Dear fellow swimmers,

We have a partnership with Climategames that helps turn your swimming into positive action for the planet. We currently have two live free events you can join. The first is our 2024 Training League and the second is our January distance challenge. Download the Climategames app, join both and get two trees planted on your behalf and 500g of plastic removed from the ocean. Later this year, we’ll be running a challenge linked to kelp planting so look out for that one too.

In this week’s newsletter, we suggest nine ways to become a better swimmer this year, find out the best way to layer up after a cold water swim and discover how to recycled your worn swimwear!

Remember to scroll down for a chance to win some great prizes – including a fantastic SwimTrek x YogaSwim trip in the Lake District – and to find out what temperature the water dropped to in the Thames this week. 

COACH

9 ways to become a better swimmer this year

Becoming a better swimmer happens through deliberate and long-term focus rather than any radical overnight change, says Simon Griffiths. 

Read more...

GEAR

How to layer up after a swim

With numb fingers, damp skin and scant shelter, it can be hard to get dressed and warm after a cold water dip. Understanding the benefits of layers and the right materials can make all the difference

Read more... 

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Your winter freestyle refresher: part three 

Simon Griffiths has the third part of our guide to reviewing and refreshing your front crawl stroke this winter – this time, we’re focusing on arms.  (Premium content)

Read more... 

(Sponsored content)

TAKE THE SWIMATHON CHALLENGE

How are your New Year’s resolutions holding up swimmer? 
 

If your resolution was to get fitter, live healthier, or start a new challenge, then Swimathon is the perfect event for you! 
 
Pick your distance, pick your venue and choose your date! It couldn’t be easier.
 
Click the link below and use code R2SEBP24 for 20% off your entry. Cap and medal included! 
 
Join Swimathon today! 
 

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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.

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... 

WIN a SwimTrek x YogaSwim trip to the Lake Trip

Return to nature for this YogaSwim experience, a blend of freshwater lake and tarn swims, as well as restorative yoga sessions in Cumbria’s iconic Lake District! 

Enter now... 

(Sponsored content)

EVENTS COMING SOON 

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... 

Find an event on our website. To promote your event here, please email stuart@outdoorswimmer.com. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

The thrill of a fast flowing current, the promise of clear skies and the lure of a potential sunrise tempted me into the Thames several times this week – but it’s got harder every day. Last week, we enjoyed what now seems like a comfortable 8.5 degrees. On Thursday morning we recorded 2.9 degrees. This is a significant drop and you really do need to take care when the water temperature changes so fast. At 2.9 degrees my fingers become almost unusable after a few minutes. On leaving the water, a strong cold breeze from the east made it hard to warm up again. Your margin for error or delay becomes much smaller. If you’re swimming outside this winter, please pay heed to the impact of rapidly changing conditions. Stay safe and have a great week.

Happy swimming!

Simon Griffiths

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