Dear fellow swimmers

Our July issue – which will start arriving with subscribers this weekend – is dedicated to those who love to be on or beside the water than in it, with features on paddleboarding, mudlarking, kayaking and how bringing these activities into your watery adventures can enliven your swimming. To get a taste, read Simon's view on how water sports can improve your swimming. 

Talking of complementary activities, this year's Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival is about much more than just the swimming, too, with paddleboarding sessions, saunas and ice baths, synchronised swimming displays and live music beside this iconic stretch of the River Thames. With free entry, it's a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a weekend beside the water and we hope to see you there!

Also, in The Dip this week, we put nine dive-proof and wave-proof bikinis to the test, talk to three relay swimmers preparing to swim the Channel this summer and catch up on news from the Big Windermere Survey. 

(Sponsored content)

GEAR REVIEW

Nine of the best swimming bikinis

Dive-proof, wave-proof and cut to allow freedom of movement in the water, we put nine swimming bikinis to the test.

Read more...

FEATURES

Want to improve your swimming? Try other water sports

Simon Griffiths shares how varying up your aquatic activities can bring many benefits your swimming, including how you read the water and boosting your core strength.

Read more... 

(Premium content)

OUTDOOR SWIMMER EXTRA

The art and science of tapering

Swim coach Paul Newsome explains the science of tapering – and how to arrive in peak condition for your next swim challenge.

Read more... 

(Sponsored content)

Don't miss the Henley Swim Festival on 12th-14th July! 

Use code: SUMMERSWIM at checkout to get 15% off all swim events.
 
It's not just for swimmers! FREE ENTRY all weekend with FREE PARKING on Saturday. Inflatables, zorbs and more in the ZORB ZONE. Visit the Exhale Wellness Area for sauna, ice-bath, massage & coffee, and the RETAIL VILLAGE  is packed full of swim brands & refreshments. 

Plus camping, live music, paddleboarding, synchronised swimming and live event commentary all day.
 

STAY INFORMED & SWIM RESPONSIBLY

CHALLENGE

How do you tackle the ‘Everest’ of swims?

What does it take to commit to swimming the English Channel? And how can joining a relay team provide the support to make the dream achievable? (Sponsored)

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NEWS

Charity places up for grabs at Swim Serpentine

General entries have sold out for this popular event but don’t worry – you can still secure a charity spot at Swim Serpentine, which takes place 14 Sep 2024.

Read more... 

BODYCARE

How to give yourself a relaxing foot massage

Give your hard-working feet some TLC with a relaxing and invigorating massage that can help improve circulation and reduce tension after swim training.

Read more... 

GEAR ADVICE

How to choose the best wetsuit for your swim

With the wide range of open water wetsuits available, it can be hard to narrow down the right one for your needs. We worked with Orca on this handy guide. (Sponsored). 

Read more... 

NEWS

The Big Windermere Survey launches crowdfunder

The Freshwater Biological Association has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help continue its vital water quality research on Windermere. 

Read more... 

Outdoor Swimmer – the magazine for adventurous swimmers

Expand your swimming horizons and achieve your swimming dreams.

JULY 2024 - COMPLEMENTARY SPORTS

• How paddleboarding can enhance your swimming.
• The art and science of tapering
• You Ask, We Answer: what are drills?
• On test: watersports gear, suncream and water shoes.
• Plus training and technique, swim travel, events and book reviews.

(Contains affiliate content)

TRIED & TESTED 

BEST OPEN WATER GOGGLES

Polarising lenses with UVA/UVB filters for open water, anti-fog protection or a soft cushioned fit: whatever your priority when choosing a new pair of goggles, we’ve got you covered.
 

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 

24HR SWIM RELAYS (24hr challenge)

22 June | Bedford
29 June | Chelmsford
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...

MEDIACITYUK SWIM CHALLENGE (1.5km, 5km, 10km, 15km)

6 July | Salford Quay
Find out more...

RD5 – ROYAL DOCKS 5K SWIM (5km)

13 July | London Royal Dock
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: IMPROVE YOUR BODY POSITION TO SWIM FASTER
 

One reason many people, especially men, swim faster with a pull buoy between their legs is because it helps them hold a better body position. The improvement in streamlining more than compensates for the loss in propulsion from their feet.

The best swimmers achieve this body position without the aid of a float (which means they can still kick). They are horizontal in the water. In contrast, the legs and hips of weaker swimmers often sink. If this happens to you, it’s worth dedicating a few minutes every swim to improving your body position. Read our guide to horizontal swimming. 

Simon, Ella and the Outdoor Swimmer team

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