people find ear plugs help too. Spring is a glorious time to swim outdoors. Make the most of it.

Simon Griffiths

Founder & Publisher, Outdoor Swimmer

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