THE DIP | The Nordic Cycle | Breathwork for cold water | Race day tactics

THE DIP | The Nordic Cycle | Breathwork for cold water | Race day tactics | Swim hiking kit

Published: Sat, 05/25/24

Updated: Sat, 05/25/24

Your weekly edit from

Dear fellow swimmers

In The Dip this week, we have a guide to swim hiking kit and the ten best pieces of outdoor gear we tried, tested and loved this spring. You can also read an extract from our NEW JUNE EDITION, which will be arriving with subscribers from this weekend, exploring the benefits of contrast bathing or the Nordic Cycle at Glen Dye, Scotland. Also, if you’re interested in long-distance swimming, join us next Thursday evening for a Zoom Q&A with word record holder marathon swimmer Neil Agius.

As always, please scroll down for a chance to win great prizes, enter upcoming events and to read our Tip of the Week.

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Grab the last remaining tickets to The One for the Planet - Powered by Climategames!

Join us at Dorney Lake, Windsor on the 16th June for a multi-sport event where all the exercise will fund ocean-saving projects including plastic removal, kelp planting and coral reef restoration.

Swim either 750, 1500 or 3000 metres, then jump in the ice bath, grab a coffee and explore our event village!

Dorney Lake water quality has recently been designated ‘’Excellent’’.

NEW ISSUE EXTRACT

Water, whisky, coffee: A cold water weekend at Glen Dye

Otherwise known as the Nordic Cycle, contrast bathing is a regime where you move between the heat of a sauna to cold water immersion, ending on a cold dunk.

GEAR REVIEW

What to pack for swim hiking

The best outdoor gear for swim hikes is versatile, weatherproof and easy to carry. Think lightweight hiking shoes, quick drying trousers that easily fit into a tow float, and a robust flask filled with a hearty lunch.

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

Race day tactics for open water swimming

Positioning, drafting and the final sprint: Open water coach Paul Newsome, shares his race day tactics for open water swimming. (Premium content)

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

PICKIE TO PIER SWIM RETURNS

The Pickie to Pier Swim returns to Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 6 July, with 200 participants swimming an original route dating back to 1910.

KIT WE LOVE THIS SPRING

Size-inclusive hiking and swimwear, protein-boosted cereal and an adaptive changing robe: the ten best pieces of kit we tried, tested and loved this spring.

BREATHWORK FOR SWIMMERS

Breathwork coach Edele Daly shares breathing exercises for outdoor swimmers: for calming pre-event nerves and preparing for cold water immersion.

THE TRIPLE CROWN CHALLENGE

Open water swimmer and double leg amputee Simon Harmer is gearing up to tackle the Triple Crown Challenge: Coniston, Windermere and Ullswater.

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

JUNE 2024 - THE SWIM HIKING ISSUE

Exploring land and water: lace up your walking boots, pack a swimsuit and discover the simple pleasure of swim-walking.
Space to pause and reflect: pairing talking therapy with wild swimming.
The plus-size group opening up the outdoors for everyone.
How to nail nutrition for longer swims
How to incorporate walking into your exercise regime.

ORDER THE ISSUE

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WIN GREAT PRIZES

WIN a spa break courtesy of Arla LactoFREE

We’ve teamed up with Arla LactoFREE to give readers a chance to win a spa weekend at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Windermere.

Enter now...

WIN an adventure bundle from Seashell – worth £450

Whether you’re plunging into the ocean or exploring hidden waterfalls, this package has everything you need: an adult changing robe; a kids changing robe, 25l drybag, two towelling robes and two merino beanies.

Enter now...

WIN a team entry to a 24hr Swim Relay

Level Water is giving you the chance to win a free team entry, for four people, to a 24hr Swim Relay of your choice! There are six events to choose from, all at beautiful lakes across the UK.

Enter now...

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EVENTS COMING SOON

GREAT NORTH SWIM (250m, half male, 1 mile, 2 miles, 5km, 10km)

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

CHESHIRE (12hr) SWIM CHALLENGE

15 June | Boundary Water Park, Cheshire
Find out more...

'SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM UP NORTH' CHALLENGE (21 miles)

15 June | Boundary Water Park, Cheshire
Find out more...

24HR SWIM RELAYS (24hr challenge)

8 June | Shepperton

15 June | Clevedon

22 June | Bedford
Find out more...

BHF BOURNEMOUTH PIER TO PIER SWIM (1.4 miles)

29 June | Bournemouth
Find out more...

SELKIE HENLEY CLASSIC (2.1km)

30 June | Henley-on-Thames
Find out more...

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

TIP OF THE WEEK: PACE YOURSELF

I’ve just got back from UltraSwim33.3 #3, Croatia where we were the media partner. It was a privilege to take part. The organisation was superb, the swims were stunning, and the atmosphere was friendly, supportive and inclusive. We’ll have a review in the July issue of the magazine. Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of doing UltraSwim33.3 or any other multi-day swimming challenge, remember to pace your efforts, pay attention to your nutrition and fuelling, and look after your skin. Read more tips for multi-day swimming challenges.

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

Lead photo: Pickie to Pier Swim

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