THE DIP | What are sneaker waves? | How to cope with 'ice-cream headache'

THE DIP | What are sneaker waves? | How to cope with 'ice-cream headache' | Wet and dry bags

Published: Sat, 06/01/24

Updated: Sat, 06/01/24

Your weekly edit from

UltraSwim33.3 / Crutchet

Dear fellow swimmers

In The Dip this week, we have your guide to wet and dry bags, tips for multi-day swims, a brief guide to sneaker waves and news of (really rather reasonable) paddleboarding lessons at the upcoming Outdoor Swimmer Henley Festival. Plus, scroll to the end for our guide to swim hiking kit plus our Tip of the Week.

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TOP TIPS

Tips for multi-day swimming challenges

Nutrition and fuelling, avoiding injury and keeping something in the tank: how to get through multi-stage races, training camps or swimming holidays.

GEAR REVIEW

Wet and dry bags

Durable, weatherproof and ready for anything: whatever you’re looking for in a new adventure bag, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our expert guide to wet and dry bags.

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OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

How to nail nutrition by marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas

When you’re taking on a long swim that requires feeds, dialling in your nutrition is paramount to success.

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Take on a swim challenge with Breast Cancer Now

Are you ready do something epic? Join Team Now and take part in a swimming challenge to help make a difference for people affected by breast cancer.

With a range of swims and distances to choose from, there’s an event for everyone. Sign up today and start raising money for vital breast cancer research and support.

At Breast Cancer Now, we’re here to change the lives of people affected by breast cancer. How? By combining the power of life-saving breast cancer research and life-changing support. Our vision is that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well.

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

ENVIRONMENT

What are sneaker waves?

Also known as a sleeper wave, a sneaker wave is a disproportionately large coastal wave that can appear without warning.

NEWS

Stand up paddleboarding sessions are back at the Henley Swim Fest

Explore an iconic stretch of the River Thames with a paddleboarding session at the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival (13-14 July 2024).

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

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JUNE 2024 - THE SWIM HIKING ISSUE

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

ORDER THE ISSUE

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TRIED & TESTED

WHAT TO PACK

FOR SWIM HIKING

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

BROWSE OUR EXPERT GEAR REVIEWS

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...

EVENTS COMING SOON

GREAT NORTH SWIM (250m, half mile, 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...

GAELFORCE GREAT LAKE SWIM (3.9km, 2km, and 750m)

13 July | Mountshannon, Co. Clare, Ireland
Find out more...

OUTDOOR SWIMMER HENLEY SWIM FESTIVAL (200m, half mile, mile, 2 miles, 4 miles)

13-14 July | 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: HOW TO COPE WITH 'ICE CREAM HEADACHE'

If you’re returning to open water after a winter break, or if you’re relatively new to outdoor swimming, you may find that cold water on your face a little unpleasant initially. It may even cause pain – an 'ice-cream headache'. Don’t panic. It’s not unusual and it won’t do you any harm. Here are a few things you can try to ease it.

Grin and bear it – if you can put up with it for a couple of minutes, it should ease.
Start with short submersions – try swimming face down for 10 seconds, take a 5-second break to recover and then try 20 seconds.
Wear larger goggles or a swimming mask
Pull the front of your swim cap right over your forehead.
Wear two swimming caps.
Try a neoprene cap. For extra protection, use one with a chin strap.
Try ear plugs.